A beginners guide to Greenland paddles

For people thinking about making the transition to skinny stick paddling, this is a solid summary of the basics. Greenland paddles share the same paddling efficiency as their spoon bladed (or Euro) counterparts, but offer additional advantages in ergonomics, maneuvering, rolling, sculling, and stabilizing your kayak.

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[davortrumbic]

First of all, let me say that I am 67 years old and have been paddling in a canoe and kayak since I was 7 years old. I have always used an paddles as a spoon. I accidentally came across this explanation of the use of a Greenland paddle and I am delighted with the explanation. Considering that I have spent my life as a locksmith and carpenter, my body is mostly worn out in the joints and I was delighted with the way this oar is used. Thank you very much for the explanation.

[malcolmtaylor]

I just finished making my first paddle, I can’t wait to get out to the coast to give it a try!

[kallistevela]

Even after 6 years of using a Greenland paddle, you taught me a few new things. I find these SO MUCH better on the body than spoon paddles. Their lightness and quietude are incredible bonuses for long excursions near the shore to come upon the wildlife without startling.

[psgbjj]

As a Greenlander this makes me proud. Thanks for a great video!

[larsthorwald]

I switched about five years ago, and even though I'm still learning and my technique is far from perfect, I noticed benefit from the beginning. I tend to do long, lazy day tours of 20-40 miles, and the Greenland lets me relax and zone out--hours go by like nothing. It's great. Thanks for a fantastic video.

[kimbodious]

Great tutorial thanks! I have just returned from my first paddle (3km) with a GP. Your advice was spot on. I concentrated on correct technique and while I did my 64 year old creaky shoulders were fine. I also concentrated on paddling as quietly as possible and found by doing so I was using a forward canted stroke. I found I was stronger on one side than the other and naturally adapted by using a longer part of the paddle on my “weaker side”. I am a happy paddler today.

[yru]

The plan set really helps you get your brain around the project.

[MartianDanTheMartianMan]

The details about the greenland paddle, contained in this video is GOLD. Thank you so much for the excellent video and content!

[BedCrunch]

My first unintentional capsize was when I tilted the Greenland paddle as you demonstrate ... whoa!

[jimjeffries]

Wow, that was so enlightening! I kept nodding my head in agreement as you talked about the physics of paddling, and starting the stroke at the toes. Your explanation of the Greenland Paddle's benefits to us older paddlers hit home...and anything that gives me an opportunity to pick up the plane and draw knife is a worthy endeavor! Thanks for posting this.

[shaunolinger]

Thank you very much for this. I am a relatively new kayaker, but have decades of experience on in and under the water. It has been a blast developing this new skillset, and I have found it very easy to develop. One of my biggest challenges is a severe back injury a long time ago robbing me of much of my core rotation ability. I have found I can use it to lock my lower body in place, and transmit power from my legs to my arms, but I cannot rotate it as proper paddle form would dictate. As a consequence I am always skirting the edge of a shoulder strain, especially my biceps tendons. I went from a very long low-angle euro blade to a much shorter high-angle euro, and that has helped A LOT! Now I want to move up and try a greenstick. Although I could probably buy one, I am a carpenter by trade and hobby, so after a very soon-to-happen trip to my local lumber store I am going to build my own greenland paddle. One of the things you mentioned here is another factor in my thinking. I paddle most often on the mighty Columbia River, just downriver of Portland, Oregon. WIND.... and a LOT of FAST MOVING wind, is the rule for much of the year here. With both of my paddles, indexing them 90 degrees to cut down on wind resistance is a necessity, especially as they are the euro blade, which puts all that wind resistance out at the end of the paddle. With that wind comes waves... very short, sharp, steep waves... and the opportunities to practice ones bracing strokes are many and frequent. My biggest fear is, with my back already blocking my ability to roll, screwing up a bracing stroke on that indexed paddle and dumping myself. My only option is to pop the skirt and "eject" (a phrase my combat fighter pilot father applied) and reenter the boat after I roll it back over. I can reenter in less than a minute, even tired and in rough conditions, but your point about the natural feel of the greenland paddles' orientation is exactly what I needed to hear. THANK YOU. About $50 worth of wood, and a couple of enjoyable days in the shop, I'll have myself two homemade western red cedar greenland paddles.

my next stop on this marvelous place called YouTube is HOW to make said paddles! Y'all stay safe, and HAVE FUN out there!

[alib]

Very informative - About to go out for my first paddle with a Greenland after 40 odd years with a European Paddle. Thanks for the video from Australia.

[malcolmnicholls]

That push from the top stroke is a great tip for me. When I rotate I look sideways, and occasionally sink. (Old beginner)! This is a great video all round, and paddle building could be an absorbing winter hobby. UK.

[beartraditionalkayaks]

Crystal clear explanation !! Thank you for another great video ! Keep them coming !

[danvo]

Great video clip. I get all information I needed. Not only Greenland paddle but more like how to get in a small cockpit with a paddle 7:47, rolling technique 6:26.... Subscribed and Thanks!

[yvonnecook]

Thanks for the explanation on the cause of flutter and the canter fix. First timeout with my new paddle and love it.

[BobBohner]

Best vid I’ve ever seen on paddling in general and Greenland paddles. Thanks so much

[dowrony]

Your kontent is usually full of condwnsed knowledge. I like it. Thank you.

[VideoFreundeStralau]

Made my own greenland paddle, more a sweep than a stroke, a stick for water, I love it .

[jimsnyder]

Best video I've seen on Greenland paddles. I'm going to get mine out again!