Greenland Kayaking is using the traditional style of paddle that was created an estimated 4,000 years ago by hunters throughout the arctic circle from Alaska to Greenland. These people used a unique kayak design, paddle style, and rolling recovery to survive a harsh environment to feed their families.
I offer five Greenland kayak classes in Florida on using a Greenland style paddle. I have also written a few blog posts on this topic. Below are descriptions of classes and some blog and video links.
But why take a class?
Often I am asked “why take a kayak class” when retailers, people, and electronic media proclaim that it is easy to kayak.
As my son has discovered even though he is stronger than me. I am still able to out distance him due to technique. And I have less soreness than he does after a few days on the water.
My goal is to share the love and knowledge of kayaking and the outdoors with others. And one of the best ways to achieve that goal is to help others learn how to kayak safely and without pain with proper technique.
can’t I just buy gear to improve?
Retailers will not tell customers that technique is what makes kayaking easy. They as well as social media influencers only want you to buy stuff that will wear out. And watching videos, reading books, and self teaching yourself only goes so far. Taking a class with personal instruction earns you knowledge. And knowledge lasts forever.
Class and Presentations on:
Basic Strokes
Weekend package
Rolling
Rescues & Safety
Traditional Skills
Toothpicks for everyone
For on the water classes you must use your personal kayak for class
in the field
- + $25 for additional student
- or free for non for profit groups
indoor presentation
- free for non for profit groups
The reason I prefer to teach in a small forum is to focus on the individual. Information can be lost in large groups and often there are questions left unanswered. Having a personal understanding of our local waters and some of the most unique waterways enables me to customize a class to a student’s needs. I can use the knowledge, training, and certifications I earned from the American Canoe Association (ACA), the British Canoe Union (BCU), and the school of hard knocks to enhance a fun learning environment for the new and experienced student. Paddling is a dream, passion, and means of relaxation for all.
I offer five Greenland kayak classes in Florida on using a Greenland style paddle. I have also written a few blog posts on this topic. Below are descriptions of classes and some blog and video links.
- Basic / Intro Paddling Strokes, $75 three hour class, Thinking about trying Greenland traditional style kayaking, but not sure you want to commit to the ACA Intro to Traditional Qajaq Skills full-day class? Then, this is the perfect course for you. Learn the basics – safety, lingo and how to maneuver a kayak – in three fun-filled hours. In this comprehensive course students also learn how to lessen the chances of capsizing a kayak from a breaking wave or boat wake. Paddlers will work to develop low and high brace recovery strokes; as well as, learn that sculling is just about playing with degrees of wetness. Be sure to follow this one up with a self-recovery class and you will be off to a great start.
- Rolling “Self Recovery Techniques in the event of a capsize”, $50 private instruction, Explore the unique world between being upright and capsized. And students will discover a relaxed, safe, and reliable rolling techniques for the calm to the small craft advisory days. ($35 for repeat sessions)
- ACA Intro to Traditional Qajaq Skills kayak class, $85 eight hours of instruction $95 for non American Canoe Association members. Here you will learn why the Greenlanders are the masters of the roll. Part of the class will be an exhibition of many effortless rolls. We will practice paddling, sculling, balance braces, and rolls. You will work on learning to roll or for those having a solid roll, you may learn a new one. Having a Greenland style kayak with a low back and Greenland paddle really helps with this clinic.
- Greenland Kayak weekend package, Three hours of private instruction on Saturday, and a semi private catered kayak trip on Sunday. $100
- Toothpicks for Everyone, Land based lecture class, Thinking about why your fellow paddlers are using 8,000-year-old technology to paddle their kayaks. Or, you want to know how a Greenland style paddle can be good for your body. Request this Lecture class for your group of friends and learn another way of going green.
Florida O.A.T.S. 