2-piece Feathercraft:
http://www.feathercraft.com/paddles.php
Mitchell GPs and designs/shape info
Seen one and held it at a kayak fest. Maybe OK, but was not the equal of any Superior to me.
Quality was good, but it was a sort of a non-descript laminated thing that lacked the fine points of a good GP - which IMO should not be much like a canoe paddle at all (and the Mitchell and some others are just like long narrow canoe paddles, which is not the way to make a good GP). Someone at the show had a two piece (not the Feathercraft) that was also less than inspiring in similar ways.
Look at the Chuck holst plans over at QajaqUSA. If your paddle does not have a squared oval loom, transition to a somewhat fat oval at the shoulders - then into a smoothed diamond, and then flattening out as it transitions down the blade into a very thin flat lenticular (oval) shape - You are being shortchanged. ALL of those shapes do something.
A GP is not just a paddle with long narrow blades. I think you risk missing some of the magic if you don’t get the real deal.
There are lots of good makers - and don’t mean to sound like there is only one way to go - I just have experience with Superior and know the designs and quality are right (and no one else has carbon).
Those aren’t two piece
From that site’s only English page:
“At the moment they build just Sea Kayak Paddles with straight and aligned shovels, so paddles cannot be dismantled. One of the near future AVATAK® PAGAIE targets is to produce the full actual Paddle Collection on the dismantled version.”
The woodwork looks excellent, and they do have many models, but only one shouldered Greenland and in only one size: 96"!!! A bit big for my tastes. Blades are 35.25 x 3.5" and loom is 25.5" - also way too long for me as it would make my grip much more than shoulder width (probably OK for Midwest US style GPers). Weight is 35-40 oz. Not bad for wood - but HEAVY to me as I’m spoiled.
I’d stick with someone with some size options, and USD is still down against teh Euro anyway so price ain’t that great.
FWIW
2-piece
Airwave beat me too it. Klatwa’s probably the best 2 piece. Only one size - but it’s a good compromise. If I had a folder I’d seriously consider one.
There used to be breakage issues - but pretty sure this has been addressed. One of the benefits of a GP are extended strokes and sculling and with some users this can stress the connection.
Search QajaqUSA board as this paddle has been discussed a few times and you can get first hand reports.
Transporting a one piece GP
I carry my one piece 88" GP (and 76" storm) INSIDE a Dodge Neon (split fold-down rear seat) with no trouble.
If you need to carry externally on rack, you can use a 4" (or larger) diameter PVC pipe - with one end sealed - the other end with screw in end cap - and even rig a samll hasp & padlock on it. Look at any plumbers truck/van and you’ll see the same thing used to carry smaller pipe.
A couple of ideas
Post on qaqaqusa.com and mention you want a Greenland paddle. Probably get one real cheap. If you can find one, an Eddyline Ultraswift could be a great alternative to a Greenland Paddle. It has a 4" wide blade and was made only for Baidarka Boats in Sitka www.kayaksite.com They may have a couple of leftovers around. Good luck with your boat.
Chuck
I second what Greyak said
"Look at the Chuck holst plans over at QajaqUSA. If your paddle does not have a squared oval loom, transition to a somewhat fat oval at the shoulders - then into a smoothed diamond, and then flattening out as it transitions down the blade into a very thin flat lenticular (oval) shape - You are being shortchanged. ALL of those shapes do something.
A GP is not just a paddle with long narrow blades. I think you risk missing some of the magic if you don’t get the real deal."
Yes definitely check out Chuck Holsts’ plans. You’ll have a good idea of what a good GP should be shaped like and you can follow his directions for sizing.
I think the reasons that there are
few Greenland take-aparts are that 1) the ferrule wouldn’t be round, which is complicated to make, and 2) any kind of joint might inhibit the very quick sliding of the paddle through the hands into “extended” position, which is integral to Greenland technique, permitting all sorts of bizarre and interesting rolls and sculling methods that other paddles can’t do.
But I’m happy to hear there’s a take-apart model out there–I’ve wanted one to my vacation destination is more expensive than it used to be.
Sanjay
Paddle case
A 4" PVC case will carry 3 GPs. It also garners some interesting stares when it’s mounted on your roof rack.
You’re killing me
You guys are right on the edge of having me drop $340 for a carbon Superior, and I’ve never even held a Greenland paddle!
I’m thinking 88" or so. I’m 6’ tall, have a 33" inseam, and will be using it in the Arctic Hawk. Sound about right? I’m thinking that I’ll want to be paddling with good torso rotation and as much of a “wing like” stroke that would be appropriate to this sort of paddle - similar to what I’m seeing in video clips on the Qajak site.
