Greenland paddling offers lots of benefits including, a quieter stroke, increased feeling of the water, reduced stress on wrists and shoulders and more versatility in paddling. Paddling with a Greenland ‘stick’ can be just as efficient as a euro blade, it offers lots of new techniques to learn and connects the modern paddler to sea kayaking’s heritage. For many it offers a deeper, more spiritual connection to the sport.
The Greenland paddling scene is growing. Many paddlers in the UK use a Greenland paddle full time – however lots use it just like a euro blade and struggle for specific skills based coaching with the majority of providers in the UK offering coaching with euro blades.
This course was created to help progress the developing Greenland paddling scene and offer people the chance to try Greenland paddling with a coach before committing to buying one. It’s also for those who already have a Greenland paddle and are looking for skills based coaching to improve efficiency and confidence.
Course dates coming soon – please email us to register your interest!
Two Days Greenland Paddle Skills Course
We will start the day with a formal presentation helping you to have a clearer understanding of the origins of Greenland kayaking and the different types of paddles available. We then head to the water to find a comfortable place to practice and develop the skills and strokes. Towards the end of each day we will look at some of the wet skills like support strokes and sculling.
Day two, you get the opportunity to put your new skills into practice. We will spend the day going on a journey with plenty of time to put your skills into place. We will aim to be in a coastal environment with a chance to get in amongst the rocks and close to wildlife.
Course Content Will Include:
- The history of Greenland paddling and the difference in paddle types.
- Forwards Paddling Strokes: The difference in strokes and when to use them.
- Reverse paddling.
- Turning Strokes.
- Balance and the Climbing blade.
- Support Strokes, Sculling and Wet skills
- Rolling (Please note – the main focus of this course is Greenland paddle skills on the move. We will have a chance to look at the roll at the end of each day but this is not a specific Greenland rolling course – please look at our Rolling Events for Rolling specific courses also available throughout the year.)
- Personal Skills: We will work with you on your personal skills to help build your confidence in conditions.
What's included?
- Sea Kayaking Cornwall’s experienced coach with area knowledge offering coaching, assistance, planning and safety throughout the course.
- Kayak – we supply suitable sea kayaks. You are welcome to bring your own kayak which we will gladly place on our trailer and transport and store for you during the duration of your course.
- Spray decks.
- Paddles. (If you have already purchased a Greenland paddle please bring it along!)
- Buoyancy aids /PFD.
- Paddling kit – We can supply wind proof jackets (cags), thermal rash vests, wetsuits, and helmets.
- Kayak storage and under cover drying area in our barn.
What's not included?
- Transport to start locations in Cornwall. We have a limited number of passenger seats available in our van, please advise if you require transport from our site to launch locations before your arrival.
- Food and beverages during the trip.
- Accommodation.
- Suitable footwear.
Time and Location
Meet at our base at 9:15 am on the first day of your course:
Sea Kayaking Cornwall
Tregedna Farm
Maenporth
Falmouth
TR11 5HL
We will brief and debrief each day at our warm and fully equipped log cabin at Tregedna Farm with a welcoming cup of coffee or tea and free Wi-Fi to source our weather forecasts (or to check mails).
We will plan each day around what we need to learn and achieve in conjunction with what the weather allows us to do.
What to bring
What To Bring – Recommended
- Travel insurance.
- Food & drinks. Packed lunches, snacks, hot drinks, water etc.
- Dry bags – various sizes for lunch, valuables and dry clothes to change into at the end of the day.
- Paddling kit – suitable for cold-water paddling. You will get wet! We supply suitable and appropriate entry level paddling kit. However, we do advise that you bring your own paddling kit that you would normally use for a comfortable paddling experience relevant to an intermediate level you are training at.
- Please contact us if you are uncertain that you have the correct gear. We can supply windproof jackets, thermal rash vests, and wetsuits.
- Suitable footwear: Wetsuit booties / water shoes / old trainers.
- Sun cream.
- Sunglasses and hat.
- Camera.
- Personal medication and first aid kit.
- Money, as there is cafes and restaurants to visit.
- Safety kit – if you wish to learn or practice with kit you have, we would suggest that you bring it along to familiarise and train with during the weekend, a group can never have too much safety kit.
Accommodation
This course consists of individual days of training from our Cornwall base while enjoying accommodation of your choice.
The best option if you have your own transport is our neighbourly lodge and campsite at Tregedna Farm –
Tregedna Farm Holidays
Please enquire and book directly with Tregedna Farm holidays
http://www.tregednafarmholidays.co.uk/
Further accommodation options can be found at
www.seakayakingcornwall.com/accommodation/
Travel
www.seakayakingcornwall.com/about-us/getting-here/
At a Glance..
- Price: £250 per person
- Dates: Available throughout the year!
Download the course PDF
We have put all the information on this page and more into a handy reference document for you to download.
What experience do I need?
This course is aimed at paddlers who have attended at least an INTRO-mediate level course. It also is suitable for Intermediate – Advanced paddlers looking to try Greenland style paddling.
The course aims to give a solid foundation in Greenland paddling and aims to take place in a sheltered water environment with possible exposure to moderate conditions.
To get the most out of the course you should be fairly fit and comfortable swimming or floating with a buoyancy aid. All participants will be required to complete a full medical questionnaire.
This course is suitable for kayakers who have completed a few formal courses, belong to a kayak club or have a few years experience or miles under their blades.
You must have some understanding of the different euro blade strokes and how to use them to manoeuvre and control a sea kayak in moderate to windy conditions up to force 3 and have experienced conditions associated with force 4.
This course isn’t suitable for paddlers who are still learning to handle a sea kayak, please look at our Introduction and Intro-mediate courses to gain a foundation before attending this course.
If you have any questions regarding the required ability please feel free to contact us on info@seakayakingcornwall.com.com.
Contact Us
Please give us a call if you have any queries or wish to discuss any of our courses or expeditions:
0044 (0)1326 250889 (office)
0044 (0) 7555 763695 (Shaun Rodgers)
0044 (0) 7455 884482 (James Roberts)