Over a decade ago the venerable John Heath and a young Maligiaq Padilla visited Half Moon Bay where I used to live. John told tales of traditional Greenland kayaking, and Maligiaq gave a Greenland-style rolling demonstration with his American-made Greenland kayak and his skinny little wooden paddle. Naturally, I was enthralled with John’s vast knowledge and very impressed with Maligiaq’s amazing ability to roll his kayak using unimagined techniques. Maligiaq taught Tsunami Ranger Captain Jim Kakuk several of the rolls.
Over the years I heard and read more about Greenland kayaking. Five years ago, two of my friends made Greenland kayaks and paddles. I oohed and ahhed at their beauty. I fondled the slim wooden paddles and enjoyed the feel of the soft wood. I wondered how good these paddles would be, compared with my trusty paddle, a compressed Kevlar surf paddle designed by Merv Larson.
Then two years ago I met Helen Wilson and Dubside at the sea kayaking conference in Port Townsend, Washington, and once again got excited about Greenland, its people, boats, and paddles. My interest was piqued yet again last February in New Zealand when I watched superb Greenland paddle roll demonstrations and witnessed the keen interest Kiwis have in Greenland kayaking.
Three weeks ago University of Sea Kayaking founder Wayne Horodowich and Jim Kakuk were visiting me, and we had a lively discussion on the Greenland paddle. I mused, “I would sure love to try a Greenland paddle.”
Serendipity
Two days later I met kayaker Chris Tomer at a café near the Rogue River in Oregon and tried to sell him an autographed copy of my book CONFESSIONS OF A WAVE WARRIOR. He thumbed through it and was interested in the book. He offered to swap me a paddle for it. I thought, “What? A ping pong paddle?”
Chris took me out to his truck and pulled out a beautiful Greenland paddle, characterized by its slim blades. Chris made this sleek paddle out of a single block of redwood. I picked it up and fell in love with it. I figured he was joking about the swap, but he wasn’t. He was doing me a big kindness, and tears filled my eyes. We met as strangers and left as friends. Serendipity…or fate?
The Test
Something can look nice and still not work worth a damn. I told Chris I would test the paddle and give him a full report. Last week I joined up with Tsunami Ranger John Lull and went for a paddle inside and outside Princeton Harbor in Half Moon Bay. First I familiarized myself with the paddle while John took pictures. On the very first forward stroke I noticed that it fluttered, as Chris told me it might. I couldn’t remember the detailed advice he gave me to correct it. I learn best by feel, so I kept at it and in five minutes the paddle taught me how to wield it. I loved the way it leapt out of the water at the end of the stroke and positioned itself to enter the water.
I backpaddled and practiced a few sweeps and sculls. So far, so good. I rolled with the paddle a couple of times and found it was easy to set up, as the lack of feathering reduces the possibility of making a mistake in blade placement. Then I paced a guy in an outrigger canoe and found that the paddle does well at speed. It has a fast and easy turnover rate which encourages quick bursts of speed.
Next I swam with the paddle. I know, most people don’t do this, but I always prepare for the worst and wanted to see if it hindered or helped me. It was great; in fact the best paddle I’ve ever swum with. Just as in kayaking, the paddle assists in swimming.
Finally, it was time to test the stick in the ocean. John and I bucked 15-knot winds and rain to venture into the open sea, where the paddle performed admirably against the wind, while running, and at beam and quartering seas. The slim blade made up for the lack of feathering, in that the blade did not catch wind like a big modern blade does. I don’t understand the physics; I just know it works.
I would not say I paddled faster with the stick than with my Merv surf paddle, but it was a hell of a lot easier than stroking with a wing paddle. I did not surf with it, but know it would have done fine. I would never use it in rock gardens, as it’s too gorgeous to let get broken. I will use it when paddling on flat water or open seas.
My verdict: Two thumbs up! The Greenland paddle has been used for a thousand years because it works. It will be used for a thousand more. Regarding anything Greenland, especially its paddles, Eirik the Red says “Check it out!”
p.s. If you want to converse with Chris Tomer about Greenland paddles, contact him at c.tomer@roadrunner.com.
Eric, it’s interesting to see that you find the GP easy to roll with, right away.
I know of a few good paddlers (and an instructor) that had trouble rolling with the stick, when tried for the first time.
