paddler

noun

pad·​dler ˈpad-lər 

ˈpa-dᵊl-ər

plural paddlers

: one who paddles something (such as a canoe or kayak)

One of the most rewarding sights to greet an early morning canoeist is that of a great blue heron feeding along the edge of a lake. … If the paddler is careful, he can glide close to the huge blue-gray bird …

—Ton de Joode and Anthonie Stolk

In a freestyle competition, paddlers use small, flat-bottomed, and often blunt-ended, funky-looking white-water kayaks to perform routines for judges.

—Nancy Coulter-Parker

Examples of paddler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The park offers experiences for backpackers, hikers, boaters, paddlers and divers. —Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2025

Fortunately, the wetsuits, personal flotation devices, and booties help hold body heat and keep paddlers warm. —Morgan Tilton, Denver Post, 8 June 2025

While none of the encounters with paddlers have yet resulted in injuries, the aggressive behavior comes on the heels of a deadly alligator attack in Lake Kissimmee. —Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 22 May 2025

Where to stay: The NYS Canal Corporation offers 18 primitive campsites along the canal for hikers, bikers, and paddlers during the summer (fees vary on location). —Ryan Krogh, Outside Online, 3 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for paddler

• saddler