Qajaqs Of Peter Strand - Handcrafted Eastern Greenland Style Kayaks

The frames of these qajaqs are of lashed and pegged Red Oak and White Pine, creating the perfect blend of strength and flexibility.

The Greenland kayak is considered to be the height of kayak design evolution. These boats were traditionally made from scavenged materials and have no extra parts. Each component supports the other. Just as they have been in the past these boats are made to fit the individual exactly, and are not adjustable. The traditional sealskin cover has been replaced with canvas or synthetic material in modern times. This light, fast, nimble design is excellent for day trips and overnights. A nineteen-foot boat will weigh about 35 pounds and can cruise at over 5 knots.

My Kayaks are constructed with a frame of Pine and Oak. The Deck Beams are pegged and lashed to the Gunwales. The Ribs are set into mortises and the Keel and Chines are pegged to the Ribs. The Frame is finished with Boiled Linseed Oil and Turpentine. The 8-ounce Ballistic Nylon translucent Skin is sewn on to the Frame and Coaming and shrunk tight and finished with varnish.

Synthetic braided marine line is used for the deck lines. The deck lines are arraigned traditionally with a pair in front of and behind the cockpit. Sliders on the lines allow you to clamp items securely. Clamping the end of a paddle under the sliders as an outrigger gives a very stable platform, allowing activity that would normally capsize the boat.

The Cockpit Coaming is smaller than mass produced boats. Like a properly fitting shoe, it is large enough to let you slip into the boat and contact the beams and sides without extra padding but not so small as to be constricting. The smaller opening allows far less water into the boat if the skirt seal fails.

The narrow un-feathered paddle is the traditional paddle used in the Arctic. It is approximately one arm span plus one cubit long, the widest blade area can be gripped between the second thumb joint and the second index finger joint. The center section is sized to the neutral position of the arms with the elbows at 90 degrees. With the hands held low, the light, high aspect ratio blade can be paddled for hours with minimal muscle and joint fatigue. The paddle is excellent for braces and a myriad of rolls. In the hands of a skilled paddler, the Greenland paddle will perform well against "wing" and other high tech paddles.

The Ballistic Nylon skin is very resistant to impact but is vulnerable to abrasion. Damage can be easily repaired with seam sealer and, if necessary sewn. Temporary repairs may be made with duct tape. The nylon skin can be easily replaced if necessary. Ballistic Nylon is superior to Rawhide and Canvas because it resists rot and mildew well. Synthetics such as this material are now used to cover kayaks in the arctic, giving many years of service

Wash out the sand and debris and store the boat off the ground upside down. Paddle within your abilities and get lessons to expand your skills. Kayaking will take you onto water and conditions that you may encounter can be fatal. Be appropriately skilled and equipped physically and mentally. The law only mandates the minimum requirements. Dress for immersion regardless of the air temperature. Be skilled in and practice self-rescue techniques. Have fun.

Qajags are very seaworthy and originally designed for open ocean travel. After no time at all, you and your boat will become one with the water.