Greenland Storm Paddles

Greenland Storm Paddle

A traditional Greenland paddle with a very different way of moving through the water.

The Greenland Storm Paddle is the shorter cousin of the full-length Greenland paddle. Originally developed for use in strong winds and challenging conditions, its compact overall length and very short loom allow it to be used with the traditional sliding stroke, moving the paddle smoothly through the hands from side to side.

The shorter overall length means less paddle is exposed to the wind while still providing an effective blade in the water.

Small Paddle. Serious Capability.

Don't let the shorter length fool you.

Once you become comfortable with the sliding stroke, a Storm Paddle is an extremely capable sea kayaking paddle. Its compact size also makes it an excellent spare or backup paddle, since a complete one-piece paddle can be carried conveniently on deck and be ready for immediate use.

Storm Paddles are also particularly well suited to rolling and Greenland-style paddling techniques, making them an interesting addition even for paddlers who normally use a full-length Greenland paddle.

Handcrafted from Western Red Cedar

Each Joe O' Storm Paddle is individually laminated and handcrafted primarily from carefully selected Western Red Cedar.

Every paddle is shaped and sanded by hand before being finished to bring out the natural character of the wood.

Different pieces of cedar and contrasting laminations give each paddle its own appearance. No two Storm Paddles are exactly alike.

Built by a Paddler

Joe O'Blenis has handcrafted and sold more than 2,000 paddles, drawing on a lifetime of canoeing, sea kayaking and expedition paddling.

Joe is also a two-time record holder for the fastest sea kayak circumnavigation of Vancouver Island — with Greenland paddles used on both record-setting journeys.

That experience influences how every Joe O' paddle is designed, shaped and finished.

These aren't simply paddles made in a woodworking shop. They're built by someone who has spent a lifetime using paddles.

Storm Paddle Specifications

Available lengths: 170 cm and 175 cm
Construction: Laminated Western Red Cedar
Style: Traditional Greenland Storm Paddle
Stroke: Traditional sliding stroke
Uses: Sea kayaking, Greenland-style paddling, rolling and compact backup/spare paddle

Never Used a Storm Paddle?

A Storm Paddle looks unusual if you've never encountered one before — and seeing the sliding stroke demonstrated makes the concept much easier to understand.

Watch the video below to see a Storm Paddle in action and learn how the traditional sliding stroke works.

Handcrafted in Canada. Built by a paddler, for paddlers — paddlers like YOU.