On Saturday, July 27, join Qajaq USA (pronounced “kayak”) and Delmarva Paddlers Retreat at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum for a workshop focusing on the origins and techniques of Greenland paddling. This workshop will run from 10am–4pm and launch from Fogg’s Cove on CBMM’s St. Michaels, Md., campus.Registration is required.
Greenland paddling is a tradition based on a 1,000-year-old Inuit design, which provides reduced stress on hands, elbows, and shoulders without any loss of control or power. The Greenland paddle has a long, narrow blade about the width of the kayaker’s shoulders and less than four inches across, which tapers to a shaft or “loom.”
CBMM Shipyard Education Programs Manager Jenn Kuhn practices a kayak roll with a Greenland paddle.
Participants are encouraged to try paddling one of the skin-on-frame kayaks over the course of the workshop. Skin-on-frame kayaks are lightweight, built traditionally of seal skin covering a driftwood frame. Today, these kayaks are usually made with woven fabric and are surprisingly tough. Paddlers will also have opportunities to learn about the proper sizing of gear, how to execute wet exits, proper paddling techniques and strokes, and more. There will be introductions to bracing, advanced strokes, and rolling for those who are interested. The workshop is customizable, with extensive options for both new and advanced paddlers.
For more information about Qajaq USA, visit qajaqusa.org. For more information about Delmarva Paddlers Retreat, visit delmarvapaddlersretreat.org.
The cost for the workshop is $100 for non-members, with a 20% discount available for CBMM members. To register and for more information, visit cbmm.org/greenlandintro.
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