Norsaq
A norsaq is a Greenlandic throwing board used to help accelerate a harpoon. It can also assist a kayak recovery. I knew a few norsaq rolls before I bought my harpoon, but learning to throw gave the little tool in my hand a fuller meaning.
At Cooper’s Bayou, an overenthusiastic throw put me upside down in my Necky Chatham 17. The norsaq was still in my hand. I tucked forward and recovered to finish leaning aft, using Norsamik nerfallaallugu, the norsaq layback recovery. Throwing and rolling had suddenly become parts of the same event.
Here I gather my experiences with the norsaq, its uses, and the connection between practice and understanding. For the wider context, explore Greenland kayaking and harpoon throwing.
Watch the skill and explore its context
The Liquid Rhythm Kayaking video archives: Look for the recording titled “throwing stick, greenland kayak roll.” The inventory identifies it as a norsaq recovery filmed at the 2007 Sarasota competition.
Every Roll Begins With a Failed Brace: My discussion of recovery skills when equipment, an occupied hand, or other circumstances complicate a capsize.
What the Water Taught Us to Remember, at FloridaOATS: Why learning a movement and passing on its context belong together.
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My First Greenland Rolling Competition: Sarasota Kayak Festival, 2007
Jeff Fabiszewski recalls his first Greenland qajaq rolling competition at the 2007 Sarasota Kayak Festival, where he placed second, with original photographs and seven archival video links.