It appears that a lot of Euro blade paddlers use too much force on the paddle and too little pressure from the body (thighs) to roll the boat.
A typical C2C roll (that relies on paddle pressure momentum) with a GP is not usually that successful.
Most kayakers that use “brute force” to roll dislike the GP.
It took me a bit of time to learn how to roll properly; my rolls were forced, with a Euro.
It also took me a while to realize I didn’t all that support of a big blade in the surf.
To catch a wave I modified my strokes a bit: a bit earlier and a few more before the wave hits me.
Never looked back to my Werners.
Neither I lokk back to my lollipops.
Gnarlydog, thanks for your comments.
Well first off, I’m not an expert roller (especially compared to Maligiaq & other great GP rollers), although I’ve managed to roll a double kayak with Jim Kakuk and by myself, and have hand-rolled my X15. I taught myself how to roll in a pond by looking at a Derek Hutchinson book nearly 30 years ago, and have a “unique” (that is, “bad”) way of rolling. Teachers would’ve been helpful.
I’m not much good at C2C rolls (one of my weaknesses since my heart operations), and mostly either layback (which is what I did with the GP) or just jerk up suddenly from whatever position I’m in with no set-up (it looks weird but works–it’s a major hip snap roll).
I reckon you are right about how to use the GP in the surf. You can be sure I will test it out one of these days.
Erik,
I picked up a G-stick from Wolfgang Brinck in 2006 and haven’t looked back. I use it pretty much exclusively now. The main exception is when I am teaching beginning level classes where it would confuse issues, since all the students are holding feathered, asymmetric dihedral paddles (what an awful mouthful). Later in 2006, I attended the first TAKS (Traditional Arctic Kayaking Symposium) and met the likes of Dubside, John Petersen, etc. Michael Powers also attended this event. I have continued to learn new rolling techniques – taking clinics and private lessons from Dubside and Helen Wilson. It’s been a lot of fun. Even when certain Swedes laugh and ask me when I am going to get a ‘real’ paddle.
Your experience with rolling is why I love my sticks. They have symmetry. They have buoyancy. They find the water surface and register to it automatically. It makes the setup effortless. It also makes it easy to do butterfly rolls. They have a long edge which makes sculling easy, and which develops the same power transfer over the entire stroke that a spoon blade will, it just doesn’t have the same high *rate* of power transfer as a spoon blade in the early moments of a stroke.
I have two Greenland paddles – a heavy, wide bladed wood model built by Sawyer (of canoe paddle fame) and a carbon fiber/foam core model by Superior. I love both of them. The heavier one I use for a little more of a workout. The carbon fiber paddle is a two piece and I keep it with me as a second paddle. Other times, I’ll use the carbon fiber as my primary paddle with a two-piece euro blade as backup. Just depends on my mood.
I use them for everything. Rock gardens? No problem. Surfing? Well, I certainly agree with gnarlydog about recalibrating your timing. I tend to need to execute a bit faster cadence to quickly accelerate. The beautiful thing about handmade GP’s is that they are easy to make, easy to whittle into storm paddles or norsaqs should they be damaged, and they are cheap – just the cost of lumber and a couple of hours of woodshop-fu. No worries should they break or chip. You can also always put a layer of glass or kevlar or just epoxy dip to harden the edges.
Paddle on!
Aaaaaaahhhhhhh ……not you too!!!
Have an article lined up from Duane Stosaker on using a GP for paddling (not for rolling) for the next issue of California Kayaker Magazine. Hopefully it has some useful info for you.
The article on using a GP is published. Check out the winter issue at http://www.calkayakermag.com.
Hey Lawrence, just because I liked the GP doesn’t mean I’m abandoning my other paddles! Heck, I sometimes use a wooden, old-fashioned canoe paddle just for kicks (and in narrow caves, and as a back-up paddle). As with boats, every paddle has its use (and limitations).
Eric,nice to hear positive comment on greenland style paddling. Your interest in the humble stick may lead you to try the Aleut paddle, not so well known but well worth it. No flutter, excellent stern rudder in surf, power to burn and easy to roll. If you can get hold of one it may be a pleasant surprise.
