Ambassadors of traditional inspired kayaking: Christopher Crowhurst - by Jannie Heegaard
Background
This year we have decided to share with you a series of short interviews with interesting and beautiful paddling people we have met around the world and their thoughts on traditional and greenland paddles, paddling or traditional inspired kayakbuilding. We could call them Ambassadors of traditional kayaking or Paddling with stick people or just people we feel are important in sharing their passion for Greenland and Arctic kayakbuilding, traditional paddling and Greenland paddling especially, worldwide. The first portrait is of Christopher Crowhurst.
How did you stumble upon your first Greenland paddle and why did you ‘stick’ to it?
When I moved to Minnesota about 15 years ago, I didn’t know anyone in the local paddling community. Jacquelyn and I were paddling through an inner-city chain of lakes where we came across a group of paddlers “showing off” their rolling skills. We introduced ourselves and through discussions noticed several of them were using Greenland paddles, and from that moment I was in love with the paddle. I went home did some research, joined Qajaq USA, purchased a Tahe Greenland and a Greenland paddle from a local paddle maker and have not looked back since.
Who or what has had the biggest impact on your journey into Greenland paddling?
Why do you feel it’s important to keep the Greenlandic traditions alive?
Cultural appropriation is rampant in many aspects of our lives. The indigenous people of Greenland suffered greatly at the hands of the European settlers, through the imposition and introduction of their religions, cultures, alcohol, laws, all done to create conformity and control rather than out of appreciation and respect. Much knowledge and skills were in danger of being wiped out. The work of Qaannat Kattuffiat has helped keep the traditional Greenland Qajaq skills and knowledge alive before they were lost to the history books. If we lose the knowledge or forget the origins of kayaking, we will be missing out on three thousand years of development and culture which can enrich society. Do we want peoples understanding of kayaking to just be the $80 kayak they can buy in Walmart, or instead to understand that these kayaks are derived from the subsistence hunters of Greenland? I believe society is a lot richer when it appreciates, rather than appropriates.
What is the most important thing you hope to share with the Greenland inspired kayaking world today?
Relax and be present. Think of paddling as a meditation, each stroke a mantra, the water talking to you as you ask the water for help. The same is true for rolling, ask the water to help you rise to the surface, relax into your back arch as you surface and gently ask the water to support your blade as you slide into the back deck. Changing your relationship with water will change the outcome. Look after the water and it will look after you.
What is the most important thing people who have not yet made friends with the Greenland paddle should know?
Greenland paddles are more accessible than ever, globally. My recommendation is always to try one, gently. My second recommendation is to learn (or be shown) how everything can be done with an extended paddle, turns, sculling, rolls, all come into harmony when you learn the joy of sliding the paddle into an extended position instinctively. The longer the extension, the less effort you need to create the lift and support you need.
Do you have any reflections upon sustainability that you feel are important to share?
Humans can only survive three days without water. Every kayaker has a responsibility, arguably every human, to take care of the water that we use for our survival. Each micro change we can make in our lifestyles to prevent pollution and waste can help preserve and improve the quality of water. I have become a vegan primarily through my understanding of the impact on the water supply that consuming animal products has. I wish everyone would raise their consciousness of the impacts their lifestyle has on the environment, and then makes the best decisions for themselves and others.
Where did your latest paddling experience take you?
Here in Minnesota the water has been frozen for 5 months, my last paddling experience was with my wife in Voyageurs National park, on the Canada-USA border. We spent several nights camping on Namakan island and taking day trips to explore the beautiful surroundings. Strong wind, snow, and freezing temperatures all failed to put a damper on the trip which provided gorgeous sunsets, lovely paddles and wonderful company.
My recent focus has been on how to blend yoga, mindfulness, conscious living and kayaking together, to introduce people to the benefits of all four in a holistic program. It’s a work in progress, but I believe all of these elements can make profound positive impacts on people’s wellbeing, and the planet’s.
