: I would assume they hold the paddle in the usual position for this test, but
: where do they support the paddle? It makes a huge difference.

I didn't ask for details, I would assume that the paddle would be supported close to the blade ends, but I'm only guessing.

The Greenlanders place huge demands on their paddles, not only for hunting, but also in the maneuvers they practice, such as using the paddle to brace against the pull of five men pulling the kayak sideways with a rope. This is a modern exercise to simulate the kayak being pulled by a harpooned sea mammal. The flat deck and sharp gunwale edges of a Greenland kayak makes a very effective brake, when the deck is heeled over toward the direction of pull.

I have yet to have a paddle break in use, but I don't place much load on the paddle when rolling and have a stouter paddle that I use for surf play. I use Chuck Holst's directions (Greenland paddle) as a general guide but prefer a longer loom and thinner blade edges. Since the design is tried-and-true, I don't worry too much about testing and failure, and look for the best piece of wood that I can find with the proper grain.

Greg Stamer