OpenTube

A beginners guide to Greenland paddles

Cape Falcon Kayak

277,671 views

For people thinking about making the transition to skinny stick paddling, this is a solid summary of the basics. Greenland paddles share the same paddling efficiency as their spoon bladed (or Euro) counterparts, but offer additional advantages in ergonomics, maneuvering, rolling, sculling, and stabilizing your kayak.

Watch our free Greenland paddle building course on YouTube here: Greenland Paddle Building Course

Or enroll in the same course on our website for free to watch without ads: https://cape-falcon-kayak.thinkific.c...

Pick up our PDF paddle plan here: https://cape-falcon-kayak.thinkific.c...

Find more about our boats and everything we do on our website: http://capefalconkayaks.com

Support the free content we produce here on YouTube:

Buy your next piece of paddling gear from us:
https://cape-falcon-kayak.myshopify.com/

Make a donation to support the free content we produce:
Paypal: https://paypal.me/capefalconkayak
Venmo: @capefalconkayak

Check out all of our skin-on-frame boatbuilding plans and video courses:
https://cape-falcon-kayak.thinkific.com/

Join our Facebook Group: Facebook: capefalconbuilds

Follow us on Instagram: Instagram: capefalconbuilds

20 Comments

@woofna1948 3 years ago

Hi Brian - Long time since we met at Delmarva. What a sweet and very informative video this is! I really like the way you make your points and intersperse the indoor and outdoor footage. Also, thanks for no music. Moulton Avery

@adriangeary9628 7 years ago

My favorite greenland paddle video

@TrevorKeenAnimation 6 years ago

FUN DIY TIP: Make your own drip rings for Greenland paddles by cutting them out of an old bicycle inner tube. Cut a little half-circle out the side of the tube with scissors ad a larger circle around it, so you end up with a circle or football-shaped piece with a hole in the middle. This will stretch to fit over the blade. Commercially sold drip rings are for paddles that come apart, and do not stretch to fit over the blades. Great for us who like Greenland paddles but also want dry hands.

@larsthorwald3338 3 years ago

I switched about five years ago, and even though I'm still learning and my technique is far from perfect, I noticed benefit from the beginning. I tend to do long, lazy day tours of 20-40 miles, and the Greenland lets me relax and zone out--hours go by like nothing. It's great. Thanks for a fantastic video.

@kallistevela 6 years ago

Even after 6 years of using a Greenland paddle, you taught me a few new things. I find these SO MUCH better on the body than spoon paddles. Their lightness and quietude are incredible bonuses for long excursions near the shore to come upon the wildlife without startling.

@psgbjj 2 years ago

As a Greenlander this makes me proud. Thanks for a great video!

@theopinson3851 5 years ago

Totally agree about the “push” idea. That was what did it for me.

@alibi_files 3 years ago

Very informative - About to go out for my first paddle with a Greenland after 40 odd years with a European Paddle. Thanks for the video from Australia.

@davortrumbic3341 1 year ago (edited)

First of all, let me say that I am 67 years old and have been paddling in a canoe and kayak since I was 7 years old. I have always used an paddles as a spoon. I accidentally came across this explanation of the use of a Greenland paddle and I am delighted with the explanation. Considering that I have spent my life as a locksmith and carpenter, my body is mostly worn out in the joints and I was delighted with the way this oar is used. Thank you very much for the explanation.

@beartraditionalkayaks9633 8 years ago

Crystal clear explanation !! Thank you for another great video ! Keep them coming !

@BobBohner4851 3 years ago

Best vid I’ve ever seen on paddling in general and Greenland paddles. Thanks so much

@BedCrunch 7 years ago

My first unintentional capsize was when I tilted the Greenland paddle as you demonstrate ... whoa!

@jimsnyder4338 4 years ago

Best video I've seen on Greenland paddles. I'm going to get mine out again!

@TomG1555 4 years ago

This was brilliant. I'm still a beginning kayaker, but am already thinking about the possibilities that a Greenland paddle might offer, and this really helped answer a lot of my questions. Thanks much!

@kimbodious 2 years ago

Great tutorial thanks! I have just returned from my first paddle (3km) with a GP. Your advice was spot on. I concentrated on correct technique and while I did my 64 year old creaky shoulders were fine. I also concentrated on paddling as quietly as possible and found by doing so I was using a forward canted stroke. I found I was stronger on one side than the other and naturally adapted by using a longer part of the paddle on my “weaker side”. I am a happy paddler today.