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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[@TrevorKeenAnimation]

FUN DIY TIP: Make your own drip rings for Greenland paddles by cutting them out of an old bicycle inner tube. Cut a little half-circle out the side of the tube with scissors ad a larger circle around it, so you end up with a circle or football-shaped piece with a hole in the middle. This will stretch to fit over the blade. Commercially sold drip rings are for paddles that come apart, and do not stretch to fit over the blades. Great for us who like Greenland paddles but also want dry hands.

[@capefalconkayak]

Thank you for the tip, I will try this!

[@yru435]

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

[@woofna1948]

Hi Brian - Long time since we met at Delmarva. What a sweet and very informative video this is! I really like the way you make your points and intersperse the indoor and outdoor footage. Also, thanks for no music. Moulton Avery

[@larsthorwald3338]

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.

[@adriangeary9628]

My favorite greenland paddle video

[@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.

[@juffurey]

for calm water, yes, but in terms of maneuverability you might as well be using a stick.

[@adamstepic8083]

​@@juffureyyour crazy, I own an expedition kayak. It's 18 ft long and has no rocker. I move through lake Erie waves with no problem. I turn and maneuver just fine. As long as I'm on edge, my kayak turns fine in all conditions on lk Erie. Your statement is one of ignorance.

[@theopinson3851]

Totally agree about the “push” idea. That was what did it for me.

[@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.

[@alib2801]

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.

[@psgbjj]

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

[@BedCrunch]

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

[@Wild_Danimal]

Irony Itch I’ll never forget trying that for the first time this year, luckily didn’t dip but got close!

[@joefarwell1964]

Great video. I switched from a carbon wing paddle to a Greenland paddle last summer. No plan to go back. Thanks for the extra tips,

[@shaunolinger964]

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 KZbin is HOW to make said paddles! Y'all stay safe, and HAVE FUN out there!

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

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.

[@HopeCreekConnemara]

I just got to greenland paddle, it's a custom layered cedar one that's been used for 15 years. But still in beautiful condition. I can't wait to try it and thank you for all the tips.

[@josephshaff5194]

Great info. thanks. Using one of the Carbon Fiber ones. PNW Everett, WA. I just say if it's good enough for the Inuit it's good enough for me! Thanks Inuits. Spend some time on the Lake yesterday working on the basics.

[@TomG1555]

This was brilliant. I'm still a beginning kayaker, but am already thinking about the possibilities that a Greenland paddle might offer, and this really helped answer a lot of my questions. Thanks much!

[@danvo68]

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!

[@yvonnecook2741]

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

[@oBseSsIoNPC]

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

[@BobBohner4851]

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

[@VideoFreundeStralau]

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

[@jimjeffries2735]

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.

[@khelben1979]

I've seen this video several times now, and I think it's one of your best ones ever made, thank you! :) Greetings from Sweden.

[@dowrony]

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

[@kevinoliphant889]

Such an authentic explanation on the paddles, only just got into kayaking a month ago and have watched several videos on the Greenland paddle...buddy I'm sold 👍💯 thank you 😎

[@glassassoc]

Thanks for your careful discussion and comprehensive details that you cover with us. I was just out on my first group trip of the year with two greenland experts that move like speedboats and I appreciate your guidance. I have to try now, Jay

[@paulapackard8927]

Do they work on a sit on kay

[@jimsnyder4338]

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

[@beartraditionalkayaks9633]

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

[@capefalconkayak]

thank you!

[@qaannat]

All very excellently said. So funny about looking at the tip of the stabilizing paddle... now that you say that I vaguely recall hearing it before, but I never do. Upon entering the kayak from a winter dock, I set the paddle under the aft deckline sliders from the dock, sit sideways on the dock, place my feet beside the keel, and holding the dock, lower myself to sit on the back deck, feet in the cockpit. Then both hands on the gunwales over the paddle blade, it's eyes on the point of the bow as I slide in. Exiting is reverse. If I looked at the paddle, I would surely tip that way! Great video, keep em coming.

[@muddyfunker3014]

You've got a really nice way about you. I've just started sea kayaking and really enjoyed watching this video. Very informative thanks.

[@tymothieburdon6452]

What's your opinion on this "DARTH VADER RETIRED PADDLE BOARDING on LA RIVER (Narrated by Jones Earl James) S2E1a River Wild P1"

[@jonathantaff3007]

Brilliantly explained. Thank you so much for your time and effort. certainly prefer a Greenland paddle now. Converted.

[@Antipodean33]

Thanks for your excellent info on paddling. I went out and did the pushing style you explained and it did make the rotation of the torso happen naturally.

[@sergeantcrow]

Brilliant ! Never knew about the Greenland Paddle..... Thank you very much....

