Description
Hand crafted wooden Greenland Paddle. Constructed using a series of laminates in hardwood and Western Red Cedar to provide a combination of strength and low weight to produce a beautiful and functional paddle.
Custom made for you. Made to order – Approximately 21 days
For assistance on deciding on the correct measurements please visit the Guidance Here. If you would like clarification please call John on 07722018457.
This is classified as a large item by Royal Mail and couriers – Postage is £44. Please select Large/Long item: £50.00 at the checkout. International Postage to limited countries is possible. The cost of postage to most of the world averages out at £80.00
Please note postage is currently subsidized. . Parcel force pricing If we could find a cheaper option we would.
Description
The main body of the blade is Western Red Cedar which is lighter but less strong. WRC varies significantly in colour from very light to deep red, both from plank to plank and within each plank.
The darker hardwood edge armour are generally made from Walnut or mahogany.
The lighter hardwood edge armour are generally made from Ash, cherry or Popular/Tulipwood
In all case the timber is chosen from our available stock to have an appealing appearance.
The blade length is determined by subtracting the loom length from the over-all length and dividing by two. . . . the longer the loom the less blade you have to work with!
We are no longer making the ‘Western Wide’ version of this paddle. Making a paddle of wider dimensions than our medium version negates many of the benefits of using a Greenland paddle.
rubdoon (verified owner) –
I took my new Valkyrie craft Greenland paddle out for my first try out today and man was I blown away. Not only does this paddle look great, it performs exceptionally well. I had it out on loch venachar in Scotland for little over 3 hours and I was like a kid at Christmas. Paddle feels so natural to use. The wood feels better than any carbon or plastic paddle and your whole body just gets in sync with the paddle effortlessly. Thank you so much John at Valkyrie craft for creating my new main paddle. Love it.
Elaine Boyd (verified owner) –
As well as being a work of art, it’s well weighted, strong and function piece of paddling equipment. On my first day out with it I felt confident enough to use it as my main paddle in Force 6 conditions, and it performed admirably. I also have a Valkyrie canoe paddle which is 5 years old now, so I’m very happy to add the Greenland to my collection of Valkyrie paddles. Thanks John!
robert bainsfair (verified owner) –
Wonderful paddle. Beautiful to look at too.
Robert Bainsfair (verified owner) –
My fiancé bought me a new Greenland paddle for our engagement. I already have one of Johns paddle that I love, but the new paddle (left hand paddle in pics) is even better. I find it smoother going into the water and throughout each stroke. Great job John, and the usual impeccable service. Bob
Rufus N. (verified owner) –
I’ve never used a Greenland stick before, and this was a revelation. It is light and fluid in the hand and has immediately relaxed and improved my stroke. It is also a deeply aesthetic object, gorgeously crafted. I expected as a relative novice to struggle to adapt to it, but it has immediately become my paddle of choice.
John Bendiks (verified owner) –
Fabulous paddle that is extremely well made and handles well. Used it a few times now and it certainly is a lot easier on the old muscles. Wished I’d bought one years ago.
Brona S. (verified owner) –
Delighted with my new greenland paddle, John has done an excellent job, it’s beautifully crafted. I’ve achieved my balance brace and roll since getting it this month, making it extra special for me!
John Bendiks (verified owner) –
Wonderful paddle and wonderful service. When it arrived I was a bit concerned as it is, of course, heavier than my carbon fibre Greenland paddle but on using it it is so well balanced that it somehow feels lighter. Great on the muscles and no back strain that I’ve been getting when paddling with other paddles either. The extra 10cm length to 240cm that I asked for gives me the correct clearance for my wide sit on top kayak as well. Couldn’t be happier.
Paul Gardner (verified owner) –
My new paddle looks beautiful and does its job well.
Ben mcwatt –
John made me a traditional Greenland paddle and it met all my expectations and more. The quality of work is amazing to say the least and the way it performs is worth every penny. I’ve never used a Greenland paddle before so was unsure what to expect but it just felt right straight away. I am so very very pleased with it, thank you so much.
Pat (verified owner) –
Thanks for the greenland paddle John, great craftmanship. Looks great and really lovely to paddle with.
Russell –
I absolutely love my Greenland paddle from John, it is beautiful to look at and a joy to paddle with.
