‘Flat’ water refers to bodies of water that do not have a current or have minimal current, such as dams, lakes and certain sections of rivers. Any boat can be paddled on flat water. Flat water is the starting point of any paddling. Flat water is generally a safer training ground where skills can be learned and techniques practiced. Some people are satisfied with activities that are conducted on flat water, while others move at their own pace to white water. Skills correctly learned on flat water can be transferred to white water.