I made this video at the end of 2024 hoping that next year I will be able to teach more Greenland rolling. I also want to accomplish more advanced rolls myself. Today I was listening to the DUBCAST produced by my friend Dubside when he interviewed Ida Nielsen in Qaqortoq, Greenland. It was very inspirational. They talked about different kayaks, the body, the competition, the mind, rope gymnastics, and harpoon throwing.
When I am teaching kayak rolling I prefer to start with exercises on land to explain what the body needs to do, your shoulders, head, and legs. Greenland kayak rolling is a simple exercise, but we need to fight centuries of survival. In other words, do not pick up your head. Try to drown yourself. For the forward finishing rolls, kiss your kayak. Having the right kayak helps, being flexible also helps, and thinking that the water is not your enemy can work to your advantage.
In the world of kayaking we all need to develop a new business model to incorporate young and minority paddlers. We need this dialogue on land to avoid capsizing.
Thank you to Delmarva Paddlers Retreat and Hudson River Greenland Festival for allowing me to enjoy the water, paddle around, and roll to the unknown. I also want to say thanks the North Brooklyn Community Boathouse and Manhattan Kayak Company for allowing me to teach kayaking, lead, and grow as a person.
Happy New Year.
Javier Castaño
