Sea Kayak Camping

We started by shorter trips. Weekend trips to places that had
campsites already. Tobermory is a great trip, btw, if you can make it
that North. We didn't do any cold weather stuff though.

I would say work yourself up further and further. Trial and error is
important. Know (test) your equipment before you find yourslef
rebuilding stoves 2 days into the field (my buddy didn't test his so I
was rebuilding it). Don't take stuff you don't need, know what you
need by doing eventually longer treks. Kayaks can pack a lot of stuff,
but you stilll have to be smart. Dry bags are your best friend. They
are inexpensive, get many.

Alex, would love to see your winter camping photos. Post on Flickr.

Cheers
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Brain ,

Looking at buying Greenland style paddle . How different are the paddle
strokes and roll with the Greenland paddle ?

Brian Nystrom wrote:
> Drew Cutter wrote:
>> What the best way to learn to camp sea kayaking ? A week at the most
>> ,on lake erie. Year around camping , winter (maybe) .
>
> Get some dry bags, pack your camping gear in them, shove 'em in your
> boat and do an overnight trip. Repeat a few times until you've got your
> gear needs and packing scheme worked out, then do your longer trip(s).
 >> Stay informed about: Sea Kayak Camping 

Drew Cutter wrote:
> Brain ,
>
> Looking at buying Greenland style paddle . How different are the paddle
> strokes and roll with the Greenland paddle ?

The stroke is quite different, though it may not be obvious. You don't
reach as far forward (~ mid-calf) at the start, power is applied more
gradually and the paddle exits well past the hip. The upper hand is push
diagonally across the deck and down. As with a Euro paddle, the height
of the stroke varies with how hard you're paddling. The harder you're
going, the more vertical the stroke becomes.

The canted stroke is a more advanced stroke used by most Greenland
paddlers. The upper edge of the blade is canted forward at the catch.
This causes the blade to bury very quickly and increases its bite on the
water during the stroke. It takes some getting use to, but it's very
effective.

As for making the transition, it depends on what you're using now. If
you're using a feathered paddle, there's a certain amount of
"un-learning" involved, since there is no control hand with a GP.

Rolling with a GP is so easy that it almost seems like cheating.
 >> Stay informed about: Sea Kayak Camping 

Brain ,

Where can i get lessons or books on perfecting the Greenland style of
paddling. I know someone who is just finishing up a wooden sea kayak.
Sounds like he was interested in purchasing Greenland paddle. Did find
an article in latest kayak/canoe magazine.

Brian Nystrom wrote:
> Drew Cutter wrote:
>> Brain ,
>>
>> Looking at buying Greenland style paddle . How different are the
>> paddle strokes and roll with the Greenland paddle ?
>
> The stroke is quite different, though it may not be obvious. You don't
> reach as far forward (~ mid-calf) at the start, power is applied more
> gradually and the paddle exits well past the hip. The upper hand is push
> diagonally across the deck and down. As with a Euro paddle, the height
> of the stroke varies with how hard you're paddling. The harder you're
> going, the more vertical the stroke becomes.
>
> The canted stroke is a more advanced stroke used by most Greenland
> paddlers. The upper edge of the blade is canted forward at the catch.
> This causes the blade to bury very quickly and increases its bite on the
> water during the stroke. It takes some getting use to, but it's very
> effective.
>
> As for making the transition, it depends on what you're using now. If
> you're using a feathered paddle, there's a certain amount of
> "un-learning" involved, since there is no control hand with a GP.
>
> Rolling with a GP is so easy that it almost seems like cheating.
 >> Stay informed about: Sea Kayak Camping 

Drew Cutter wrote:
> Brain ,
>
> Where can i get lessons or books on perfecting the Greenland style of
> paddling. I know someone who is just finishing up a wooden sea kayak.
> Sounds like he was interested in purchasing Greenland paddle. Did find
> an article in latest kayak/canoe magazine.

The best resource for GP information is the Qajaq USA website:
www.qajaqusa.org. There are written descriptions and video clips that
should show you all you need to know.
 >> Stay informed about: Sea Kayak Camping 

Thanks for the link.

Brian Nystrom wrote:
> Drew Cutter wrote:
>> Brain ,
>>
>> Where can i get lessons or books on perfecting the Greenland style of
>> paddling. I know someone who is just finishing up a wooden sea kayak.
>> Sounds like he was interested in purchasing Greenland paddle. Did find
>> an article in latest kayak/canoe magazine.
>
> The best resource for GP information is the Qajaq USA website:
> www.qajaqusa.org. There are written descriptions and video clips that
> should show you all you need to know.
 >> Stay informed about: Sea Kayak Camping 

Drew Cutter wrote:
> I'm considering Lake Fontaine (sp?) on the N.C , TN border . Then work
> my way up to island on lake Erie.
>
Remember that Fontana is a winter draw down lake for Flood Control, so
you generally have to work your way over some mud to get to the
campsites. However, the north side of Fontana is in the GSMNP and there
are some nice sites that are boat in only.

Larry
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