[@mpccenturion]

Thank you so much! I have been enjoying using my brothers kayaks for several years. The change in stroke mechanics will obviously help me. And making my own paddle will help. I have never been comfortable with rolling under, but I know I need to know this. I am part of the Grey Hair crew! Cheers!

[@humphreyjohnson8578]

This is a very nice, well organized and well paced explanation of the Greenland paddle and how to use it. I will certainly be recommending it to others. Nice job. H.

[@jimwortham8634]

Thanks so much for posing always considering green wood paddle always wonder how much water they push rather than normal power

[@mrrudell]

I just started using a GLP and this is great! Thank you :)

[@DrAPGE3]

Haven't started kayaking yet but I may just build my own paddle! Excellent vid.

[@DownRightRescue]

Did you make it? It only takes a day.

[@jameshallworth8053]

What a great video! Thanks for all these useful, intersting and valuable insights!

[@frankharter9810]

Thanks for another great video Brian, keep them coming. I can't wait to get started on my F1 (I purchased the online course over a year ago) one of these days. You know how it is, full-time job, part-time business, zero free time.

[@brettkovak6344]

Thanks for the great video! I’ve been paddling all sorts of different boats for 20 years now, mostly river but I’ve recently started enjoying Day Touring in the past couple of years! This is the best video I’ve ever seen that gives the true advantages of a green one paddle! I think I’m going to look up your video on building one! Being a Carpenter I have any necessary tools, So I’m just gonna go for it! By the way I subscribed!

[@annehschanke7717]

Thanks for a very interesting video. Nice to see the way you are doing things in the northwest Pacific. Here i Norway I am using the same Greenland paddle. When changing from an Euro-paddle (the ordinary one) I really got hooked on the quality of the paddling-technics it gave me. Good to see that you are using it in rough water as well.

[@Jerome-q1c]

Fantastic video, would have loved an even longer version !

[@henryromer5207]

Nice, Brian. I was researching something else and KZbin suggested this. I hadn't seen it before, but it is a really good intro to "stick". I will definitely recommend it to folks who are interested. Take care. Henry

[@mitchkelleher7972]

I used some of your tips to build my own (thank you!) and I find them as much fun to make as to use since much of it is shaped with hand planers, which is about my favorite wood working tool. I have an Aleut and Greenland as well as two 2-piece Greenlands in different lengths. The latter two are WRC blades with poplar looms that taper into the blades and they have a wonderful little snap to them at the end of a stroke. They cost me about $50 total and most of that was the stainless steel ferrules so that they can be broken into the two pieces for easier transporting. They always get compliments with people asking me where I bought them (up close, they're more obviously hand made!). Much more versatile than spoons and the leverage of the extended stroke makes my 17' wood battleships manageable in narrow rivers without needing a rudder. Been about 5 years and I've not used a spoon paddle since.

[@goatrockfestival2012]

Thanks, this was really informative and got me convinced about getting a greenlander instead of a new modern paddle. I just broke my paddle last week, so I need a new one anyway.

[@rakadoni8403]

Wonderful video man ! You seem like an excellent teacher and natural spokesperson:) thank you!

[@robertchalk3186]

Thankyou for offering this and plans..I'm just getting into kayaking and Greenland paddle is looking like just the thing for starters

[@StephenCrehan]

Brilliantly clear and informative

[@piratepoppy5548]

Brilliant instructional video. I am convinced that I need to change over to a Greenland paddle. 🤗

[@Franmuro1]

Amazing info! Thanks from Argentina

[@robk6670]

Brilliant video. Thank you for taking the time to produce it. I'll have a go at making a GP, so I'll buy your plans. I would love to visit your shop, but I'm on the other side of the world.

[@flatheadfletch]

Great video ! Thank you. I use a Gear Lab Greenland paddle n love it !

[@TheProject30]

Another great historical record/book on skin boats is the Smithsonian Book: Bark Canoes and Skin Boats of North America. It is out of copyright and you can get it on Project Gutenberg. It has a good section on Greenland Kayaks and Paddle use.

[@qaannat]

Brian, I finally got to try one of your paddles when i demoed George's F1 last weekend. Very nice job. I was amazed at how light that stick was, considerably lighter than the appearance suggested. I could have wished for slightly sharper edges and carrying that sharpness around the tip, but even so I know that means less durability. But it was very nicely proportioned and shaped.

[@Erwan35520]

Very interresting. Makes me want to try greenland paddling. Thank you for this.😎

[@ThomasBuellJr]

Very helpful. I will be shifting to the Greenland paddle for my sea kayak.

[@michielouwersloot8136]

It’s a good thing one can follow your howto make a gp on your website thank you so much for this courtesy.

[@qaannat]

Brian, it really is a brilliant video and explanation of the GP. I hope lots of future paddlers find this. 2 years post.

[@Sebastian_Galarraga]

Excellent! Thank you for sharing!

