The upward curve of the keel line in a canoe is specifically known as what?

The upward curve of the keel line in a canoe is referred to as "rocker." Rocker is a crucial design feature that influences a canoe's handling and performance. A canoe with significant rocker will turn more easily and maneuver better in tight spaces, making it suitable for river running or navigating through obstacles. The rocker affects how the hull interacts with the water, where the ends of the canoe are lifted out of the water, allowing for better responsiveness and agility during turns.

Understanding rocker is essential for choosing a canoe based on how you intend to use it, whether for flatwater paddling, which typically benefits from less rocker, or for whitewater paddling, where more rocker enhances maneuverability. The other terms mentioned pertain to different parts or features of a canoe; for example, a thwart is a crosswise brace that adds structural support, a painter is a rope attached to the bow for towing or securing the canoe, and a gunwale is the upper edge of the hull.