The customer service could not be better; my original order arrived damaged by the courier and John supplied a replacement to my specifications promptly, thank you.
Dave Pedlar –
A piece of art and great to paddle with! I bought it to replace my old GP that had cracked. This new one feels much nicer to paddle as it was made exactly to the spec I asked for and is much better quality. It’s great for paddling and makes rolls easy too! It’s is an absolute bargain!
Jamie –
Beautiful paddle. Came well packaged. I’ve got it wet a few times now and love it.
Malc Heathcote –
Five stars for the whole paddle procurement experience. John took the time to contact me to query my order to make sure everything was just right. He even looked up my kayak spec to ensure that the paddle dimensions we had agreed were appropriate.
I ordered a traditional narrow Greenland paddle with a standard 4″ taper and it arrived safe and sound within the 21 days lead time that John had specified. I intercepted the postman before he was tempted to feed it through the letterbox and unwrapped it to reveal an absolute work of art. The experience, skill and love that the craftsman has poured into this paddle is so evident that my missus cried when she saw it.
This is my first experience of a Greenland paddle. I’ve had a few outings now and I can’t believe the difference it makes. It feels like an extension of me and it has made my kayak come alive. It’s fun!!
If you are wondering whether to get a GP, I can only say that I’m glad I did. The euro paddle now seems so clumsy in comparison. If you are worried about speed, with a few tweaks to your paddling technique, you won’t notice a significant drop in speed so much as a huge drop in perceived effort.
If you are wondering whether to get a GP from Valkyrie Craft, my experience is that John is a very skilled and proud craftsman who cares very much about the quality of his product and the satisfaction of his customers. I will certainly use his services again.
Euan –
Firstly, This paddle is very well made, feeling light and sturdy at the same time. Now having used it I can say it is very pleasant to use, straining the arms and shoulders less than a conventional paddle, without any loss of speed. Overall I am very happy with this, and will be using it for the foreseeable future.
Frank Winstanley –
Delighted with the new GP. It looks really nice and performs well. Thanks John
Nathanael –
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! what a beautiful looking paddle I think I going to hang it on the wall for display when not in use such a work of art.
The paddle was shipped to Australia supper quick no hassles, and the paddle performs nicely in the water feels great in the hands I’m supper happy with it thanks John.
Paul Cokeley –
Just took delivery of my second Greenland Paddle made by John. They are fantastic. The quality is second to none. Having owned several GPs these are the best. Beautiful to paddle, strong and durable. A true craftsman.
Richard Jennings –
Had good use out of my paddle now and it really is a masterpiece.
Beautiful craftsmanship, very comfortable in the hand it silently slices with no flutter whatsoever. Very easy on the body on long trips and powers the load at better speed than my carbon euro blades. Fantastic.
Tommy Merritt –
Thanks John,
The Greenland paddle is great, perfectly shaped and well balanced. The blades enter and exit nice and smooth with no flutter on the stroke. My favorite paddles have always been wood and this one goes to the top of all of them.
Matt Brown –
Thank you John for my wonderfully crafted Greenland paddle. It looks and feels amazing. I have been getting lots of comments about how nice it looks and everyone I paddle with wants to have a go! I have been paddling with a carbon GP for a few years and the Valkyrie Greenland feels every bit as strong and of course so much nicer to have in the hand.
Joel Capes –
Incredibly happy with my Greenland paddle – the perfect birthday present. Handles excellently and everyone that has seen it can’t help but admire the workmanship. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to get into Greenland paddling.
Emanuel Donhauser –
John, Thanks a million for my fabulous Greenland paddle. What a beauty! It’s just perfect, from look and feel to handling in the water. What a treat!
D.Ely –
Thanks John for making me such a beautiful paddle. To be honest I really wanted to make my own out of a single piece of wood but could not find the right bit of wood at the right price, also was not really into the look of the laminated/multi-layed wood look. HOWEVER on receiving it I was pleasantly surprised at how amazing it looked, the photos on the website do not do it justice. I also feel rest assured that this one will last a long time and perform really well. I have used it once and felt great and can’t wait to use it again. It really is a work of art and I am privileged to own it. Keep up the good work!