[@wisenber]

Thanks for the video. Once I tried my first GP, I was hooked. Now the only time I use a spoon is whitewater or my 34 inch beam folding tandem. I evolved a bit with my GP and moved to an Aleut paddle a couple of years ago. It seems to have all of the benefits of a GP (aside from symmetrical) but with a noticeable speed boost without any perceived added energy needed.

[@bwb619]

What a great video! Thank you for this.

[@eugeniosolari]

Aha, great, I am not such a paddler, made a couple of these paddles and totally agree with everything you are saying; again, thank you, Brian

[@leatherindian]

Very informative. I'm an older paddler and will be switching to a Greenland paddle.

[@davidramsden7821]

Very clearly explained. Thank you.

[@nickblassmann1263]

Very well done video. I Think I am going to try out A Greenland Paddle. Looks very smooth compaired to my spoon built paddle. Thanks for the tips

[@ikkeennietjij]

Have you tried it yet? I personally do not see the advantage over a europaddle...

[@ikkeennietjij]

Have you tried it already? I personally think there are different and better ways to paddle a eurostyle paddle and I do not think gp's are better...

[@merccrewlcab2385]

Thanks for this! Wow, learned alot! I have kayaked on and off for years and now have my own decent kayak and my bud Roy said I should try a greenland for sure. I am on it! Going to build my own. I am in the PNW too, Shawnigan Lake in Cowichan Valley BC. What jacket are you wearing in your kayak? Cheers eh!

[@miroslavdrabek1915]

Yes, very nice video, explanation and approximation of the problem. Sometimes I look forward to demonstrations of various kinds of Eskimo rulls... When to use what ... Thanks

[@andrewburr735]

You have awesome tutorials

[@lillyho12]

Thank you so much for this super informative video. I’m curious if you have any ‘tips’ for the ‘drips’ love my paddle but would prefer not to have the water dripping to my skirt. Thanks in advance

[@calvinhartman5086]

Thank you so much. I learned a lot about greenland paddles but also about kayaking.

[@AnonymousOtters]

A lot of good information here, even for modern spoon paddles. Thanks

[@clriis]

Very instructive. Just bought my own greenlander pagaj from Gram

[@joea5729]

Thank you for a terrific overview and the instruction on the GP. I'm glad I discovered your video and the new resource you provide that will be well used.

[@JLT1003]

Fantastic video. I have a bunch of paddling companions who swear by their Greenland paddles, but none have been able to explain the benefits so clearly. One question though, if you're still reviewing these comments: the idea that they offer the "same paddling efficiency" as Euro blades, but are also gentler on your shoulders, seems contradictory to me. Efficiency means the amount of work you get out of a given amount of force. (High efficiency is like high gear on a bicycle.) But reduced strain on your shoulders would seem more like what you get from an increased cadence and a lower "gear ratio" (like a lower gear on a bicycle). For a practical example: does a paddle really offer the same potential for quick acceleration (assuming you have the strength/force needed) -- to catch a wave for surfing, or to keep up with a wave for landing -- as a Euro blade?

[@capefalconkayak]

I come by that notion from some testing we did a bunch of years ago just having different paddlers go out on different days with their normal paddle and their Greenland paddle and paddle it fixed distance and there was virtually no difference in how long it was taking people to return. Also just anecdotally people with greenland paddles aren’t typically lagging behind and they don’t seem like they’re paddling any harder. I think intuitively it seems like there would be less efficiency because it has a lower blade to edge ratio but Im not sure that’s actually true, with all the turbulence coming off one edge of the blade does the other edge even matter? i’m not saying it doesn’t, I really don’t know. I think the roughly equivalent efficiency has to do with a lot of things, I think the ergonomics are a little better so you’re getting a little cleaner power delivery, I think the muscles might just be happier in the way they’re processing energy straining a little bit less with each stroke, and something that I can’t prove but I think about a lot is that water is pretty viscous stuff and it only wants to move or be moved at a certain rate, and so I wonder if when you dig in for a big bite of water with a spoon blade if you’re not just doing a momentary isometric exercise that may not actually be translating into thrust until things start slipping along. It certainly feels like I’m going a lot faster with my regular paddle but my GPS doesn’t confirm that. as far as surf and rough water goes Sea kayaks hit hull speed in just a handful of strokes and so most of the time in the surf whether someone is using a euro paddle or a Greenland paddle they’re wasting valuable air and burning valuable energy without actually going any faster. So you might have more of a sensation that you’re kicking ass out there but I’m not sure if it actually translates into you a huge increase in acceleration. Definitely an increase but not a huge one. If I’m surfing a sea kayak I just like having a Greenland paddle in my hands because when I’m getting the living crap beat out of me in a giant foam ball The Greenland paddle feels a little safer on my shoulders. I’ve had a few euro blades get instantly stripped out of my hands. The place where I put down the Greenland paddle and pick up a regular paddle is heading out in a dedicated surf kayak. And the reason for this is super specific: the second I hit an oncoming foam pile I throw the hardest boof I can and then I just going to full eggbeater mode. If you’re lucky and your timing is perfect you can climb over some big foam this way. That doesn’t really work with a greenland paddle. I guess it’s just all about choosing the right tool for the job or whatever makes you feel comfortable and feels good to you. I’ve got tons of different kinds of paddles for different boats and different conditions. This is a pretty old video I hope I can make a better one one of these days. I’m in aficionado but not a zealot. If it gets you out on the water I’m cool with it

[@johncarr8557]

awesome video, thanks Brian.