Well…
If you don’t want to spend the money, making wooden ones is not hard, especially if you can rough it out on a bandsaw. Then it’s just some quiet time with a block plane to turn it into something that flows.
Yesterday evening I was sitting on the back step liberating a storm paddle from a piece of cedar while the dogs worked on their own sticks. Nice way to end the day.
go for it!
– Last Updated: Apr-08-04 9:54 AM EST –
it's a fantastic paddle and anyone would be proud owning one. i've played with this paddle a fair amount and loved it although i can't imagine spending that much on a paddle at this point in my life. i'm learning to carve out wooden GPs. of course the first one that i made isn't the greatest but it works on the water! storm paddle is next for me.
I have a Perception Sonoma 13.5 and was thinking about the length of the storm paddle. Would it be small enough to fit on this small boat as a spare? I'm 5'8" so I'm not exactly sure how long the paddle is going to be. I figure I'm just going to use my current GP's length and take out the loom with the exception of two fist lengths. That still seems like it will be fairly long. What do you guys think?
Joint
Hmmmm…seems that you might be better off having the joint where the loom enters the shoulder instead of in the center of the loom. How about having a slightly-tapered loom extension slide into the blade root and engage a stainless camlock fastener, something like the ones used in knockdown furniture? You’d just need an additional hole big enough for a hex key.
well no one wants
to hear this,
But Al Anderson of Betsie Bay will do a take a apart.
He doesn’t like to do them, but he will.
It cost extra and above the 220 price tag though. I am having him do it to my older and longer “Inuit” which is 90" x 3.5". This way I can have a full size spare, and something to travel with on the airlines.
Sizing
Measure from floor to top of you palm (arm raised vertical) for a ballpark fit. Paddle should be just long enough that you can wrap your fingers over it standing. That’s a loose quide though. Some like a little shorter, some longer (same with guidelines for sizing loom length and blade width).
I like my 88. Feels right. At 5’9" (nearly 6 ft armspan) I have to stretch just a hair to get fingers over - but it’s in range.
If you are serious about the carbon, and can swallow the price - it is a very sweet paddle. 88" or 89" should work. Loom will be about 21". Worked perfect for me as it ends up being the exact length as if I would have custom ordered in wood. Matches my shoulder/grip width and kayak beam well.
With wood, you can get more size and other options. Different makers have different size options - and many custom build.
Technique
Almost unlimited in ways you can use a GP.
You can use a very winglike stroke, but hand are lower (upper hand with wing is at eye to chin level - probably somewhere below chin to mid/upper chest with GP) due to shorter loom.
The qajaqUSA videos are great. Also search for wing stroke video as and compare.
Some other differnces with a more GP specific stroke: Catch is a bit softer - and you can extend the stroke farther back with GP. When doing this you can add a slight ab crunch to the motion.
Too much else to ramble about here. The water will show you.
Oh - one last thing on the carbon. It transimits sound very well. You can hear any bubbles being drawn in with the stroke (grating/hissing/flushing sound). Clean catches and strokes are silent. The paddle teaches you a good stroke if you listen. When you hear nothing, you’re there! (Wood does this too, just not so clearly). The sound paddling head on into a rain shower is to cool to desribe.
Greenland Advice?
I’m wanting to build my own boat. I’m a beginner, but no stranger to tippy boats. Greenland style or Bidarka boats are the only kayaks that interest me. I’m considering Mark Rodgers class this fall, but his construction materials concern me (using jute and cotton rather than synthetics)
Any advice for a 5’11 3/4" 200lber, as far as boats?
I’ve looked at the Artic Hawk and Shearwaters 19ft bidarka. I’d be sold on the kayak class if it wasn’t for the cotton and jute.
What do you all think?
Jason
If You 're Not Turned Off
– Last Updated: Apr-08-04 4:34 PM EST –
with working with your hands, get Mark Starr, Chris Cunningham and/or Robert Morris' books on how to build a Greenland SOF. I prefer Morris' approach and his book has directions for a rather narrow rocket like baidarka -- not a first boat -- and other boats as well. Morris' approach will lead you to a good first boat -- a little challenging in beam for someone new to kayaking but not overwhelming.
Then as you begin to build, go to qajaq/usa or kayakforum to get answers and support as you go.
If you want a baidarka, get Wolfgang Brink's book and do a search on the Baidarka builders litserv.
Here is the Qajaq/USA reference page:
http://www.qajaqusa.org/Equipment/equipment.htm
sing
For those who may not
know, modest Sing paddles a beautiful handmade skin-on-frame boat, when he’s not thrashing waves in his whitewater boats.
Sanjay