Paddles
I have been using the Greenland paddles for over 20 years. High potential hidden in a modest design and simple form. That's why I was captivated. My first Greenland paddle was by Mr. Shiojima. When I ordered one, he sent me a trial paddle saying "Please try this too." It was very interesting that subtle differences in length affected the usability. After all, I had about six collections in the first few years. After that, I also used overseas Greenland paddles and carbon. Greenland paddles are interesting, though there are some differences. Now, I am out of the so-called "standard" and prefer to use my own size (I'll talk about that later). Greenland style is free. Enjoy freedom in the wide sea.
Size
The choice of size is important. The size of Greenland kayak tools, including paddles, is often determined by the size of the user's body. A frequent question about paddle size is "length." Please stand and extend your arm up. The part where the first joint of the middle finger is caught will be your standard length. I think it's best to try the standard size first and find another size you like. Secondly, "width" is often overlooked, or many kayakers don't have the right size. Some G-paddle users are worried about the torque (propulsion) when paddling, and they use paddles that are too wide for their hands. Its width should be a size that can be grasped firmly. This grip also affects the rolls. I know some examples of it slipping out of their hands because they did not hold it firmly. And you may be worried that the paddles will be too thin and lack propulsion. Please try it if you have a chance. You will find it a useless worry.
Hinomaru Qajaqs
STORM ON sells Greenland paddles made by Hinomaru Qajaqs. I recommend the "two-piece model" to overseas customers due to shipping costs. The prices without shipping are as follows. Both are "two pieces model". Please send your questions here.
Yellow Cedar: 61,200 yen (excluding tax)
Red Cedar: 66,400 yen (excluding tax)
Yes, I know. These are never cheap. It will be expensive compared to other companies' products. But I know this quality well. That is, this price is reasonable. Mr. Furutani, the president of Hinomaru Qajaqs, is a professional log house builder. Due to his job, he is knowledgeable about tree species. He makes good use of the characteristics of each species to his paddles.The "STORM ON model" I use is also made by Hinomaru Qajaqs. It is a thin and very short. Why do you think the reason for this size? Do you rely on paddles when you roll? I think it is very normal. However, it is not reasonable in "Forward-Finish rolls" such as storm roll. There are other things to use to do that perfectly. That is, both legs. Leg drive is required for "F-F rolls". The dimensions of the "STORM ON model" are intended to bring out the effect of both legs without relying on paddles. You can try "STORM ON model" with STORM SHELTER. Please drop in here when you come to Japan.
Yellow Cedar: 61,200 yen (excluding tax)
Red Cedar: 66,400 yen (excluding tax)
Yes, I know. These are never cheap. It will be expensive compared to other companies' products. But I know this quality well. That is, this price is reasonable. Mr. Furutani, the president of Hinomaru Qajaqs, is a professional log house builder. Due to his job, he is knowledgeable about tree species. He makes good use of the characteristics of each species to his paddles.The "STORM ON model" I use is also made by Hinomaru Qajaqs. It is a thin and very short. Why do you think the reason for this size? Do you rely on paddles when you roll? I think it is very normal. However, it is not reasonable in "Forward-Finish rolls" such as storm roll. There are other things to use to do that perfectly. That is, both legs. Leg drive is required for "F-F rolls". The dimensions of the "STORM ON model" are intended to bring out the effect of both legs without relying on paddles. You can try "STORM ON model" with STORM SHELTER. Please drop in here when you come to Japan.
Now, let's exercise!
This is a little tricky exercise with Greenland paddle. As you can see, this requires a great deal of flexibility. A variety of exercises, not just rolls, require flexibility and are important. Can you do this? Unfortunately, I have not been successful yet. hahaha! Helen Wilson who is the president of Qajaq USA first showed me this. She has great flexibility. So all of her rolls are beautiful and elegant. If you could do this, would you send me a video? It will give me a fighting spirit. Thanks! (^^)/
This is a little tricky exercise with Greenland paddle. As you can see, this requires a great deal of flexibility. A variety of exercises, not just rolls, require flexibility and are important. Can you do this? Unfortunately, I have not been successful yet. hahaha! Helen Wilson who is the president of Qajaq USA first showed me this. She has great flexibility. So all of her rolls are beautiful and elegant. If you could do this, would you send me a video? It will give me a fighting spirit. Thanks! (^^)/
Red Cedar Paddles
As you can see in the image, when you get a paddle of the same size but a different tree species, most people say that the red cedar is "light and nice!" By the way, the others are yellow cedar and spruce. Certainly, Red Cedar is extraordinarily lighter than the other two. You may think that light paddles are less tiring after extended use. But keep in mind that there are some drawbacks. Red cedar is soft, so it is weak. You can make a dent scratch with just a slight bump. On the contrary, it has the advantage of being easy to process ... I've seen people fold their paddles in front of me over the last couple of decades and it's mostly red cedar. I've heard that the paddle broke in the water during the roll, and the tip of the fold struck toward the face (helping buoyancy). If you decide only on the advantage of "lightness", there is some risk.
But is Red Cedar then disqualified as a paddle tree species? No, that's not the case. The point is "how to use". Think about why the paddle breaks. Of course, there is the factor of deterioration, but I will exclude it here. Let's think about it just because "a new product is broken". If you have a paddle right now, try breaking it. Perhaps you were standing and pressing the paddle tip against the floor or the ground? If too much load is applied to the blade, it will break at the shoulder or the boundary with the loom. You might get angry, "That's normal!" However, it will break at sea even though it is obvious. It is the accumulation of load. If you rely too much on paddles for both paddling and rolls, the damage will gradually build up. I made such a prelude, but in fact I love the Red Cedar paddle. It's fine to be light. I want to use it for a long time, so I sometimes make a conscious effort not to break it. "Both legs". By using the legs, the load on the paddle is reduced. Of course, I use the leg drive when rolling. In addition, kick in the foot brace firmly when paddling. The load on the paddle will be reduced considerably just by doing these things. With skill up and paddle saves, you will get two birds with one stone.
Stock in the STORM SHELTER
I store various paddles in STORM SHELTER. They are all "trial". When you come to Japan you can use them. Of course, I can use them to hold roll classes for you.The use of different paddles is also important to clarify your preferences, size and material. One company's products are all sold in the same size. Perhaps that is because "mass production" is premised. But are you convinced of that? Petite you and tall friends. Do you have any doubts about using paddles of the same size as each other? The options in the Greenland style are surprisingly many. Many people may be wondering which to choose. STORM SHELTER wants to help solve such problems. I will continue to collect various Greenland paddles from home and abroad. Please come over to here by all means.
Still Editing
