Technique Tips

A Greenland paddle is not only a great tool for an efficient forward stroke and strong bracing, but it is unequaled for its rolling performance. A greenland paddle has long, low-aspect blades (similar to a glider wing) that develop incredible lift when swept through the water. The blades exhibit very little tendency to dive during a sweep (much unlike most spooned blades).

The symmetry of the blade makes it easy to maneuver underwater and produces few surprises no matter which surface of the blade that you use.

A common misconception is that a Greenland paddle has "flat" faces. The cross-sections of a Greenland paddle blade is lenticular (lens-shaped). This aids rolling and sculling performance.

One of the best ways to learn technique is by observing kayakers better than yourself and teaching others. This is "mentoring" and is the basis for Qajaq USA events. Mentoring is how kayaking is generally learned in Greenland.

Experience mentoring at a Qajaq USA event. View the Qajaq USA Event Calendar.

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Rolling & Rescues

When faced with the "rolling list" a common question is "where do I start"? One logical rolling progression (after one learns basic techniques including bracing, forward strokes, etc) is:

The Greenlanders start with the first three items in the order shown. Otherwise follow your interests and keep it fun (and safe).

As you work through the rolls you will discover that most of them are simply variations of the standard Greenland (layback) roll, and the storm roll (forward leaning roll).

Greenland Championship Rolling Maneuvers

The list of thirty-five capsize maneuvers performed at the annual Greenland National Kayaking Championship. Includes the Greenlandic roll names and sound files of Maligiaq Padilla pronouncing the terms, as well as brief history and purpose of each maneuver.

Greenland Roll Translations

Literal translations of Greenlandic rolling names courtesy of Birgit Pauksztat. Some of the translations provide interesting insight into the techniques

Rolling in IlulissatCompetition Rolling Scoresheets

English translation
Greenlandic (untranslated)
This is the Qaannat Kattuffiat scoresheet used for event scoring at the Greenland championship. To use, circle the value indicated by the "More" column if a roll is done perfectly on the first try. If the participant barely makes it up on the first try, or has to resort to a second try, the "Less" value is circled. Left and Right refer to an attempt on either the paddler's left or right side. The winning score at the 2000 event, in the 20-34 age category, was 277 points by Ari Josefsen of Nuuk! Translation thanks to Hans Kleist-Thomassen of Qajaq Nuuk.

Hand Rolling by Gerry David

The balance brace is often used to stretch your back and legs in a low volume cockpit. In this article the author describes one method of using a balance brace as a stepping stone to performing a hand roll. With practice you will find that the side scull, the balance brace and a number of rolls are very closely related.  Kayaking video clips

Greenland Kayaking Video Clips

Having a good mental image is more than half the battle when learning new skills and these clips will help you build a mental image based on sound technique. We are pleased to bring you these video clips that include a number of capsize maneuvers. Qajaq USA thanks KNR TV/Radio Greenland for permission to publish much of this footage.

 

Rescues

Petrussen ThumbThe "Petrussen Maneuver" by Greg Stamer

The traditional method of getting your head above water to breathe without the hazards of a wet exit. This article originally appeared in the August 2000 issue of Sea Kayaker magazine. This web version includes photos not published in Sea Kayaker.

Sea Kayaker: Eskimo Rescue Techniques by John Heath

John Heath covers the avataq roll, bow rescue, paddle bridge rescue, storm rescue and "T" rescue. Excellent photographs by Vernon Doucette.