Cross Sport Pollination?

When I started sea kayaking fifteen years ago I loved the ocean. When I found the river a decade ago I loved it, too. From then on I split my time between the two, with the occasionally dalliance with kayak polo taking me away from both. But I've found relatively few people who participate in both aspects of kayaking on a serious level.

Paul Kuthe - multidiscipline boater

Sure, most sea kayakers have tried the river, maybe in a whitewater boat. but the learning curve in whitewater is harder than on flat, so many folks bail out after that first attempt, or they just don't want to go all in for new boats and equipment that are necessary for a different sport (and they are very different sports).

Occasionally you can get a hardcore river boat to try to ocean, but most think it's just flat water and they have no interest. If you do get them out in the rocks and waves they're normally a little overwhelmed by the randomness of it all and retreat back to familiar ground.

Jeff Laxier - multidiscipline boater

Lately, though, I'm starting to see more folks who are taking both sports seriously. Mostly its been skilled sea kayakers who are learning that the river helps develop their skills and is a lot of fun in its own right. As more sea kayakers get into rock gardening I hope the changed perception of what ocean paddling can be will also attract the whitewater set who want to challenge themselves.

I've never been one to preach what others should do, but I like to think I've been a pretty good example of what benefits come from opening yourself to variety and pursuing each course to its fullest. So whichever side of the equation you're coming from, I encourage you to try the other side. Don't just sample, dive all the way in. It's the only way to experience the water.

When I paddle for fun and want to push myself I still need to choose between my whitewater friends and my ocean friends. They're each a great group, but I look forward to being able to enjoy all my paddling with the same great folks.

Once more, with feeling

My own GP

I can't believe that I have to do this, but here goes. Every piece of kayak equipment, like every other piece of equipment of any kind, has its advantages and disadvantages. Some things are more suited for one type of paddling or one type of paddler than another. There is no holy grail or universal item that is always best.

So Greenland paddles are not perfect. They are not the best for every single situation. If you want to argue that they are better you need to specify specific circumstances. How long they've been used is irrelevant. That So-and-So uses it for doing such-and-such is irrelevant. Get over it already.

Let me repeat that. Euro paddles are not perfect. They are not the best for every single situation. If you want to argue that they are better you need to specify specific circumstances. How long they've been used is irrelevant. That So-and-So uses it for doing such-and-such is irrelevant. Get over it already.

A variety of Euro blades for different purposes

Greenland paddles are great for long distance touring. They work well in high winds. They really help with balance braces and butterfly rolls. That's great. But they don't have the acceleration of a Euro blade. They don't make sudden corrections as well. They just don't. Choose your tool for your purpose.

Can you rock garden with a Greenland paddle? Sure. You can also rock garden in a nineteen foot ruddered sea  kayak. Can you surf with a Greenland paddle? Sure. You can also surf with a round-bottom, low-rocker kayak. But it will be harder, which for most people means not as fun. I'd rather play in a short boat with a planing hull and lots of rocker. But if you want to challenge yourself then go for it. Just don't try to say that it's just as good. It's not. That's OK, you can use whatever you want, I wouldn't dream of trying to stop you. But I won't accept a logical fallacy.

So if you want to say that a Greenland paddle is better for touring, I'll admit it is (depending on exactly what your definition of touring is). Is it better in a headwind? You bet. And there's probably several more situations where a Greenland paddle is better, and even more where it's equal to a Euro blade. No one is saying that Greenland paddles are bad. We're just saying that every piece of equipment has its advantages and disadvantages and not admitting that is dogma.

Sorry about the rant, maybe election season is rubbing off on me. I don't want that kind of blind adherence to irrational positions mucking up the kayaking world. Especially for new paddlers who lack the experience to know better. Look at the facts, accept the evidence, make your choice based on your own desires (not someone else's commandment), and let others decide for themselves (after they are properly educated). It's how everything should work.

Can't we all just get along

And while we're at it, any roll that finishes with you lying on the back deck of your kayak is not as good as one that ends with you upright and ready to paddle. Logic, people.