Greenland Bound: A Paddler's Pilgrimage

The sport of kayaking has its roots in the skills that Inuit people needed to hunt and survive in Arctic waters. In 2014, Canadians James Roberts and James Manke went to learn more about the Greenlandic people and Qajaq culture, and to participate in the legendary Greenland National Qajaq Championships. In this short film, they share their experiences with the games and with the people whose ancestors kayaked for survival, and who continue this competition to preserve those traditional skills.

Directed by: David Hartman & James Roberts
Written by: David Hartman & James Roberts

[robertbeger]

Such beautiful and amazing craft. I once heard the kayak was the oldest unchanged form of watercraft, something like 4 to 5 thousand years old. We owe these people so much.

[bushtherapy]

I built 2 Greenlander skin on frame traditional kayaks and loved
Paddled them 100s of miles over the years
They never leaked and were so light and responsive
After seeing this I want to build another one
Thankyou for this film

[seapaddle]

Thanks for producing such a beautiful film. It was lovely to see Kampe who I knew for many years. Sadly he died in the summer of 2020. Greenland is such an amazing place.

[aranha]

A kayak culture, I had no idea about that. You guys put so much love and respect on that. This is the most beautiful documentary I ever seen. Thank you so much for filming.

[cyclemanncafe]

Wonderful display of traditional skills, beautiful land, and a people connected to their past and future generations. Thank you for the effort.

[HorizonsAdventures]

Well done James and James. Something to be eternally proud of.

[gavingaming]

Outstanding ! the reverence and respect that is shown to the locals is heartwarming. Thanks from a complete beginner in the world of kayaking. All the best from Scotland. Garry

[woofna]

Thank you, friends, for making this wonderful video! It was great to see Jon Pedersen and Dubside - and also to see the evolution of James & James extensive preparations for and their journey, which for those who appreciate this marvelous heritage bequeathed to the world by the Inuit, is truly more in the nature of a pilgrimage, made with reverence and humility. And yes, the future does indeed lie with the children.

[qaannat]

Just an excellent film. Thanks for posting. These skills should never be lost.

[susanhale]

What a wonderful video. I had an opportunity on a late August visit to Sisimiut to watch a Greenland kayak demonstration of many of the different rolls, and while I was getting videos of each roll one of the naturalists on our National Geographic Explorer ship, an avid Greenland kayaker himself, was describing each roll. I treasure those videos and the skill of the kayaker, whose name unfortunately I did not get, He was obviously one of the top competitors in their annual championships.

[colinwheeldon]

Fantastic film. I really enjoyed it and the Greenlandic traditional kayak ways were carried on for hundreds of years and definitely need respecting. Thanks for posting

[DennyT]

This video was fabulous, a joy to watch. Thank you for sharing. It's great to see traditions passed on to the young, but also the young at heart. Again thank you.

[agent_of_cthulhu]

This is amazing. The cultural sharing of preserved knowledge is so important. Bravo and thank you for this great documentary.

[malatesta]

Thank you for this video, it’s one of the reason that made me discover and decide to dedicate my self to Greenland paddling.

[AdvancePlays]

Beautiful film, in both how you document this superb competition and how you capture the heart and soul of our fellows in Greenland. I'm not much of a kayaker and visiting Greenland has always been on my To-Do List, but visiting during a future Qajaq Championships has definitely made it's way near the top of said list.

[LookoutLance]

I've watched this a few times now and each time I am left with nothing but good vibes :) At first the cold scenes make me think there is no way I would want to go there but as it progresses and the sun is shining I'm left thinking that one day I will to go to this event, perhaps not as a participant but to share in the celebrations. Wonderful film, thank you for posting this :)

[SanFranciscoKayakAdventures]

Sensitively and beautifully captured. Truly a worthy and fitting documentary honoring, celebrating, sharing, and inviting all of to recognize and value the preservation of knowledge, heritage, culture, a people & way of life, family & community, the struggles and gifts of life and qajaqing. Top-Notch production and effort!

[javierandresaltamiranolope]

Excelente forma de trabajo y video saludos desde Chile

[ell]

What an amazing story. I would love to go to Greenland and learn about it myself

[DFish]

I wasn't expecting such a charming film. Nice job!