Video: Greenland Rolling

Andrew Elizaga performs a range of traditional Greenland kayak rolls in his skin-on-frame Greenland kayak identifiable by its low gunwales, overhang at bow and stern, and flare in the shearline.

The six-minute video, long by web standards, pops in with the English variations of the names of each roll. The music score emphasizes Greenland rolling's ease and grace, even if Andrew's tuliq makes him look like an escaped gnome lawn ornament.

Note how some of the rolls Andrew pulls off are meant to increase a paddler's confidence as much as anything else.

If you're skeptical that Greenland rolling is little more than water ballet, watch a Greenland paddler at work in the tidal race at Deception Pass, Washington.

Some of the rolls, with their body twist and set-ups, their execution with just one arm or one hand (the butterfly and crooked arm-rolls, for example), have utility after capsize. Say you find yourself upside down while holding hold a vhf radio or fishing gear...

Just as notable -- at least to me --are the variety of sculling positions good for ducking under large waves and for resting.

Above all, note how loose and relaxed Andrew is. Granted he's in showroom conditions (no wind or swell), but he executes every roll on both his on- and offsides. For sure we sometimes need to roll on our offsides after capsizing in current, wind, or breaking waves.

Also note how thin Andre's Greenland paddle is.

But don't let that fool you. Greenland paddles generate speed and power.

Related posts:
Greenland strokes hints and pointers
The Greenland storm, sprint, high race and low cruising stroke.
Make a carbon fiber Greenland paddle
Carve a Greenland paddle with a router
Greenland kayak replica by Harvey Golden
Rockwell Kent
Skin-on-frame kayaks

Rockwell Kent books on Greenland:

Salamina:


N by E


Wilderness


thanks to Mark Tozer for the video link
copyright 2007 North American Kayak Fishing