GREENLAND PADDLE – Technique tips

You see them more and more often on the water: those slender paddles that almost seem to have no blades. Many people wonder: can you get anywhere with a stick like that?

Well, at least the Inuit never use anything else, and they've been testing it for around a thousand years.

The Inuit, yes. But if you have just started paddling?

It's really no problem. Paddling like the Inuit often feels completely natural to the beginner. It's smooth, simple and what's more, the Greenland paddle is quiet - it was developed for seal hunting. It is unangled and usually completely symmetrical - you don't need to turn it to get the right position.

More and more long-distance paddlers are beginning to discover the advantages of Greenland paddles. The agility, the energy efficiency - you can paddle further with your heavily loaded sea kayak.

"You get more kilometers on a plate of spaghetti" as someone said.

It is ideal in headwinds – hardly any drag. And not least: it is gentle on the shoulders. Many experienced paddlers with pain in tendons and muscle attachments have gotten rid of their problems completely after switching to Greenland paddles.
If you want to learn to roll, it is also much easier than with a normal paddle.

Here are some things to consider:

• Length & Width

The length should be like a regular paddle, i.e. no longer than you can reach around the tip when standing straight. The width should not be greater than that you can easily grip the blade at the widest point.

However, you can vary the "length" steplessly by holding the paddle in different places. Extend it by holding the edge of the blade if you want to make a sweep, or if you need extra support for, for example, a roll. This is not at all considered a "beginner's mistake" in Greenland, on the contrary. The Inuit do it all the time.

This Greenland paddle is also infinitely adjustable, which means it can be set up just the way you want it!

• Investment

Put the thumb and forefinger at the end of the shaft , the other fingers at the beginning of the blade. Then the hands end up a little tighter than usual. This means that you do not have to lift your arms as high as with a normal paddle. The arm movement is not as vigorous and you save energy when you paddle long distances.

• The angle

Keep the top edge of the blades angled a few inches forward throughout the stroke. This means that the paddle meets no resistance at all for the first few decimetres. The power comes gradually, which spares your shoulders. Keep your elbows close to your body.

If the paddle vibrates or wobbles: change the angle a little! Soon you have found the ideal angle, and the paddling is completely silent and smooth!

• The pressure

As with all paddles: push with the top hand

This is to get rotation with the upper body. Let the blade aim away from the kayak instead of straight back. This usually happens quite naturally if you press with your upper hand. Those of you who have tried wing paddles know what I mean!

In summary, the Greenland paddle offers flexible, energy-efficient and gentle paddling that suits both beginners and experienced paddlers. With the right technique, you can enjoy longer rides with less effort and avoid strain injuries. Explore the benefits of this timeless design and discover a new dimension of paddling.

Author: Erik Wahlberg