What are Greenland Storm Paddles...

(Shorter version of the Greenland)

The South Greenland ‘storm’ paddle is meant to be used continually in the full sliding stroke mode. It is useful as a spare paddle since it can be stored on deck easily because of it's short length. The correct length should be equal to the distance from fingertip to fingertip with the paddler’s arms outstretched. Construction and materials are the same as for normal length paddles

Stroking: The complete stroke is performed by holding the paddle first on one side and then the other. When changing sides, the paddle is slid through the hands so that the hand positions are exchanged.

1. The paddle is held with the outer end of one blade in one hand and the other hand gripping the inner end of the other blade (middle of the paddle). The stroke is performed in the normal manner on that side and at the end of the stroke the hand positions are exchanged as follows.
2. Without changing the grip, the paddle is first lifted into the normal position for the start of the opposite stroke.
3. At that point the hand gripping the outer blade is moved to the middle of the paddle (i.e. to the short shaft or the inner end of the blade).
4. This hand then pulls the downward blade into the water, while the upper blade slides through the upper (stationary) hand to a comfortable position.
5. At this point the opposite stroke can start.

When learning, it is best to try to move only one hand, keeping the hand in the air more or less stationary at the start of the stroke on each side. Eventually, with practice, the hand in the air can give a short push or throw to the paddle so that the lower hand does not need to move up quite as far to reach the middle position. When practised and fluent both hands will be moving at the same time at changeover.

Most beginners tend to change hand positions by moving first one hand and then the other in a two stage process. This is slow and should be avoided at the outset, if possible, by keeping the hand in the air stationary. Practice in slow motion on dry land at first until the movement is more fluid. It is essential to become confident with it before relying on it as a back-up or spare paddle.