Greenland kayak paddles – handmade by MaxPaddles
Kayakers across New Zealand and Australia – as well as worldwide – are discovering the benefits of using Greenland kayak paddles.
Here’s why Greenland kayak paddles are rapidly becoming the paddle of choice for all types of kayakers…
Here’s why Greenland kayak paddles are rapidly becoming the paddle of choice for all types of kayakers…
About Greenland kayak paddles
Greenland kayak paddles were invented centuries ago by some of the most resourceful people in the world – the Inuits of Greenland.
Designed for speed and endurance, the modern Inuit paddle is just as relevant for modern-day kayakers. Whether you’re into ocean kayaking, casual paddling, surf kayaking, or kayak fishing – the Greenland kayak paddle is a great choice.
Why? The Greenland paddle excels in nearly every environment and condition – plus it’s better for your body, and for the environment.
Designed for speed and endurance, the modern Inuit paddle is just as relevant for modern-day kayakers. Whether you’re into ocean kayaking, casual paddling, surf kayaking, or kayak fishing – the Greenland kayak paddle is a great choice.
Why? The Greenland paddle excels in nearly every environment and condition – plus it’s better for your body, and for the environment.
Greenland paddle advantages
The Greenland kayak paddle – also known as the Greenland stick – has a number of advantages over the better-known Euro or blade paddle. Little wonder that so many paddlers think it’s the best kayak paddle:
1. Go further, go faster
Because the Greenland paddle is kinder on your body, you’ll be able to paddle just as far but with less effort and less stress on your body.
People who haven’t used a Greenland paddle before think they might be hard going, because of the stick shape. The opposite is true: once you’ve mastered paddling with a Greenland paddle, you’ll find that the blade actually has more lift, power and catch in the water than the Euro paddle, and you’re moving less water. In short, that means easier paddling with less effort.
Because the Greenland paddle is kinder on your body, you’ll be able to paddle just as far but with less effort and less stress on your body.
People who haven’t used a Greenland paddle before think they might be hard going, because of the stick shape. The opposite is true: once you’ve mastered paddling with a Greenland paddle, you’ll find that the blade actually has more lift, power and catch in the water than the Euro paddle, and you’re moving less water. In short, that means easier paddling with less effort.
Above: Discover why Greenland kayak paddles move your boat – not water.
Your MaxPaddle is lightweight (typically 600 to 700 grams), soft, springy, and perfectly balanced. It’s a pleasure to use, on every stroke of your journey.
2. Shhhh…. relax and enjoy nature
Kayaking is very much about feeling connected with nature; being close to the water; and getting away from the hustle and bustle.
Greenland kayak paddles add to that wonderful experience, because they’re very quiet. You can paddle soundlessly, which means you can easily sneak up on wildlife and observe (or photograph) animals without disturbing them.
3. Tailor-made and handcrafted to suit you
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Greenland paddles: your height and overall physique play a big role as to what you’ll find comfortable, as well as the type of kayak that you use. For example, if you have a sit-on-top kayak, you’ll need a longer paddle than if you’re inside an ocean kayak, as you’re further from the water.
That’s why your MaxPaddle will be handcrafted to suit you, based on some key measurements.
Find out more about ordering a MaxPaddle.
4. Experience “comfort paddling” every time you’re out on the water…
I call the MaxPaddles kayaking experience “comfort paddling”, because you’ll finally have a wonderful, pain-free experience each time you’re out on the water. It really is the best kayak paddle I’ve used – there’s something beautiful about the grace, elegance and flow of Greenland kayak paddles.
In other words, you will rediscover your joy of kayaking with MaxPaddles.
2. Shhhh…. relax and enjoy nature
Kayaking is very much about feeling connected with nature; being close to the water; and getting away from the hustle and bustle.
Greenland kayak paddles add to that wonderful experience, because they’re very quiet. You can paddle soundlessly, which means you can easily sneak up on wildlife and observe (or photograph) animals without disturbing them.
3. Tailor-made and handcrafted to suit you
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Greenland paddles: your height and overall physique play a big role as to what you’ll find comfortable, as well as the type of kayak that you use. For example, if you have a sit-on-top kayak, you’ll need a longer paddle than if you’re inside an ocean kayak, as you’re further from the water.
That’s why your MaxPaddle will be handcrafted to suit you, based on some key measurements.
Find out more about ordering a MaxPaddle.
4. Experience “comfort paddling” every time you’re out on the water…
I call the MaxPaddles kayaking experience “comfort paddling”, because you’ll finally have a wonderful, pain-free experience each time you’re out on the water. It really is the best kayak paddle I’ve used – there’s something beautiful about the grace, elegance and flow of Greenland kayak paddles.
In other words, you will rediscover your joy of kayaking with MaxPaddles.
Above: How to paddle with a Greenland paddle.
See also the Greenland paddling technique recommended by the American chapter of the Greenland Kayak Association.
5. Greenland paddles excel in challenging conditions
Don’t be fooled by the “comfort paddling” aspects of the Greenland kayak paddle: it’s ideal for rolling, and rough water. And when you’re in surf, you can use the paddle as a rudder and control your turns more easily.
If you’re into endurance paddling or getting out there in challenging conditions, you might want to do as the Inuits did: carry a Greenland storm paddle, as well as a standard Greenland paddle. You can order both types from MaxPaddles – and they’ll both be tailor-made for you.
5. Greenland paddles excel in challenging conditions
Don’t be fooled by the “comfort paddling” aspects of the Greenland kayak paddle: it’s ideal for rolling, and rough water. And when you’re in surf, you can use the paddle as a rudder and control your turns more easily.
If you’re into endurance paddling or getting out there in challenging conditions, you might want to do as the Inuits did: carry a Greenland storm paddle, as well as a standard Greenland paddle. You can order both types from MaxPaddles – and they’ll both be tailor-made for you.