Hey Eric all I can say is Wow. I had a couple of emails from you that didn’t show right off . Anyway I’m really jazzed that you are enjoying the gp. I don’t know what kind of redwood that is I will have to ask Home Depot next time I’m in. It did my heart good to see those pictures of you and the paddle in action. I love the article that is out and the email is no problem. Actualy I got this pattern for the paddle off the internet and sorry I haven’t the man’s name that put it there but is a great design. I will stay tuned to your blog. and get an answer a lot faster. Our house has sold and we are packing , what a job. Were going to be close to my job in Southern Ca , San Bernardino for a year then it’s retirement in Oregan. YeH’. Well thats all for now , Oh One of the stories that is kinda of funny is the one about the hole in the boat an the crushed sax , smushed tent. The stories are great almost to the end . It’s great to yak at you . Chris , the shark stories are something! Thanks
Hi Eric
Great article! How would you like to be the key-note speaker at the Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium in February 2011 (18-20)?
Please give me a call at California Canoe & Kayak (Oakland) or send me an email sean@calkayak.com so that we can chat.
I hope you want to come because I really look forward to meeting and paddling with you.
Cheers
Sean Morley
I would like to quickly address the last 3 comments made by Vanilla, Chris, and Sean.
1. Vanilla–I also love anything Aleut. Jim Kakuk and I had a serendipitous meeting with George Dyson at Port Townsend over 20 years ago (okay, we’re not spring chickens) and fell in love with baidarkas and the Aleutian paddlers and islands. Still…I have yet to actually wield an Aleut paddle (I really have no excuse), and shall endeavor to do so at the next opportunity, thanks to your suggestion. The bottom line is I’m in love with the “ancient art” of kayaking. I want to know and experience our roots.
2. Chris–since you are the instigator of this week’s post, I’m really glad you liked reading it and the book. Thanks again for your generosity. Let’s keep in touch.
3. Sean–I’m flabbergasted at your offer to have me participate in the 2011 Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium. I will tell you right now–I will be there.
I shall contact you at your email and discuss it. Mahalo!
Eric, paddle more softly with a Greenland stick! In addition to some of the characteristics you mentioned, with my first use of the GP I noticed it had a much lower impact on the upper body and arms. Light weight, less drag in the water, low resistance to wind, no rotation with the wrists and it was quick to learn how to use. Also I like the feel of wood, it dampens the vibrations.
Next week Helen Wilson will be in Sonoma for a private work shop on Greenland rolling, I will send an update. K.
Jim, Thanks for your insight re GPs. Take photos of the rolling session with Helen, and I’d like a full report.
e
Gee Eric, if you are going to be introduced to Greenland paddling by anyone, it may as well be by Maligiaq Padilla!
I have a hollow core GP, a hand carved Aleut paddle and Euro paddles, but rarely use the Euro anymore.
Initially reluctant to change from my trusted Euro, Vanilla gifted me with one of his hand carved Aleut paddles, which I decided to test during a 2 week expedition to the Whitsundays. I took the Euro as my spare and was surprised to never use it.
I found the transition from Euro to Aleut fairly easy. The Aleut seemed more forgiving of my poor (stick) technique than the Greenland and performed in all conditions without stressing my body.
Greenland paddling feels so gentle and I can tell by sound, bubbles and flutter if my forward stroke is not working right. I’m still learning and I currently prefer the Aleut for surf, expeditions and kayak sailing and the Greenland for paddling, dedicated rolling and kayak sailing.
I’m looking forward to Jim’s report.
Greenland style kayaks and paddles are the next big thing here, not sure if its ‘fad or future’, but it’s great to see kayakers exploring the options.
Hey Eric,
Yeah!!! Way to give it a try! I have been sea kayaking with a GP almost exclusively since I tried it in February. I like how it silently slips through the water, and concur with your observations of its virtues in the wind. I really like how frothing whitewater doesn’t try to wrestle it away when you are upside down getting worked in the surf. I do find that it has its limitations in rock gardens.
Paddle-on! Cate
Thank you Tess and Cate for your comments. Tess, I like your photo that accompanies your text. For anyone interested in having a photo of them appear when they comment on blogs, go to http://www.gravatar.com and check it out. It’s free.
Cate, I’m all for trying new things. I hope to try an Aleut paddle soon. I ask everyone to try a canoe paddle one of these days (best to use a small one, since you are sitting low on the water). It has its uses. I’d like to hear from anyone who uses canoe paddles while sea kayaking.
