General direction term

There are many terms used to describe the directions one travels or looks in a kayak. However, they are not always well understood or used.

Fore: Directly in front of the paddler. Historically, this would be forward of the main mast as in foredeck.
Ahead: Directly forward.
Astern: Directly behind the paddler.
Aft: Directly behind the paddler.
Starboard: The right side as seen looking forward. Derived from the side the ship was steered from in the days before rudders were mounted on the centreline at the stern (from steering board or steer board).
Port: The left side as seen looking forward. Also called larboard, from lading (or loading) side. It is the side a ship would put to the dock in the days when rudders were mounted on the side.
Beam or abeam: Directly to the side. If an object was on the right side on the beam it is said to be on the starboard beam.
Quarter: Aft to either port or starboard side. Many people think that there are four quarters on a vessel. This is not true - there are only two. The quarter is the point where the transom meets the side of the hull. It is also used to describe the rear of the ship - the main deck aft of the main mast is the quarterdeck. A quartering wind or wave is one that is coming from aft and is roughly 45 degrees to either port or starboard. If winds or waves are coming from the front and side they are on either the port bow or starboard bow. Do not use the term quarter to refer to a position forward of the paddler.