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.