TRAQS 2024 Classes

Paddle making class 

This will be a full day class to learn and make your own Greenland paddle. You will then have a paddle that you can use for the full TRAQS weekend. 

The Where, Why and How of Greenland Paddling 

We will start with a brief beach talk on the history of Greenland kayaking and why it is appropriate for today.  This will be followed by an on-the-water introduction to the Greenland forward stroke and maneuvering strokes.  This class is designed for beginners, but experienced Greenland paddlers are also welcome to come and help with the newer paddlers.

Obedience training your Greenland kayak with a Skinny Stick, Part I 

This class will be about developing finesse with the Greenland paddle.  A buoy course will be set up to help fine-tune your maneuvering strokes, with an  emphasis on smoothly blending strokes.  This class is appropriate for any skill level.

Forward Stroke 1

This is a land based training and detailed discussion starting with proper paddle size, grip, leg drive, torso rotation stroke, crunch stroke, canted blade, how to extend the paddle safely for bracing.

Forward Strokes II- 

Continuation of Strokes I on the water.

Support strokes and paddling maneuvers 

Our initial focus will be on support strokes such as side sculls and braces, which will help you prevent a capsize.  We will then continue to fine-tune our maneuvering strokes on the buoy course.  This class is appropriate for anyone, even if you did not attend Part 1. 

Beginning aft finishing (layback) rolling

Learn the basic concepts of rolling a kayak. We will teach the Standard Greenland roll as the first aft finishing or layback roll. 

Intermediate aft rolls 

We will use the same aft finishing concepts to progress to a Butterfly, Crook of the arm and Shotgun (uses one arm), Norsaq (throwing stick) or Hand roll. Each roll will build on the other layback rolls using the same foundational techniques 

Basic forward finishing rolls

Learn how forward finishing rolls are the same but different from aft finishing rolls. We will use the progression of a Reverse Sweep roll as the first forward finishing roll.

Storm roll 

The Storm roll is one of the best and most foundational of the forward finishing rolls. In the class, you will progress from a Continuous Storm roll to a pry and then a full sweep Storm roll.

Basic Sculling rolls 

Learn the basic sculling stroke and progress from a sculling brace to a side scull and eventually a back deck sculling roll.

One-on-one rolling sessions (Extended participants only)

Each extended TRAQS participant will be offered a one-on-one session with our very experienced Mentors to work on specific rolls of their choice.

Rescues 

Learn both self and assisted rescues for conventional kayaks, Skin-on-frame kayak rescues will be demonstrated and practiced if desired by the participants.

Marine Radio/Navigation basics 

Bring your marine radio and learn how to properly use it when paddling. Although this is a dry land based class, navigation basics will be presented and demonstrated.  

Yoga

We will begin each day of TRAQS with a relaxing 45 minute Yoga session with one of our experienced Yoga instructors.