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Waterproof paper sample – kayak tested

Today we put together the first sample of the book printed on the new Xerox waterproof and tear proof paper. The paper has a great feel. It is polyester based, giving it a very professional finish. Each page costs 38 cents, which is fairly outrageous. But as my buddy...

Roll of the day – Rock roll, forward to back

I have to say that when I first tried to do the Rock roll I was a little nervous. First I borrowed from our yard a rock that my good lady might miss if it vanished to the bottom of the lake. Second it feels a little crazy to be carrying a rock out on your kayak just...

Progress on Rolling with Sticks™

About eighteen months ago when I was looking for things to keep me occupied I created a concept for a single page kayak rolling tutorial. I started with the Throwing Stick Roll swept from Stern to Bow. I developed diagrams of the kayak from two different angles and in...

Roll of the day – Clenched fist roll, forward to back

Once you have conquered your hand roll, it is only natural to look for ways to push yourself further with the Assak peqillugu nerfallaallugu /Qilerlugu/poorlugu. This roll is as hard to say for the average person as it is to accomplish.The clenched fist rolls are...

Roll of the day – Throwing stick roll, back to back (mummy)

I was surprised by how easy this roll was. But then I have a low volume kayak. Plus I (had) a lot of flexibility at the time. The ease with which you can complete this roll is probably proportional to your ability to lie flat on your kayak's aft deck. I know I am...

A new convert

Mrs C tried a GP the past two weekends and yesterday declared she prefers it. Her new paddle is an 86"x3" Novorca. Now I just need to get her rolling.

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Qajaq Rolls is dedicated to passing on the traditional art of Greenland kayaking. Greenland kayak rolling can be a relaxing, yoga-like exercise. Rolling is also a tremendously valuable self-rescue technique, and should be the go-to recovery for any serious kayaker. Greenland kayak rolls are steeped in the history of the Inuit people, whose very survival depended upon their ability to roll up and recover while hunting. But Greenland kayaking encompasses much more than just rolling, qajaq building, paddle carving, throwing the harpoon and rope gymnastics are just some of the many skills that make up this ancient subsistence culture. If you are interested in learning more about all aspects of Greenland kayaking consider supporting Qajaq USA and Qaannat Katuffiat:

Qajaq USA is a nonprofit membership organization that is officially recognized by Qaannat Kattuffiat (The Greenland Kayaking Association). Qajaq USA is committed to supporting Qaannat Kattuffiat and their efforts to preserve, study and promote the traditions and techniques of Greenland kayaking while seeking to further the appreciation and development of Greenland-style kayaking in the United States.
Please consider joining Qajaq USA and supporting the organizations efforts.

If you are looking to prepare yourself your equipment and then learn your first roll please follow this link to a series of articles put together to help people get started: Getting your first roll. Nothing beats in person training, especially one-on-one training. If you are looking for mentoring check out the Qajaq USA Events where you can become immersed in the culture of traditional paddling.

Free Guidebook and DVD

Rolling with Sticks® started as a project to document the progress I was making as I learned the different Greenland style kayak rolls. This work evolved into the water proof guidebook and DVD. The project has paid for the costs of production so I decided to make them freely available for download in English, español – Spanish and 中文 – Chinese. Please download and share them with your paddling friends, and help to promote the art of Greenland rolling.