A hypothesis: I can remember the first time I paddled next to Maligiaq at the '98 DelMarVa retreat and wondered how this young Greenlander could have his own cultural tradition of paddling so screwed up! It was all wrong --- a more vertical stroke, a far longer stroke, exit for the paddle was much too far aft. Where was the true "Greenland tradition"? What I think now, with some time for reflection, is that Maligiaq paddles just exactly like Maligiaq, and not "the Greenlander", 'cause it's just possible that we're looking at idealized and not actual styles when we talk about Greenland paddling, and maybe that idealized style not only doesn't exist but, in fact, shouldn't exist. There are acceptable variations in most styles, and some work better for different people. I think he's learned that, and is paddling optimally for himself, not for a "certified" Greenland style. Maybe. But he sure is fun to watch! Jack Martin *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Feb 21 2000 - 20:03:59 PST
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