The Greenland Paddle Forward Stroke

[@TheExtraTerrestrial]

Also, thanks for the demo on paddle angle. I was under the impression that we HAD to paddle a GP at a very low angle. I did try it at higher angles, and it felt great, so good to know! Actually, it feels great at all angles.

[@nielskistrup8231]

Haven't been in a kayak since 2013. This was a good refresher.

[@Wearyboots]

Really helpful tips here. Great job

[@yakinsea]

As was mentioned, there is more than one way to skin a cat. I love to use a carbon Greenland paddle with a shoulder but with a wing paddle stroke. I also surfski using a wing paddle. Each has features that excel with specific techniques, for example keeping upright in really rough conditions. Given both Greenland and surfski cultures use kayaks with low primary stability, the contrast couldn't be greater. I love the ultra-friendly Greenland with my go to technique of finishing the stroke in a low brace position should I need it. However, the stability on the front end of a surfski stroke by planting really hard and perhaps a bit away from the hull, if needed, is also great. Both techniques work with both paddles. Each culture has things to teach the other. When paddling for fitness, I seem to still be able to haul ass with a Greenland paddle for longer periods before fatigue sets in. But a casual pace with a wing seems great, too, and contrary to a comment below, some people do expedition paddling with wing paddles, ie. Freya Hoffmeister who is likely the most accomplished expedition paddler of all time. My longest day on the ocean was a 50 miler with 30 days of food and camping gear that ended with hours of rough storm paddling against a current. There was no bailout. I used my carbon Greenland paddle with a euro stroke and didn't feel close to capsizing. These really are great paddles for all conditions! Experiment and break rules to see for yourself what works and spend a lot of time in the saddle. I think you'll find that many things work pretty well, and unless you are racing where tiny differences really do matter, you'll have trouble seeing significant differences outside of fitness levels.

[@klauswu2914]

love that, very clear explanation about how to use the Greenland paddle, thank you so much!

[@Dakiraun]

A great break down of the core differences and advantages of a traditional paddle! Once I tried and got the concepts of a traditional paddle, I never went back to euro paddles. Everyone I've taught about them and let try them have done the same. They are a very natural way to paddle and interact with the water.

[@tednorthcott6924]

An excellent video Andrew. Very well explained ! Thank you.

[@TheExtraTerrestrial]

Thanks for the clear explanations!

[@josephinebennington7247]

In regards to using the core muscles and torso rotation…I find that more rotation comes naturally if I push the upper non-immersed blade forward with open hand rather than pulling the lower immersed blade. Doing this also has the effect of using your shoulder (plus rotation) to follow through the stroke, rather like a boxer’s punch. It is also energy efficient and less tiring.

[@breizhsurge]

Excellent Video . Thanks a lot Andrew

[@ericschellenberger612]

Perfect, very helpful!

[@christopping5876]

Excellent, thank you.

[@JonasAlexanderson]

Nice video. You could also point out where the centre of force of the blade is. The Greenland paddle has that centre much closer to the kayak and that is one of the benefits of that paddle. You need less force to move it and as the centre of force is closer to the kayak the kayak will not turn as much on each stroke. This one of the reasons you need to have a more vertical position of the euro blade. Thanks for this video, there are things I can really use in teaching the Greenland technique.

[@adventurecoalition3690]

Very informative, thx for sharing 👍

[@peetsnort]

Who would have thought there's so much technique just to paddle.interesting to take the wind into consideration

[@jaekwon1822]

5:00 made me spit my coffee lol

[@peter4210]

I like kayaking but I would always rent the kayaks and paddle. I sadly don't have the room to make a Greenland kayak but the paddles are easy to make in a apartment. with only a hand saw and a hand plane so I made one and tried it. Rowing never felt so natural and easy with them and the more i look at the designs in more engineering points of view. you can clearly see the look of a propeller. while modern European paddles are more like big scoops.

[@dianepage4707]

Devons nous prendre une longueur de pagaie différente? avec la Groenland?

[@williamrossi8726]

This video mentions that the Greenlanders suggested cantering the blade forward, it appears to be about 30 degrees. When doing this, either the paddle wants to dive or the boat wants to capsize, for which the paddler's body must compensate. What is the benefit to this? I've heard the airplane wing analogy, but, unlike the airplane wing, there is no physics to support the theory. Help.

[@joedude5897]

If you keep the blade perpendicular to the water surface, then as it goes through the stroke water will alternate flowing over and under the blade, causing it to flutter. It you keep the blade angled as suggested, then water will only flow over the blade allowing for a smooth stroke.

[@CheekyMonkey888]

canted the blade offers bracing, you can end your stroke in a low brace in rough seas

[@Macovic]

Similar to a double oar

[@ikkeennietjij]

I'm hearing all kind of assumptions about how europaddles are used from people that never really used a europaddle before. Also only wing paddles are showed here as an example of a standard europaddle which is besides the truth. My advice here is to get your facts straight (because people do not paddle a europaddle with their arms that wide and they do not use strokes that short, nor do they use wing paddles in sea kayak touring!) and tell a honest story to the novice paddlerthat watch youtube, like for example Kayak Hipster does!

[@AndrewElizaga]

We welcome debate and the free exchange of ideas!

[@jeffreywolf8332]

Speaking of assumptions: how do you conclude they are " people that never really used a europaddle before"?

[@flt528]

Yeah it is so hard not to be skeptical of Greenland paddles, because their proponents seem so hung up on the cultural identity and historical stuff. What if the Greenland paddle had actually been invented in 1990 in Alabama by a buy named Buck Johnson who couldn't pronounce "Qaakuqqiliqooqq" if his life depended on it - would anyone want to use one?

[@mmmbass6068]

@@flt528 yeah but it was invented probably thousands of years ago, therefore trialled for thousands of years. You can’t argue with that sort of experience.

[@MikeGillSeaKayak]

I use wing touring all the time as my primary touring paddle, I prefer to have less water spill off my blade and like to have more power to be able to go further faster. Lots of people kayak tour with wings including Freya Hoffmeister who has paddled around a few continents.