What does the term "portage" refer to in canoeing?

The term "portage" in canoeing specifically refers to the process of carrying your canoe and gear overland between two bodies of water. This practice is necessary when a stretch of water might be obstructed by obstacles such as rapids, falls, or shallow areas, making it unsafe or impossible to navigate.

Portaging allows canoeists to bypass difficult sections and continue their journey, ensuring the safety of both the paddlers and their equipment. It involves lifting the canoe, often on one's shoulders or securing it on a cart, and transporting it to a more navigable section of water. Understanding this term is essential for anyone planning to navigate waterways where portaging may be required.

The other options, while related to canoeing, do not accurately capture the meaning of "portage." For instance, "a method of paddling" does not pertain to the act of transporting the canoe itself, and "a type of canoe" misrepresents the term entirely. Similarly, "a navigation technique" does not reflect the physical act of moving the canoe overland. Hence, choice B is the most accurate definition in the context of canoeing.