Drew Cutter wrote in :

Since you seem to be the expert on Greenland paddles. I've found
only two source for paddles . One wood and the other fiberglass.

I wouldn't consider myself an expert on GPs by any stretch of the
imagination but that's not going to stop me from responding anyway.

I've never seen a fiberglass greenland paddle but I have seen carbon fiber
versions. I tried a carbon fiber storm paddle several years ago and didn't
care for it. I found it to be very slippery in the hands and it made a loud
knock whenever it contacted the boat. The reason that you don't see too
many greenland paddles made of fiberglass or carbon fiber (or even wood)
sold commercially is that a GP is more "custom fit" for the paddler.
Measurements for overall length, loom length, and blade width are critical
if a GP is going to fit a paddler correctly. It's just not economically
feasible to produce every combination of overall length, loom length, and
blade width to fit a wide range of paddlers.

Any suggestions on where to take lessons . I live in Ohio.

Your best bet would be to take some time off and attend a symposium
dedicated to Greenland paddling techniques (or at least has sessions on it).
It'll likely require some travel but 2-3 day symposiums make great mini-
vacations. The Delmarva retreat just happened a couple of weeks ago but
would be a good one to put on your calendar next year. I've heard great
things about the Great Lakes Sea Kayaking symposium (a lot closer to you)
but don't know if they have sessions on GP (most decent symposiums do now).

Couldn't find
the book on amazon. .
Look at the issue of Masik that was just recently posted. Chris Cunninghams
(editor of Sea Kayaker mag) book on building a Greenland boat also has a
long chapter on building a Greenland Paddle.

I've seen suggestion on make the paddle more
visible to other boaters , ships . Any suggestion on how to make what
to make the paddles stand out ?

Painting the tips with bright marine grade paint would help. You can also
buy reflective tape. Whichever method you use, you don't need to paint/tape
both sides of the blade. Do the powerface on one blade and the backface on
the other. That way you'll be more visible from both directions.


John Fereira wrote:
Brian Nystrom wrote in
news:%FwPg.584$x11.38 @trndny02:

Drew Cutter wrote:
Has their been any studies on how much more energy you use on
different water conditions ?
Not that I know of. All I can tell you from experience is that your
effort level can go up exponentially in rough water, particularly if
you're uncomfortable or you have to do a rescue in it (self or
assisted).

I suppose it also depends on which way the wind is blowing.
I want to take some Greenland paddle skills classes. Good idea!

Congrats on the publishing of your "Greenland Paddles - Step by Step"
book. Could you send me info on ordering a copy?