Concept:
Free board is the vertical distance between the full supply level of water and the top of the channel bank.
Step 1: In channels, water level may rise due to wave action or sudden changes in flow.
Step 2: If there is no extra height above water level, water may overtop the channel bank.
Step 3: Free board provides extra safety height.
Step 4: It prevents overtopping due to wave action and unexpected rise in water level.
Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is free board.
\[
\boxed{\text{Free board}}
\]