Above: See a Greenland storm paddle (and the special sliding stroke) in action.
6. Timber: better for you, better for the environment
Let’s be honest: many of us enjoy kayaking, but find it hard on the body when we use a Euro (blade) paddle. The metal, plastic or carbon materials are hard and unforgiving on our backs, shoulders, wrists and hands.
Happily, the Greenland paddle is hand carved from Western Red Cedar timber: a material that’s lightweight and incredibly strong. As it’s also soft, springy, and a very forgiving material, it therefore puts far less strain on your back, shoulders, wrists, and hands.
You can even leave your gloves at home when you use your MaxPaddle: the timber is so much softer than your regular paddle, that it’s extremely unlikely you’ll get blisters.
An environmentally-friendly choice
MaxPaddles are also kinder on the environment. The Western Red Cedar I use is strictly from renewable sources.
To me, there is something very special about using a unique, crafted paddle that is made from natural materials and not man-made materials. And should your MaxPaddle ever wear out, the timber would readily decompose to feed the ground.
6. Timber: better for you, better for the environment
Let’s be honest: many of us enjoy kayaking, but find it hard on the body when we use a Euro (blade) paddle. The metal, plastic or carbon materials are hard and unforgiving on our backs, shoulders, wrists and hands.
Happily, the Greenland paddle is hand carved from Western Red Cedar timber: a material that’s lightweight and incredibly strong. As it’s also soft, springy, and a very forgiving material, it therefore puts far less strain on your back, shoulders, wrists, and hands.
You can even leave your gloves at home when you use your MaxPaddle: the timber is so much softer than your regular paddle, that it’s extremely unlikely you’ll get blisters.
An environmentally-friendly choice
MaxPaddles are also kinder on the environment. The Western Red Cedar I use is strictly from renewable sources.
To me, there is something very special about using a unique, crafted paddle that is made from natural materials and not man-made materials. And should your MaxPaddle ever wear out, the timber would readily decompose to feed the ground.
What types of handmade kayak paddles are available from MaxPaddles?
There are two types of handmade kayak paddles available – both are tailor-made for you:
Standard Greenland kayak paddle
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Greenland storm paddle
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Standard Greenland kayak paddle
The standard Greenland kayak paddle is your everyday paddle, suitable for most conditions. This is the paddle you’ll use 95% of the time.
It’s lightweight, strong, flexible, and the key to enjoyable “comfort paddling”. Your paddle will feature the MaxPaddles embossing, Max’s signature, and your unique paddle number. You will receive a storage bag for your paddle, as well as a bottle of tung oil, and care instructions. Price: NZ$797 - includes free shipping to New Zealand addresses. |
Greenland storm paddle
Keen kayakers will use the standard Greenland paddle, but will also strap a storm paddle to their boat for emergency use when the going gets tough.
The Greenland storm paddle is shorter than the standard paddle, so there is less wind resistance on the paddle, making it ideal for rough and windy conditions. Your Greenland storm paddle will feature the MaxPaddles embossing, Max’s signature, and your unique paddle number. You will receive a storage bag for your paddle, as well as a bottle of tung oil, and care instructions. Price: NZ$797 - includes free shipping to New Zealand addresses. |
What’s included in the price?
The price includes our Skype call, where I’ll talk you through the measurements I need to tailor-make the paddle to suit you.
After that, I will spend time selecting the ideal piece of Western Red Cedar timber from my supplier. The selection process is important, as the paddle is carved from one solid piece of timber: there are no joins, laminates, or glues used. So it’s important that I spend time selecting the timber.
Next, I will spend many hours in my workshop handcrafting your paddle. All the work is done by hand: there are no computers or lasers; only good old-fashioned craftsmanship.
After that, I will spend time selecting the ideal piece of Western Red Cedar timber from my supplier. The selection process is important, as the paddle is carved from one solid piece of timber: there are no joins, laminates, or glues used. So it’s important that I spend time selecting the timber.
Next, I will spend many hours in my workshop handcrafting your paddle. All the work is done by hand: there are no computers or lasers; only good old-fashioned craftsmanship.
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Once I’m absolutely happy with the shape, I’ll give the paddle 8 coats of tung oil, allowing it to dry in between coats. This process takes about a week. (Tung oil is a natural oil, derived from the nut of the tung tree. It adds a beautiful sheen to the timber; doesn’t crack; and helps preserve and waterproof the wood.)
Your paddle will feature the MaxPaddles embossing – and as your paddle is a unique, handmade masterpiece, it will feature my signature, and also the unique paddle number. You’ll also receive a storage bag for your paddle, as well as a bottle of tung oil, and care instructions. Shipping is free to New Zealand addresses, and NZ$TBC per paddle for Australian customers. For other destinations, please contact me for a shipping price. |
Your paddle will be embossed, signed, and comes with a cotton storage bag, tung oil, and care instructions.
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Your guarantee
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MaxPaddles are strong! Your paddle is guaranteed for one year against defective materials or workmanship, provided it has only been subject to normal use (i.e. paddling). It is not designed to be used as a lever, brace, or anything else other than paddling.
If your paddle does get broken or badly damaged by normal use, please contact me to arrange a replacement paddle. Hyperlink to contact page. |
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How to order your Greenland kayak paddle
Ordering Greenland kayak paddles is easy – see here for full details.
And if you have any questions, please contact me, I’ll be happy to answer them.
Happy paddling,
And if you have any questions, please contact me, I’ll be happy to answer them.
Happy paddling,
Max Love – owner and craftsman, MaxPaddles
Opua, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Opua, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
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FREE shipping in NZ (worldwide shipping also available)
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Your paddle is
tailor-made for you |
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FREE oil and carry case
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