Paddle by Feel: A Different Greenland Paddle Forward Stroke Approach

In this video, I’ll walk you through my approach to using a Greenland paddle — just one way to think about it! Personally, I've come to think of the Greenland paddle as a sort of “Continuously Variable Small Wing Paddle” (though let’s be honest, that name probably isn’t going to catch on! 😄). I put a lot of focus on getting a good feel for the water and adjusting the blade angles as I go. With a Greenland paddle, you have to manually and dynamically set those angles to get the best grip, which can definitely be a bit tricky. The way the blade meets the water is actually pretty similar to the bottom edge of a typical wing paddle — and that’s what creates that wing-like, or really more of a propeller-like, effect. You really notice it toward the end of the stroke, when the blade sweeps sharply away from the kayak.
I’ll walk you through how I make the most of the catch—what I look for to keep the blade locked in the sweet spot through the stroke, and how I work on accelerating out of it. The real key is finding that connection between the paddle path, blade angle, and the water—adjusting everything until you create the most resistance. It definitely takes practice, sensitivity, and an interest in the detail, but it’s totally worth it.
I'm not going into body biomechanics here, since much of it aligns with what’s taught by many for wing paddles—especially the ‘J-curve’ style, not so much the straight 45-degree pull some others teach. And this isn't the only way to do it, but it works for me, and I hope it helps you find your own flow. While I paddle at a high angle, the same concepts apply for the more popular low angle stroke (it’s actually easier to feel the correct blade cant with a low angle, so it’s a good place to start). Ultimately, it’s all about experimenting with your technique and developing that water feel over time. So, if you’re up for it, give this approach a try—who knows, you might just find your rhythm!