Helene Dickson –
Really love the feel of using my Greenland paddle and it’s a joy to use. It looks beautiful but mainly I love the way it fits into my hands so naturally. It took two kayaking sessions (watched a few demo videos on line to help) to get the measure of how to use it. I have used a euro blade paddle for 10 years and realised that I can now paddle further at the same speed but with far fewer hand, upper shoulder and arm aches and pains at the end of it, with this Greenland paddle. I thought that the regular oiling of it would be a bind but actually has turned into a rather pleasant and contemplative ritual.
Pat Ó Ruadháin –
I got a Cape Falcon f1 from John and when I went to collect it, I decided then and there to order one of his Greenland paddles – narrower and much lighter than the cedar paddle I was using already. The narrower blade and the lightness is a revelation. I’ve had it for three months now and I love it more and more each time I go out!
Guy Draper –
I ordered a traditional Greenland paddle from John (at Valkyrie) having already made one myself. I was very impressed that he phoned me to ask for further details of my boat, paddling style, and my own size and weight. He clearly wants to get his paddles just right for the customer. Having received the paddle and used it a few times I am delighted with it and have made some modifications to my homemade paddle based on it. The paddle is beautifully made, lightweight and works brilliantly. If you are thinking of changing to a Greenland paddle do it. I took my 14-year-old son out paddling and lent him the Valkyrie Greenland paddle – he was not sure at first but after a few minutes loved it and much preferred it to a European paddle. A quality bespoke product worth investing in…
Paul Miles –
I have had my paddle since March and it has been used most weekends since then. The paddle is finished to a very high standard and looks fantastic. John helped me with the sizing and kept me fully informed on the delivery. I am new to kayaking and decided to start with a Greenland paddle and I am very pleased with the performance, the feel of the paddle and the weight. I am able to keep up with club members and the blade has a great feel to it. John also gave plenty of advice on how to maintain the paddle. So after 4/5 months I am very happy. Thanks John!
Nigel Sellwood –
Hi John, it’s six months since I received my greenland paddle and I have only recently got it wet (due to back injury NOT related to kayaking). After admiring it for so long as a work of art it is now in regular use. The first reaction to it was surprise at just how powerful a slender “stick” can be. Using the forward canted hold on it there is a need to lean with each stroke but after the first half hour that just feels natural. After forty years of western paddles I now find the Greenland one so comfortable, even after a comparatively short time, that I can’t imagine using a Western one again.
The Greenland paddle is an excellent choice and dealing with you was effortless; thank you.
Simon L –
Lovely to use. Started paddling slowly while I got used to it and was comfortable by the end of my first practice session. Second time out I was keeping up with the other paddlers and my technique is still improving. It’s a lovely paddle and I’m very pleased. I even find oiling it a lovely, relaxing task.
nigel charlton –
Bought both standard and storm paddles, brilliant customer service, delivery to Gibraltar very reasonably priced. Have used both paddles in open sea and now I’ve adjusted my technique the paddles are performing as good as they look,which is stunning.
Robin Rabiroff –
Got to try my new paddle from John. Very nice. Quiet, and light. I love the slight indexing on the loom, feels nice in the hand and very natural for feathering. Beautiful for certain. Thanks John
Dave Worthington –
Simply put – a work of art that perform as good as it looks. To date I’ve used a Carbon Western Paddle and expected this to feel heavy. It isn’t. It’s amazingly light compared with my expectation.
Performance is stunning. I had expected to get some flutter that would take some practice to overcome but no, straight off it is simply a pleasure to use. Beautifully balanced it is definitely easier on my (somewhat elderly) shoulders in use. I have not yet used it in company with my normal paddling buddies but I don’t feel any slower than with my western paddle.
John was also very helpful in explaining the sizing prior to me placing my order. Delivery was bang on expectation. A joy to do business with.
Andrew Todd –
Beautiful. A piece of art. Not sure whether to hang on the wall or use in the water…or both! Not only is the paddle a sight to behold but out on the open water it is so responsive but effortless. I was told before my purchase that once you paddle with one of these you will never go back. It’s true. Can’t recommend John enough.
Gordon –
Can’t thank John enough for making my greenland paddle, I really do love it, it’s an absolutely beautiful work of art and it performs superb,John advised me on the sizing which I would recommend you do if your unsure at all, it fits perfectly nice and lightweight you could go all day using this paddle and it rolls very well, would highly recommend and have done already to some good friends
david scobie –
Received GP from John mid Feb and have managed to get a few trips on the sea.