Due to injuries acquired in my other pastime – martial arts (right AC shoulder joint permanently dislocated by 2cm), mountain biking (left clavicle broken into 4 pieces) etc. – and a touch of arthritis in the wrists and thumbs, probable also due to other interest, I find the GP to be a much less taxing paddle to use. Prior to this I had tried various paddles initially finding the best euro blade for me, a Lendal Archipelago Carbon Crank (a Scottish one), which I still love. My mood, the weather and water conditions will dictate which is my primary paddle, but the other will be my spare. My wife recently took one of my GPs as a back up on an 111km overnight marathon race in case her big blade got to much.
I still roll better with my Lendal than my GP, something I must work on.
Regards, Wayne
P.S. Haven’t tried a Canoe paddle yet.
Considering your previous injuries, you are doing just great, Wayne! I’m impressed. The canoe paddle may not be best for you because of your shoulder injury. There is a saying, “Half the paddle, twice the man”, that canoeists love. Canoeing is more difficult than kayaking, and the main reason is the “half paddle” which makes you have to work and maneuver more.
BTW, which martial art damaged your shoulder?
The art didn’t damage my shoulder, I did, doing a “silly old Sensei” thing. I did a diving rolls over a bonfire at a training camp without warming up properly, something I had made sure my students had done. By the time I got up and realized the damage nine students had sailed across perfectly.
Great article!
It is great to try all different styles of paddles as well as kayaks (and canoes). Variety is a good thing!
And it is awesome to see the Tsunami Rangers out using some Greenland Paddles.
Cheers… Joe O’
Here are my comments on Wayne’s and Joe’s comments.
Wayne, as for the dive-over-the-bonfire routine, we have done that too, but our warmup consisted of a few shots of whisky, rum, etc. I can still roll on the ground fairly well. A week ago I was walking down the stairs with a piece of pie in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. I missed the last step (oof) and fell forward, flat on my face. But jujitsu mastah that I am, the pie stayed on the plate and in my hand, and I only spilled 2 ounces of tea. And I didn’t get hurt.
Joe, we want to be open to trying new stuff. I paddled a pink Puffin and used a string of strange paddles in New Zealand for 3 weeks last February, cuz I couldn’t ship my X-15 there, and I did fine. I was more conservative than usual, but still had a lot of fun. Cheers!
Ahh, the joy of GP discovery! I hear from lots of people why I shouldn’t use one, but I just love the feel of them and have no doubt they’ll have to pry my cold wet dead fingers off my GP when I finally shuffle off this mortal coil!
Interestingly, I tested an Epic V8 Ocean ski last weekend and found it moved along beatifully with my GP – I even have a little video on my site to prove it.
Lastly, I had some extra strong GPs made specifically for rock gardening by Adanac Paddles in Canada. Stronger loom, and purple-heart (South American hardwood) tips. Its been 10 months and they’re holding up beautifully despite their weekly smashing against oyster covered rocks!!
Love everything you do btw! Cheers – FP
I’ll have to check out those South American hardwood tips should I ever use my GP in rock gardens.
Thanks!
In paddling, the paddler can choose his prefered style of equipment – or that’s the way it should be I think. My take on GP paddles is that they are effective, have some advantages over Euro paddles, but I am skeptical that they are BETTER than a modern kayak paddle. They are a hunting paddle designed by people that relied on stealth to capture their prey. I remember reading an article by John Heath about the silence of Greenland paddles – and the Inuits he paddled with laughing at his noisy, dripping, kerplunking Euro paddle that would scare away the seals. In our non-seal hunting universe though, it comes down to personal preference. And, I suspect there is some romance in the traditional ways. It also strikes me as anachronistic when used with non-Greenland kayaks; sort of like downhill skiing with telemark equipment. But, if you enjoy that, who cares? Here is a short video clip that illustrates a clash of boat cultures: http://vimeo.com/17062678
I’m with you Kenny. Whatever works! That video proves it. Different strokes for different folks.
