Comments on: Video Montage – Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2009

By: Kayak for Kids – Paddlers Wanted - Fat Paddler | A Big Man's Kayak Journey

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:31:15 +0000

[...] there was one thing I learnt during the Hawkesbury Classic last year, it’s that having great people around to share an experience is what really makes [...]

By: fatpaddler

fatpaddler — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:54:45 +0000

Gday Nick. There is some very healthy debate going on regarding Greenland v Euro paddles on http://www.seakayakforum.com too (of which I am actively defendding my beloved stick!). But yes, it is true that for a quick burst of brute power, a Euro will have a little more off the line, which is good for explosive take-offs on waves. That being said, search YouTube for Greenland Paddle Surfing and you’ll see lots of people have no trouble at all surfing with one. I am unashamedly biased of course, but I reckon you can probably do anything with any paddle once you practice enough. As for Freya, yeah she is a huge inspiration. Would love to have a rolling class with her if the chance ever came up!

By: Nick Tzamouzaki

Nick Tzamouzaki — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:37:59 +0000

Thanks for your quick reply and the valuable info,I often log onto NSWKC site which is a wealth of interesting insights from a range of paddlers in your state,read an entry re paddle types,and please don’t quote me,but some paddlers would rather have a euro paddle if in the surf for increased power to get out of a tight spot I think the article was was dealing with feathering actually,
noticed you have a link to Freya’s paddle how amazing is she? I was assisting my daughter in some uni research with her course regarding unwanted seaweed coming into Port Phillip Bay from O.S and we sort of half planned to see the historical departure from Queenscliff in Jan this year, you would not believe the stuff she packed into that boat,I can send you some pics we have if you are interested.
Again thanks Nick

By: fatpaddler

fatpaddler — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:43:14 +0000

Gday Nick! Excellent questions, so here goes:

1. The Mitchell Split Paddle is sold by Sydney sea-kayak specialists http://www.expeditionkayaks.com and they will send them to Melbourne, no probs at all. You can order them through their website (tell them Fat Paddler sent you). I took mine out for the first time yesterday and compared it to my Aussie-made Elver Greenland and I was pretty impressed. And so easy to store on-deck as a spare too.

2. The Boréal Design greenland-inspired paddle (Aloonaq) is a great way to get a feel for the greenland style, but is fundamentally different. It’s not timber so it’s not bouyant & is spoon shaped (a bit like an Aleut Paddle), but it’s quite a good step if you want less shoulder strain but still the benefits of a modern style paddle. I actually reviewed it earlier in the year here: http://fatpaddler.com/2009/08/paddle-review-boreal-design-orca-archipel-aloonaq/

I’ve recently become infatuated with greenland paddles. As an ex-rugby player I think about joints too and the GP feels like it’s not there compared to a euro paddle. You may hear they are slower, and from a standing start that is true in terms of acceleration off the line, but other than that I easily keep up with, and often go faster than, my euro-paddle using friends.

Good luck mate, and feel free to drop me a note if you come up to Sydney and want a paddle on the Harbour.

Cheers! – FP

By: Nick Tzamouzaki

Nick Tzamouzaki — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:32:10 +0000

Hi I,d love to find out where to get the split Mitchell Greenland paddle in Melbourne,you might have heard who the suppliers are? what do you think of the Boreal design greenland style paddle?
I,m relatively new to the sport and a bit older,Geriatric Paddler perhaps (not @ 58 I hope) and the least resistance on the joints the better,
Really love your vids of Sydney Harbour, was up there 2 years ago but not paddling and really regret it, Melborne has nothing to compare,Grass greener on the other side? Seriously the bay can be bit boring @ times, but you can always paddle to Tasmania if you have a death wish, those who do it are really guttsy.
Thanks for the site, Nick

By: fatpaddler

fatpaddler — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:41:19 +0000

Thanks Sofcrafts, glad you enjoyed it. I’m a novice with the GP too but I’m picking it up remarkedly quickly. It just feels SO natural to me – love it! Happy paddles – FP

By: sofcrafts

sofcrafts — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:59:48 +0000

One of the few awesome videos I have watched. As a novice with the GP I think I have learnt quite a bit . At 58yrs I hope one day to take part in events like this. Cheers and keep it up mate.

By: fatpaddler

fatpaddler — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:58:54 +0000

Thanks Randolph. The greenland paddle was great, and the ability to switch between strokes helped alleviate cramping muscles as they seemed to use diffferent muscle groups. Very happy with my GP!

By: Randolph

Randolph — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:00:48 +0000

FP:
Thank you for the video and this grueling achievement. The music is inspiring especially the parts which mention hunger which I always identify with. I trust that you were well fed by competent Team Fat Paddler. What struck me is how impressively you finished after the 18 hours with that calm gliding stroke to direct you onto the beach. How did the Greenland paddle work out?
Sincerely,
Randolph

By: James NomadRip

James NomadRip — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:19:46 +0000

I don’t think I fully grasped how long that was until I saw the “18 hours” part :-O Great job!