First look amazing craftsmanship it’s a beauty .
On the water it’s warm in the hands and the shoulders give me added security which is a huge bonus ( severed biceps sort of repaired ,and no rotator cuff right shoulder) the smoothness of the catch and follow through is brilliant no bite .
I have no difficulty at all keeping up with club members using euroblade ,I paddle low angle and very slow cadence,
I have a lot to learn yet but I’m going to enjoy the journey .
David Scobie
Peter Kirk –
I bought a Greenland paddle, the slightly wider one, after advice from John. So far I’ve used it in overfalls and small surf.I’ve been out paddling with a speedstir in a tarantella and had a few rolling sessions. The more I use it the more comfortable I feel with it . It’s reassuring in conditions, easy on the joints, great to roll with.
I’ve oiled it daily for a week and store it outside in the shed. Keeping up with others hasn’t been an issue at all . I love it and recommend it whole heartedly. I’m now looking forward to getting a storm paddle and cracking on in the surf
Jim Clements –
Had my Greenland paddle now for a few weeks and have used it during weekend instructor sessions with Cubs and Scouts on our local lake where everyone is used to euro paddles. I’m currently using it with a Dagger Katana cross over boat and can’t wait to use it with a proper sea boat.
I’m a fairly competent paddler / instructor but this paddle has transformed not just my ability on the water but also the impact on my upper body.
The craftsmanship is simply Fantastic with the GP being light, ergonomic, powerful and strangely intuitive as no matter how cak handed I am it always seems to be in the right position either to brace or stroke.
Today’s sessions let me share it around some of the old hands and sceptics and within 5mins every single one of them was converted.
So amazing bit of kit that was totally transformed my approach to being on the water
Colin McKenzie –
I have had my Greenland paddle for about six weeks now .It took me a couple of sessions to get use to the technique compared to the euro
paddle, but now it seems to come quite naturally. I had been getting shoulder and wrist problems when padding, but with this paddle it
all seems much less stressful and more comfortable. Using it on some long paddles and surf with my short kayak it has been excellent.
John was really helpful with the dimensions of the paddle to suit me and my type of padding and the workmanship and look of it is amazing.
I will definitely be going back to John at Valkyrie for my next paddle .
Melvyn Johnson –
The paddle looks stunning but it felt heavy to me at first. After my first trip kayaking with it, I was surprised that my arms or shoulders didn’t ache. After three paddles, I realise how lovely and easy it is to kayak with this beautiful paddle. I tried my first roll today using my new paddle and it probably was the easiest roll that I have done. I love how it looks, how it feels and how it performs. Having used a carbon fibre Greenland paddle for a few years, I now know the difference and benefit of paddling with my Valkyrie paddle.
Until you try it, you can’t understand how much easier and how much more pleasurable it is to use this piece of craftsmanship
Peter Hallam –
My first greenland paddle and it really is a work of art.
As to paddling with it for the first time well its a mixed review (not through any fault of the paddle). Firstly it feels warm in the hand and offers good grip. It seems very stiff and offers no flutter. The problems are with the paddler who needs to retrain his brain and unlearn 38 years of paddling with a Euro blade with a 30` feather. On my first outing I was slightly slower than with a Euro blade but its deceptive, you don’t get that snatch and it doesn’t feel like you’re making ground but look to the side and you realise that you really are making good progress. The majority of the trip I paddled with a low angle stroke because going forward I’m trying to take the pressure off my joints, it seems very smooth. I then tried a higher angle stroke and did a short sprint and and whilst the pull is different to a normal blade it can motor when you give it the gas.
You know when you learn to drive it seems impossible to accelerate, brake, dip the clutch, change gear and steer all simultaneously, but then one day you stop thinking about it, you use the other side of your brain and it becomes instinctual. 38 years of Euro Blades for me is instinctual, bracing, rolling etc require no thought, its all muscle memory. Well this is different, not in any bad way, but I’m looking forward to learning a new technique and moving forward in my paddling journey. I was concentrating so much on my hand position, on whether the shaft should turn freely through my left hand or not etc that I actually felt sea-sick. When I stopped overthinking it, looked at the horizon and put my self into auto-pilot things really started to come together.
