What is a Greenland style kayak?
Greenland kayaks originate from the first and greatest users, the Inuit; everything else is developed from their designs. Today Greenland style boats are a style of touring boats generally characterized by low decks and a pointy stern and bow for a low volume boat. Generally considered a boat for advanced paddlers. The Greenland paddle is all about energy efficiency and safety. Remember, it is not just a means of propulsion, but a paddler’s TOOL for a skill-linked system of uses for handling high winds, maneuvering, preventing capsize and capsize recovery.Greenland paddles are traditionally made from wood, but Gearlab, an innovative company based in Taiwan and run by kayakers have started creating some outstanding paddles using carbon fibre and even kevlar.It works all the major muscle groups. Kayaking builds strength across the shoulders and tones the upper back and arms. That repetitive side-to-side motion of paddling twists the torso, all the way down to the feet. It may burn a little, but the burn will be worth it.In a kayak, the paddler is seated and uses a double-bladed paddle pulling the blade through the water on alternate sides to move forward. In a canoe, the paddler kneels and uses a single-bladed paddle to propel the boat forward.
What is the traditional kayak in Greenland?
The Greenlandic qajaq—or kayak, as it’s known in English—is a vessel for hunting. That’s what the name means. It’s a boat made from skin, traditionally seal, stretched over a frame of whalebone or driftwood, although boat is considered disrespectful when applied to a qajaq. British English (ˈkaɪˌækə ) noun. Collins English Dictionary.
Are Greenland paddles feathered?
The paddle has a natural, intuitive, symmetrical design. There is no upside down or backwards. There is no left or right hand control and no feathered blades. The forward stroke for—you guessed it—going forward. The reverse stroke for slowing down and backing up. The sweep stroke for turning. The draw stroke for scooting your kayak sideways.