Brain ,

Where can i get lessons or books on perfecting the Greenland style of
paddling. I know someone who is just finishing up a wooden sea kayak.
Sounds like he was interested in purchasing Greenland paddle. Did find
an article in latest kayak/canoe magazine.

Brian Nystrom wrote:
Drew Cutter wrote:
Brain ,

Looking at buying Greenland style paddle . How different are the
paddle strokes and roll with the Greenland paddle ?

The stroke is quite different, though it may not be obvious. You don't
reach as far forward (~ mid-calf) at the start, power is applied more
gradually and the paddle exits well past the hip. The upper hand is push
diagonally across the deck and down. As with a Euro paddle, the height
of the stroke varies with how hard you're paddling. The harder you're
going, the more vertical the stroke becomes.

The canted stroke is a more advanced stroke used by most Greenland
paddlers. The upper edge of the blade is canted forward at the catch.
This causes the blade to bury very quickly and increases its bite on the
water during the stroke. It takes some getting use to, but it's very
effective.

As for making the transition, it depends on what you're using now. If
you're using a feathered paddle, there's a certain amount of
"un-learning" involved, since there is no control hand with a GP.

Rolling with a GP is so easy that it almost seems like cheating.