Greenland paddle forwards stroke technique

Sep 21, 2022
 

We have just released a new series of lessons in our forwards paddling course where we look at using a Greenland paddle to paddle forwards efficiently.  The are many aspects to the stroke that are contrastingly different to the Euro blade stroke.  These differences are driven by the different blade shape but also by the paddles heritage and how it was used by the inuits to hunt.  

For this course we worked with Dirk and Rachel from How We Roll Kayaking and used they incredible knowledge and enthusiasm for Greenland paddling.  They break the stroke down into 3 areas - Catch, Power and Recovery.  

The key difference to the Greenland stroke is that the power comes from the last part of the stroke past the hips.  To a euro paddler this is a particularly strange concept but when you use the technique with a Greenalnd Paddle you quickly realise that it works incredibly well and is a really smooth motion.  As a result the Greenland forwards stroke is easy on the body and joints and can be a great option for long distance touring.

These lessons are for people already using Greenland paddles but also they are here to introduce euro paddlers to this area of sea kayaking and get you started on the right stroke

 

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