Elver Greenland Paddles (Image Credit: www.elverpaddles.com)
This will be short and sweet, as I don’t intend doing a full review of Greenland paddling itself. But I did receive my new Elver Greenland Paddle yesterday (having recently been converted to Greenland paddles with my CohoKayak greenlander) and couldn’t wait to get out onto the Harbour for a kayak.
The Elver paddle itself is quite different from the CohoKayak. At 2.22m long the Elver paddle is 30cm longer than the CohoKayak but a good 2-3cm narrower. It is carved from a single piece of Western Red Cedar, is nicely oiled and fits perfectly in the hand.
Heading out onto Sydney Harbour just after 6am this morning, I decided to brave the ocean swell coming through the Harbour heads and cross over the shipping-lane to Watsons Bay. Braving 3-4 foot multi-directional chop, I carved my way through the waves at a handy 7.5km/hr. When I wanted a bit of raw power, I’d switch to a sliding stroke, finding the narrower blades far easier to use for this technique.
Fat Paddler in "Cayenne" with Elver Greenland paddle, Sydney Harbour
The final verdict? Simply awesome. I am so happy with this blade the rest of my paddles can expect to be retired. It is well crafted, paddles with ease, is bouyant, easily switches from a standard forward stroke to a sliding stroke, and quite simply looks beautiful.
Thanks Elver Paddles, great job. Now, how much for one of your storm paddles?? 
Awesome paddle. Reckon you’re doing the right thing mate. Wish I had one too.
Not sure about the sliding stoke though; I’d probably drop it!
Well I have two greenlanders now, so you can always borrow one if you want to try one.
its great to see a few more greenland paddles out there,I’ve just finished making my fifth; I’m glad I’m not the only one with a greenland paddle addiction!
I’m really keen to learn how to make them too. I have all the books, now I just need to get the equipment.
There is also an alternative/variation to the popular Greenland paddle: the Aleut one.
While a bit more complex to carve (it has concave faces, a grooved ridge and an asymmetrical back side) the feel is similar to a GP but for me it was easier to learn the new technique.
More details at http://gnarlydognews.blogspot.com/2009/09/aleut-paddle-by-vanstix.html