[@ssquared8076]

Great video. I am getting ready to start building my first strip style kayak and paddle. This has really helped me in my decision to build a Greenland style paddle.

[@williamfraser]

Glad I watched this, I can really use that tip of using the paddle as a stabiliser! This now has me thinking about possible ways to build hollow, high buoyancy blades...

[@EricLoganBaruchHaShem311]

Me too. Thinking maaaaaaaybe heat-shaped pvc, probably two layers- meaning the inner pipe is snugly a size below the outer pipe, both heated/shaped together as one. Sealing the ends creates strong buoyancy which also lends a bit of efficiency at the end of stroke. The only question is whether the pvc would be way too flexible, and/or how to amend that without losing float. Spray foam core? Idunno.

[@jimkemp963]

Great easy to understand video. Thanks Brian

[@qaannat]

I never noticed you said to keep your eye on the tip of the paddle. I always focus on the bow when I am getting in from the dock with the paddle outrigger. I'm going to try your way next time. While the water is still warm... : ) EDIT: to add, I see I commented on this a year ago. Duh.

[@yvonnebest9843]

Great video - THANK YOU!!

[@richdobbs6595]

As a newbie, I would have appreciated an explanation of what makes a paddle a "Greenland" paddle. When I searched for this with my search engine, I didn't find anything that explicitly clarified this. My guess is that in Greenland paddles, the blades are in line while with modern paddles the blades are offset by 90 degrees? And that in general "Greenland" paddle would be skinnier? But these characteristics seem to be orthogonal, in that it should be possible to have skinny-offset, skinny-inline, fat-offset, and fat-inline. This definitely seems worthy of a Wikipedia article!

[@richdobbs6595]

Actually, with a "Wikipedia" specific search, I eventually found this explained. I'm surprised that my "Duck-Duck-Go" search didn't find it. Maybe I really should have "Goggled" it.

[@andypandy955]

Very informative video. I have my piece of wood ready in the garage to make my GP. I am itching to make it but at the moment I have a big project on the go in my home. I have also bought some Trak stow bags from Trak they are in the post as we spk. I received a fantastic service from this company and will report on the quality when they arrive. Keep making the videos I really enjoy them Thanks again.

[@chrishagerman3011]

Another great video. Thanks and keep the content coming!

[@hondaman6918]

Great video! Thanks so much for sharing

[@WarRocketAjax]

Wonderful presentation!

[@DavisCruze-yj1sd]

Just wanted to say respect bro pretty pretty badass s*** you're doing there

[@TrevorKeenAnimation]

One other thing he doesn't mention is that Greenland paddles are better for paddling against a stiff wind. With wide-bladed paddles you have to feather the blade to cut down on wind resistance, which is a pain. I don't feel the need to do with my GL paddle.

[@oregonianpjb]

Always such fantastic information and presentation; thank you!

[@walizardlin]

Thanks for your video. It's very clear and useful.

[@asinglegerry]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom. I just trying to get into greenland paddling and I learned a lot!

[@peterrichardson8003]

Such a great and inspiring video, thank you!

[@marcels5237]

Thank you 👍👍👍

[@Paracarsten]

Thank you for this informing video :-)

[@krzysztofgrasssnake]

Wow. Awesome. Thanks

[@naturalismundi4359]

Really great video and information.

[@lxoxrxexnx]

While it is true that the actual square inches of a greenland paddle may be less that a spoon bladed paddle, it is likely that this long rectangular shape has a larger coefficient of drag than the spoon shape.

[@capefalconkayak]

Logically that makes sense but practically there doesn’t seem to be an appreciable difference. It could be that the increase drag is offset by superior ergonomics or that the drag isn’t really working that way or it could be that you’re actually dipping less blade per stroke but because you’re applying a little bit less force each time you’re not doing what accounts to a momentary isometric exercise with a large blade through a viscous medium that isn’t actually transferring the energy efficiently, so there’s just a zillion factors at play. In a real world on the water situation I’m not really expaending any more or less energy with one type of paddle or the other.

[@carlpbrill]

Yeah, the power is like displacement versus RPM.

[@saracherrie1405]

This is great! Just learned about these paddles the other day, really helped clarify some things, thanks!