greenland kayak paddles
These are the traditional kayak paddles of the Inuit of Greenland. They were originally crafted from driftwood that washed up on their shores, as well as pieces of bone along tips and edges for protection from sea ice.
The blade is designed in this extremely narrow fashion so that in addition to holding on to the loom, the paddler can also grasp the blade between fingers and thumb in a C-shape and paddle or pry just on one side, like a very long canoe paddle. This allows for the types of strokes that were traditionally needed to manoeuvre and roll in various situations when hunting by sea. Also, with narrow blades that didn't catch the wind in the open waters of the sea, and stroking at a higher cadence (faster pace), the Inuit could paddle long distances with less fatigue than those using wider European blades.
The loom (shaft) is fairly short, usually measuring only 1/3 to 1/4 the length of the entire paddle. Blade width usually ranges between 3 3/8" to 3 3/4" to fit the average person's grasp.
After numerous inquiries about whether he made these interesting, traditional paddles, Bruce did his research. He now offers hand carved designs with his unique stamp of artistry and skill.
The blade is designed in this extremely narrow fashion so that in addition to holding on to the loom, the paddler can also grasp the blade between fingers and thumb in a C-shape and paddle or pry just on one side, like a very long canoe paddle. This allows for the types of strokes that were traditionally needed to manoeuvre and roll in various situations when hunting by sea. Also, with narrow blades that didn't catch the wind in the open waters of the sea, and stroking at a higher cadence (faster pace), the Inuit could paddle long distances with less fatigue than those using wider European blades.
The loom (shaft) is fairly short, usually measuring only 1/3 to 1/4 the length of the entire paddle. Blade width usually ranges between 3 3/8" to 3 3/4" to fit the average person's grasp.
After numerous inquiries about whether he made these interesting, traditional paddles, Bruce did his research. He now offers hand carved designs with his unique stamp of artistry and skill.
One Piece Hardwood Construction / Laminated Blades (newest design)
This combination of strong yet light Sitka Spruce (core of the paddle and blades) and laminated blades (Red Cedar as well as outer edges from hard Black Walnut)
in addition to tips protected with epoxy
makes for a light, durable Greenland Kayak paddle.
This combination of strong yet light Sitka Spruce (core of the paddle and blades) and laminated blades (Red Cedar as well as outer edges from hard Black Walnut)
in addition to tips protected with epoxy
makes for a light, durable Greenland Kayak paddle.
One Piece Hardwood Construction
(original design)
Wood choices: Black Cherry, Black/White Ash, European Larch (Tamarack) & occasionally Black Walnut.
Shaft laminate choices: Black Walnut, Black Cherry, Maples & Black/White Ash.
A sampling from Black Cherry & Ash; laminates in Black Walnut.
With "shoulder" at tops of blades
No "shoulder" at tops of blades
Greenland Bound-A Paddler's Pilgrimage
To learn more about the whole concept of Greenland paddling, watch this FANTASTIC short documentary:
https://vimeo.com/119495279/
*Watch for Bruce's custom designed Black Walnut with Curly Maple laminate Greenland Paddle at minutes 2:40-3:15.
This documentary was filmed in 2014 by our friend James Roberts of the Ontario Sea Kayaking Centre. ontarioseakayakcentre.com
https://vimeo.com/119495279/
*Watch for Bruce's custom designed Black Walnut with Curly Maple laminate Greenland Paddle at minutes 2:40-3:15.
This documentary was filmed in 2014 by our friend James Roberts of the Ontario Sea Kayaking Centre. ontarioseakayakcentre.com