In Italy, paddling the sea kayak,we use nearly all the GP. Training school instructor sea kayak range out by http://www.sottocosta.it is based on the use of traditional GP. This, for many years. Padilla Maligiaq at Bibione Kayak this year host to International Kayak Gathering (http://www.bibionekayak.com/) was pleasantly surprised to find so many paddlers with all GP someone with the Aleutians. For this was required day to day verification of paddling GREENLAND
TECHNIQUES with Maligiaq Padilla (Reserved for Sottocosta members). We Italians practicing sea kayak (Circumnavigation, crossing islands, kayak camping, travel) we are members of Sottocosta and belonging to different many clubs
throughout Italy, we love and use the GP and some the Aleutian P. Only recently some of us have found and begin to practice the G-style, others make the passion for SOF building.
Nice Luisella! We had a kayaking instructor from Italy intern with us for the summer here a few years ago at California Canoe & Kayak. I knew in advance that he preferred to use the Greenland Paddle; we do not teach that method to our students initially, but offer special clinics in Greenland techniques from time to time. Anyway, the first time we went paddling together, this Roman sea kayaker says to me, “I am poet, I can only use wood paddle”.
Hard to argue with that!
Ciao,
-Kenny
I dig out the EP for whitewater racing where things are rocky and shallow. Really good at this; Eric, you probably remember the old Iliad rock crushers. GP for the sea. I have had good luck putting West Gflex tips onto Western Red blades. The flyer in the kit shows how. Seem to keep things together on Maine’s rocky shores. I do escalate to Maine spruce for serious rock padding.
Ben
Thank you all for your comments. Jim Kakuk, Steve King, and I are having special GPs made for us that will be rock garden paddles. Let’s hope they hold up!
e
p.s. I have broken a lot of paddles—and boats.
I’m looking forward to getting this limited edition line of paddles into your hands Eric. I’ll be building them up sometime next month for the three of you. And they will be of the “Heavy Duty” variety 😉
Cheers…Joe O’
Yo Eric,
Years ago I participated in a Tsunami Ranger rock garden class on the San Mateo coast in my skin on frame biadarka with my native paddle. As I recall I was able to do most every thing. It was a great class that I’ll allways remember! In fact I even made into your video. It’s good to see an old dog learn some (not so) new tricks!!
Pauli
Thank you Joe and Paul.
Joe, we SO look forward to these paddles. Mahalo!
Paul, it’s great to hear from you. I remember you did do very well in the baidarka and Aleut paddle, right? Yes, I’m an old dog learning new tricks. And it’s fun and what keeps this sport so interesting.
Feel free to comment on any of the the other posts. I have a new one each week.
A few weeks ago I made a GP that has extra blade/tip protection for rockhopping. I also made the blade a little wider for more bite as required.
I hope the link to my blog entry works!
http://justyakkin2.blogspot.com/2010/11/paddle-project-x-newfoundland-paddle.html
Cheers,
Sean
Sean, I went to your site and checked out your Newfoundland paddle. What a beauty! Anyone who likes wood paddles that are inspired by GP and the like, should check Sean’s creation out. I also liked the interesting plastic border to protect the cedar.
BTW, this post on GPs has garnered more comments (34) so far and hits (over 600) than any other post I’ve done. That tells me that a shipload of paddlers are keen on native paddles.
A few thoughts on Greenland paddles/paddling:
I hear of many, many who switch from euro to GP…but there doesn’t seem to be any traffic going the other direction.
When paddling in very windy conditions, the GP truly shines. Basically unaffected by wind, any direction, any strength. For those paddling in such conditions, this alone would seem to be worth the switch.
As noted in this article by Eric, swimming with the GP paddle is much easier and effective, especially in rough seas.
The mechanics of GP, from the canted stroke to the low posture of the arms, work to make one inherently more balanced in rough seas…and instantaneous low braces are vastly superior with a GP vs euro.
Rolling is certainly more reliable with GP. Might save your life. Again, this alone is worth the price of admission.
Longevity. Excepting the few who are gifted with extraordinary physical resiliency, the mechanics of GP are much, much more conducive to a long paddling career. From carpal tunnel to rotator cuff impingement to tennis elbow, the GP is much less likely to lead to these aliments over time.
Sorry, but those who chalk up the surging popularity of GP as nostalgia are simply uninformed.
