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