The Greenland Paddle

The Greenland paddle is characterised by its ability to be gripped comfortably anywhere in its length, so that a wide range of paddling, bracing and rolling techniques can be used - retaining at all times a secure grip. The paddles I build now have evolved from ten years of research, building, use and experimentation.

Having tried different shapes and sections I realized that faithful reproduction of the most common Inuit shape worked best. Laminated paddles proved stronger and less likely to warp. Tough Douglas Fir laminated on top of a Western Red Cedar core seems to give the best combination of strength and lightness. Oak tips both protect the ends of the paddle and enhance its appearance. Locally sourced air dried wood is generally used, and has better colour. For shaping, very sharp hand tools and a simple sanding block work best for me, giving more control of the process.

Both my customers and myself have come to the conclusion that four applications of boiled linseed oil gives the most pleasing finish. This process, which takes about a week involves repeated wetting and drying of the paddle - sanding down the raised grain with each new application of oil. Hence the paddle doesn't roughen or slip when you use it.

The paddles are custom made to be flexible to the needs and preferences of the individual paddler. Height, build, experience, type of kayak and the customer's own preferred paddle length are all taken into consideration in determining the paddle dimensions.

Douglas Fir, Western  Red Cedar, Oak 

To order or simply discuss your requirements, contact Chris Pease by e-mail or call
01209 217114 mobile 07964 943193

or download and fill out the sizing form: Paddlesizingdetailslocked.doc

and attach by e-mail to: info@cornwallcustomkayaks.co.uk

The Greenland Paddle

Split Greenland Paddles

£190 (no VAT) + delivery extra (£5)

The Split Greenland Paddle

To order or simply discuss your requirements, contact Chris Pease by e-mail or call
01209 217114 mobile 07964 943193

or download and fill out the sizing form: Paddlesizingdetailslocked.doc

and attach by e-mail to: info@cornwallcustomkayaks.co.uk

Choosing a paddle
Dimensions

The Greenlanders determined length from anthropological features and intended use. One arm span plus wrist to elbow is a good length for recreational use.

Otherwise try going one to two centimetres longer than your conventional sea going paddle or a length over which you can comfortably rest the top of your palm when standing.

The width of the blade is that which can be comfortably gripped with the base of forefinger and thumb pulled apart from each other.

The length of the loom is the width of the shoulders or the measurement between the hands when hanging down unfettered. This is quite narrow, but not as much as first apparent as only the thumb and forefinger grip the loom (loosely), with the rest of the fingers and palm over the shoulder at the inside end of the blade.

The thickness of the loom is determined by the space inside the thumb and forefinger.

The paddle is gripped with forefinger and thumb on the loom and the palm and remaining fingers on the shoulder at the end of the blade.

Construction

Paddles can be made as light as required through careful selection of materials.

Personal experience is that weight is not of major importance. As Greenland paddles do not require a high arm action, it is much less tiring on the arms (each of your arms weighs about 21 lbs – much more than a paddle). The lower action is also much more stable, and coupled with the narrow loom does not lead to a wide, inefficient stroke.

Paddle weight is generally between 1 and 1.2 kg depending on length and construction, and can built more lightly to order.

Construction is through lamination of strong and light woods such as Western Red Cedar and Douglas fir.

Finish

In the West, Greenland paddles are traditionally oiled, and then sanded down with fine wet & dry paper or steel wool, then wetted and the raised grain cut down through repetition of the process until unaffected by water (generally about four cycles). This way you end up with a secure grip and a beautiful finish that brings out the full natural colour of the wood.

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