Kayaking

Attractions in the Kayak’s Homeland

Kayaking in East Greenland

Invented by the Inuits
The kayak – or qajaq as it is called in Greenland – is a genuine Inuit invention. Kayak rowers have paddled the Arctic waters for thousands of years. The experience acquired by the Inuits during this time has more than inspired contemporary kayak designers and rowers. There is therefore nowhere else in the world where it is more appropriate to row kayak than in Greenland.

Sea kayaking in Greenland requires experience
Sea kayaking in Greenland requires a lot of experience, suitable preparations and the right equipment. The water is cold and merciless if you are unfortunate enough to capsize. It is therefore vital to wear the right combination of clothes: preferably a complete dry-suit or a combination of a wet-suit and an anorak dry-suit. However, the correct clothing is not enough; thorough knowledge of essential skills such as rescuing your buddy, saving yourself, navigation and tides is also a must.

Renting and links
In most of the larger towns in Greenland it is possible to hire sea kayaks and equipment. A number of tour operators also organise guided day-trips in fjords or around archipelagos. Enquire at your travel agency if you are planning special kayak trips or even a dedicated kayak holiday.
 
Extras
See a short film featuring a close up kayaking encounter with a humpback whale at Aasiat in July 2008. Courtesy of Jesper V. Nielsen and You Tube:

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