"Narrow Blade Style" raises no objections from me. I do think most of the techniques associated with narrow blades are very applicable to wide blades, so basing the name on one particular kind of paddle is limiting. But it is a way to teach people who want to use a narrow blade how to use it. I am curious as to how Greenlanders paddle, but I would rather learn it from a Greenlander or at the very least someone taught by a Greenlander. I don't think instruction from someone who does not even have permission from a Greenlander would really satisfy my curiosity. If the ACA wants to certify Greenland Technique, they should help a group in Greenland start a school for instructors, and then require anyone who wants certification to teach the style go to that school. This would make the instruction more authentic and probably go a long way to releiving the concerns of native Greenlanders. Nick At 12:38 PM -0500 7/9/99, Chuck Holst wrote: >I don't like the "freestyle" name either, first because it isn't, >second because it doesn't refer to the paddle type, third because the >name is already used for certain styles of canoeing and skiing. I >prefer "narrow-blade" style, first because narrow blades is what the >certification is all about, second because a lot of so-called >"Greenland" paddles are not shaped like authentic Greenland paddles >and can't be used like Greenland paddles, third because it removes >any implication that the student is learning authentic Greenland >techniques, and fourth because it is unlikely to upset the >Greenlanders. > >Also, there is a continuous kayaking tradition in Greenland. Greenland >kayakers paddle, not "paddled." > >People have different reasons for learning Greenland techniques. Some, >as you say, merely want to add to their repertoire, but others really >are concerned about authenticity -- out of curiosity, if for no other >reason. For that reason I think it is important to maintain the >distinction. > >Chuck Holst Nick Schade Guillemot Kayaks 10 Ash Swamp Rd Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860) 659-8847 Schade_at_guillemot-kayaks.com http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/ >>>>"It's not just Art, It's a Craft!"<<<< *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Jul 12 1999 - 06:26:06 PDT
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