Despite the ramblings of a madman, I think this is an excellent paddle and would thoroughly recommend it.
michael burke –
I just wanted to give you some feedback on the greenland paddle which recently arrived. I am still developing my technique with it but have been out in mixed conditions five times with it at this point covering on average about 12km each time. It feels very organic and naturally warm in my hands. It felt strange for a while not to be feathering all of a sudden. On one particularly windy stretch, with a heavy side wind, I felt I should switch back to my old paddle but it immediately felt unnatural to me so I switched back to your paddle again. I have hit the tips off a few times on submerged rocks. So far it is holding up very well. I presume the black tips are resin.
I haven’t tried rolling with it just yet as it’s still very cold but I think it will really help with its natural buoyancy. It looks absolutely beautiful outside in direct sunlight. I think I am pretty much converted, perhaps a little slower overall but I think my shoulder and wrist joints are thanking me for the change.
Chris Tait –
Simply stunning ! Greenland Sea Kayak paddle arrived today, well oiled (so much more pragmatic than varnish), light, work of art. Workmanship superb and friendly service and updating on progress 2nd to none.
Can’t wait for next trip to try out – no more wrist/shoulder repetitive strain disorder affecting those longer paddle camp trips
Enrica McIntosh –
My paddle is not only an exquisite work of craftsmanship, now gracing my living room, but it is a joy to use. It amazes me how such a simple tool, affectionally called ‘the stick’ , can be so incredibly effective, light and easy to use. It will accompany me in every single paddling expedition and I will always cherish it. It feels like the natural thing to use. The Innuits do know a thing or two… Gorgeously made. Thank you
Mick Kane –
Fantastic service and paddle. From the first conversation John was a pleasure to deal with. The paddle is a work of art and has transformed my paddling in many ways from bracing to rolling. Highly recommended.
Mick
Ian Makkison –
I have just received this work of art from John, and have had only one trip out with it before lockdown. My wife’s comments on seeing the paddle constitute a good review of the craftsmanship. Apparently it was such a beautiful object that it must have cost an awful lot (she was pleasantly surprised at how little it did cost) and it was much too good for me to use it on the water in case I damaged it.
I have never paddled with a Greenland paddle before my one trip out and did not have the benefit of someone familiar with Greenland paddles to modify my technique. However, I found it warm on the hands and made good upwind progress with it. The appearance of the paddles attracted a lot of favourable attention.
John was very useful in providing advice on the design of paddles, and promptly answered my e-mails
Mick Kane –
Got my paddle this year from John. Fantastic !!! After a couple of conversations John had the sizes and spec sorted. Paddle arrived on Achill well packaged and on time.
A real joy to paddle with and I am now converted to Greenland design. Workmanship is top class and this has been commented on by many in the outdoor Education community here. Only problem is that they may be addictive and a storm paddle might be ordered soon.
Huge thanks John
Frank Harradence –
My laminated Valkyrie GP is a joy to use and the prettiest of all of my 5 GP paddles (from other various manufacturers.)
It’s light, brilliant at linking paddle strokes & of course rolling.
No blade flutter is felt at any time with good feedback as it moves through the water.
Is equally adept at performing in high or low paddle mode.
Highly recommend.
Eoghan –
Bought a Greenland paddle as a Christmas present for my dad this year. He tends to do long distance paddles (can be 30km+ in a day) and he wanted a lightweight paddle for such journeys.
I was advised to look at Valkyrie paddles and the attention to detail was excellent. John recommended a smaller blade width for long journeys and some changes in sizing and the suggestions were on the ball! Have heard nothing but praise for the paddle since – excellent quality, well finished, speedy and the lightest paddle he has had which is ideal for long journeys.
Thank you John for all your advice and creating such a quality product!
Valkyrie1 –
Thank you John – My beautiful paddle arrived at the end of March when we were in lockdown so I had to wait a while before using. This is my first greenland paddle and I love it. Having used it on quite a few occasions now, it is my paddle of preference. We had a 17-mile estuary paddle recently and whereas my euro paddle would have left me with very sore thumbs, my lovely wooden paddle was still comfortable throughout; it just feels so nice to use. Several people in our small group have also tried paddling with it and our local carpenter appreciated the craftsmanship. With care and more thought, I have also managed some rock-hopping!
