In canoe design, the sides of the boat can have Flare, Tumblehome or be Straight-sided. Flare will shed water well and increase stability. Tumblehome gives a narrower beam at the gunwales and allows for easier paddling, however stability will be decreased. Straight-sided canoes are a compromise of the two. Many canoes will incorporate one, two, or all three of these in different areas of the hull.