🛶 pros and cons of greenland paddle

Outside of being cool and steeped in history there is a logical reason why I sometimes paddle with a Greenland style paddle than an Euro-blade design.  The wet surface area of the Greenland blade is equal to or greater than the common kayak paddle.  The benefit of the stretched out blade is the even distribution of water pressure along the blades’ surface. This also produces a soft glide and transition within the water. And the ability to conserve energy.

Tailored to fit you

A Greenland Paddle is tailored to to the user’s body.  It is made to fit the paddler like a second skin.  Unfortunately, this means you are not going to find your new paddle in a retail shop.  You either make it yourself your find someone who makes them.  This also means that as your skill and proficiency increases a Greenland style paddler will also go through several paddles until they discover their second skin (a paddle that is a true extension of their body).  If you make the paddle it is the low cost of a 2 x 4.  I have purchased a few on line that were less than $200.

The paddler uses a stroke that matches their body, sometimes long and low – other times like a wing paddle.  The technology of the paddle design  requires less movement of the wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Heavy winds also have less affect on the smaller profile. Thus feathering the paddle is unnecessary. Consequently, the style of usage of this wood paddle generally reduces fatigue, decreases a potential of developing tendonitis or tenosynovitis, and is nice to the muscular-skeletal system of the human body.  The Greenland blade also leans forward because fingers grip the tapered part of the blade.  In comparison, the release of the Euro blade cleanly slices up and out of the water. Ideally it does not lift water. Although, the Greenland paddle works better if it does lift water at the end of the stroke. With the blade canted forward lifting water acts as a turbo boost at the end of the stroke.

Why Wood?

Most Greenland paddles are made of wood. There is a beauty in using wood.  Moreover, the wood shaft is warm on cold days and cool on hot days.  Wood does require a little tender loving care; occasionally it needs a light sanding with a little oil.  There are also a few people making these paddles in carbon fiber.

Some believe that a Greenland style paddle is not fast.  That is not true.  The paddle is efficient in transferring a paddler’s core energy into the water.  Some experience a slow start with the initial plant and purchase (catch of water).  However,  it is like a warming up your engine.  The Greenland paddle starts slow but will steadily overcome other paddles due to the Greenland design.  And modern wing paddles mimic the flow of a Greenland paddle.

The paddle design does take some getting accustom to.  Many first timers try to overpower this type of paddle the first time they put it into the water.  The paddle will quickly inform the paddler if they are not using it correctly.  There will be air pools around the paddle, or the paddle will vibrate.  Or the most dramatic effect in misuse of the paddle can result in an unplanned capsize.  So, a new paddler needs instruction in how to benefit from the paddle.