One other thought: for those who say that Greenland paddles may be fine for rolling and flatwater cruising, but is not fit for big ocean waters, one simply needs to take a look at some of the amazing waters and conditions people are using them in to see the silliness of that idea. Warren Williamson paddled last fall in winds documented well over 50 knots in mid-teens feet waves and current in Deception Pass using a GP…I doubt one could handle such winds as well (if at all) with a fat blade euro.
My point in all this is not so much to denigrate euro paddlers, but rather to encourage serious kayakers to explore GP and see what you’ve been missing. Consider that the euro paddle is really derived from canoes, and then whitewater river kayaking. They were never *designed* for ocean paddling. On the other hand, the GP was designed for ocean paddling in a climate with severe conditions, and the design was honed for centuries and centuries. You might at least give it a serious try…
Take a look at the YouTube’s below. I think they demonstrate quite well the GP’s serious big water capacities:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx_AlOdLugc&feature=player_embedded#at=28
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=reynaldolago#p/a/u/0/MfuVuSoHdXI
Hey Eric! Good to see you’re still open to new (or old) ideas. I’ve been using the GP for about 4 years now and I’m a strong believer that it is more than a fad. I find it very easy on the joints – I initially switched to help out a repetitive stress injury.
I’ve been carving my own and have gradually evolved an asymmetrical design (it has a front and a back – but not a top and a bottom) that I really like. My biggest problem is durability. I’ve been using Western Red Cedar but it gets pretty beat up from the rocks. I’m not fond of epoxy, so as an experiment, last week I made a solid ash paddle, which weighs in at a very hefty 4 pounds. Surprisingly, it seems to work very well, having a kind of flywheel-like inertia once it’s up to speed. If nothing else, it has shown me that there can great variety in the GP design and it will still work quite well.
Have fun with the GP – I’m sure it’s here to stay in the New World.
I love it when people experiment. An ash paddle sounds strong. I bet one made of walnut or cherry would be mighty tough, without any enhancement.
I just finished a short trip with Helen Wilson and she paddled just fine with a GP in rough seas. She said she’s going to light a fire under Joe O’Blenis to make those super GPs he promised us. I’m crossing my fingers.
The fire, it is lit Eric. Earlier in the year, I thought things would be slow…leaving lots of time for the special set of paddles. So much for having a “Slow time” last winter/ spring.
Your timing on this message is great though actually. I just bought another load of wood today and part of it was some cherry hardwood. That and some ash that I already have… the paddles should be underway shortly after we wind up our visit next weekend with Helen Wilson.
I’ll be contacting you again in the next couple weeks by email to go over it all again.
Cheers… Joe O’
I will be getting a JoeO paddle – maybe I should go for the super paddle instead of the regular?
Ha ha, I can’t say Peter. I have a hankerin’ for a JoeO paddle made of cherry; don’t ask me why.
Nice write up, Im sure this will bring more paddlers to try the stick. I used mine for two trips this summer, once in Ireland and once in Sicily and loved them more every day.I made a two piece for easy travelling with a carbon connection that I got from Joe O.
Cool! Here’s hoping that folks will continue with paddle innovation and renovation and discovery and rediscovery–GPs, Aleut paddles, Hawaiian stand-up paddles, canoe blades from around the world–all good.
After a lifetime of using a big fat Euro-bladed paddle in high winds and textured water and three shoulder surgeries maybe I should look into these traditional sticks. They are avaliable everywhere now and if I wanna whittle away for a few days I can make my own, either a relic-based reasonable facsimile or maybe a performance-based cheater paddle – or maybe go high tech with one of the carbon fibre three-piece units that elicit divorce proceeding when one’s spouse looks through the Quicken bank reconciliation report. Up to now, I’ve always though GP’s were way cool ‘cause that’s the politically correct thing to say – and it appears maybe Eric isn’t just saying the same to be GP PC!!
Then again, when the seas are bigger than my ego, the lee-shore winds are stronger than my best blow-hard proclamations, and the slap-wall clapotis is dizzyingly worse than my defunct logic and axial-rotating my kayak and me longitudinally back out to sea, I might just have five words about my trusty Lendal Euro: From. My. Cold. Dead. Hands.
Ha ha! Thanks, Doug, for your thoughts. I understand completely. I still love my Merv Larson surf paddle and it’s the go-to for me. But I find the GPs both beautiful and easy to use, so who knows….