Emailed review by Rosemary Philips, Cornwall. Added by Valkyrie
David Poots –
I’ve been using a Valkyrie Greenland paddle for 4 years now. For the first 1/2 hour I thought it was a mistake, then it clicked and now I won’t use anything else. It promotes a relaxed efficient paddling style which is deceptively fast. Nothing comes close for bracing, sculling or rolling (in fact that’s become a hobby in it’s own right). The construction is wooden laminate which looks beautiful. There is a small weight penalty, but they are strong. (I also have a cedar paddle, which is light but fragile,I’ve had to patch it with epoxy). The paddle is oiled, not varnished. This looks great and retains grip in the wet (unlike my varnished factory made paddle).
Two pieces of advice:
1) let John guide you on size. I persuaded him to build me a big powerful paddle, which I can only use for surfing (It’s great for the surf but exhausting on a trip)
2) be warned, this Greenland style can be addictive. Don’t tell my wife but I have 3 of John’s paddles and my Selkie kayak is on order.
Tim Johnston –
Love my Valkyrie greenland 215cm paddle, joy to paddle with on winter days. It’s light and efficient in the water. John talks you through the wood choices and sizing and the resin tip protects the blade. As a Christmas present from my better half i also recieved the storm paddle version which is great on windy days or in surf sessions. Order a Valkyrie paddle, you won’t regret it!
Alison Kennedy –
I got a Greenland paddle from John for this season and was immediately impressed. It’s great for mobility and power in challenging conditions and relaxing to use. Well balanced and light. It’s also beautiful. I rarely go out without someone saying. Easy to maintain with fine sandpaper and tung oil, every now and then.
Bob Bainsfair –
Had previously purchased a greenland paddle from the States, but the one John made for me was so much better and lighter. It is a beautiful design and has given me real joy to use and has helped me develop my kayaking enormously. Ironically John’s paddle was considerably less expensive than my other euro blades and is made from durable and sustainable materials…a ‘no-brainer’ as they say. I’ll be back for a replacement or spare in due course.
Mary –
I got a greenland paddle from John 4 years ago and it is beautiful! Lovely to hold and paddle with. I use it mainly on the sea and it is still in excellent condition.
Hamish –
I used a Greenland paddle from Valkyrie Craft for my solo circumnavigation of Ireland back in 2014, built to the medium blade width. I found the paddle to be light, strong and naturally suited to long distance paddling. The wooden build also means the paddle feels warm against your hand in winter, and its excellent buoyancy makes rolling a breeze.
A common complaint about Greenland paddles is that they lack the power to make them suited for aggressive paddling or for races, but here I must disagree. I have never felt that I have lacked the power to battle brutal water, and in races I have always placed highly. The difference in a spooned racing paddle and a Greenland stick may be significant. The difference between a standard western paddle and a Greenland stick is not.
I would highly recommend these paddles, the build quality is excellent, and even if you don’t ever go paddling again they are a work of art worthy of display on the wall.
Valkyrie1 –
Reviews Submitted prior to August 2020
Uploaded by Valkyrie
1. The laminate appearance of these paddles looks brilliant. The use of oil looks good and is a positive surface for holding. I find a varnished loom is too slippery and gives me blisters. The blade length is good and the weight is just right…. the laminates make the paddle strong even in the thinner tip sections
2. John took time to explain the various issues around making my ideal paddle before taking measurements and making it up for me. I’ve only had it a month and now don’t touch my old sea paddle.
3. Dear John, my fantastic paddle came in the mail today. I’m so happy and proud to have a paddle made from Valkyrie craft! Could you please repeat for me the different woods used? I would love to be able to answer when people ask. I send you a big hug from Norway. This is the perfect memory from my stay in Northern-Ireland!
4. Hi John, just wanted to say thanks for the paddle!! Absolutely superb. So much power, and control. How often should I oil it?!?
5. A greenland paddle was recommended to me following a shoulder injury that nearly put paid to my sea paddling career. I was told that a ‘Greenland Stick’ would reduce strain on my wrists, elbows and shoulders and that with care I should be able to get back into the boat. John was very informative and took time to talk through the paddle dimensions with me – I had the paddle made up with a traditional sized blade to reduce the chance of me over doing it – and I’m back in the boat. I have to concentrate on keeping good core rotation but the blade certainly has been a key part of my recovery.