As I've mentioned before, some people think Greenland paddles look frail, and that there's little support to be gotten from such a paddle blade. This is true enough in its way, but first the wood floats well, and second the support properties depend on the use of the paddle, and not least on the user!

The Greenlandic hunter James Petersen from Godhavn (Qeqertarsuaq) mentions in the beginning of the 1920s the following important conditions as being central to learning support strokes, which he refers to as ”fishing” the wave: Good kayak, and watertight paddling jacket. Paddle together with others, and observe them! When the waves break, let the wave roll over you and ”fish” the wave with the paddle. Don't lean over to the lee side. Brace your thighs against the sides of the kayak. Focus on keeping your balance.

This is very similar to what applies for support strokes with modern paddles. I would add a few things: The paddle is symmetrical with narrow blades. So in situations where you need more support, even rolls, it's straightforward to move your grip from having both hands on the shaft to one hand on the shaft and one on the blade. In that way you get a longer paddle, and thus more support, on the side where you need support. You can practice changing grips so that it becomes a reflex.

A regular low support stroke is performed in the same way with modern paddles. Remember to hold the oar as low - i.e. horizontal - as possible. In addition you have to practice ”snapping” your hips and using that to right the kayak at the same time as you force the oar downwards in the water.

Support strokes step by step:

The starting point for a low support stroke is a regular paddle grip. Brace your knees against the sides of the kayak. Lean the kayak sideways.

As you lose your balance, press the paddle blade flat downwards against the water's surface.

Simultaneously snap the kayak upright with a powerful hip movement. The paddle blade can remain in the water until you've regained your balance.

Starting point for a high support stroke with Greenland paddle. Move the paddle sideways, so that your grip is asymmetrical. Lean the kayak sideways.

Hold the oar as horizontal as possible. Brace your knees against the sides of the kayak. Lean backwards a bit.

Push downwards on the paddle blade and snap your hips hard. The kayak rights itself, and you let the paddle blade stay in the water until you've regained your balance.

Courses 2019!

The course calendar has been updated. Check out this year's kayak building classes:here

Kayak building in the USA

From Autumn 2017, Delmarwa USA: Here:

Baidarka paddling

A video clip from summer of 2011's great baidarka adventure:here

Baidarka building

A video from a kayak building class in Vestfossen, Norway:here

New pages!

New, and well illustrated presentation of our beautiful new paddle types! More.

Traditional kayaking article

Jeff Allens article from Ocean Paddler:Les her: