Expeditions Unlimited blog
In the icy waters of Disko Bay, on the west coast of Greenland, icebergs drift slowly beneath the midnight sun, while humpback whales make their way up the fjords to feed. It is in this exceptional polar environment that we invite you to embark on an itinerant sea kayaking expedition, in the heart of one of Greenland’s most spectacular regions.
In a small group of only 6 participants, we paddle silently among the giant ice formations calved from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, with a constant spirit of exploration. Each day combines sea kayaking among monumental icebergs, whale watching, wild camps on the tundra and hiking.
This adventure favours a respectful approach to wildlife and a genuine immersion in the vast Arctic wilderness. Kayaking allows us to move quietly and get close to cetaceans in truly unique observation conditions, while experiencing an intense and authentic expedition. Depending on conditions, we may also have the opportunity to fish for cod directly from the kayaks, before preparing and sharing it in the evening at camp, facing the drifting icebergs.
Find this trip here: Sea Kayaking with the Whales of Disko Bay.
We prioritize single-seat kayaking
As passionate sea kayakers, we are also "purists," and this approach to the activity leads us to favor the use of the single-seat kayak, which is the only "original" Inuit watercraft. Indeed, the double kayak, while certainly very comfortable, is a European invention and never existed in Inuit culture! The sea kayak was first and foremost a hunting vessel, used exclusively by men. Each hunter designed his kayak to his own measurements with particularly precise sizing. The craft was not intended to carry equipment, and its volume was extremely limited. With its slender shape, the vessel was particularly fast and maneuverable — but also unstable! Since the Inuit could not swim (and would have very little chance of survival in icy waters), mastering the "Eskimo roll" techniques to right oneself after capsizing without exiting the kayak was essential.
Did you know there are about twenty different Eskimo roll techniques? A whole ancestral art that can be admired every summer during the Greenland Kayaking Championship, which also features speed events and harpoon throwing. Today, our Inuit-inspired kayaks share the same shape, allowing paddlers to cut through waves and cruise easily at 4 to 6 km/h — and they are above all extremely stable (no need to know how to roll; it is actually quite difficult to capsize one!). The volume is generous, with several watertight compartments allowing up to 3 weeks of supplies. As for the paddle, there is of course the European paddle that everyone knows — but did you know that the traditional Inuit paddle (which has not changed since its origins over 2,000 years ago!) has a very different shape and is far better suited for use at sea? On several of our stays and expeditions, you will have the opportunity to test it and learn more about this essential element of propulsion.
©️Sébastien Royer
We teach sea kayaking
Our small team of guides is first and foremost made up of sea kayaking instructors who will be dedicated to passing on the many techniques that lead to independence on the water in a wide range of sea conditions: precise directional control through the concept of "edging" to navigate between rocks, stability management for paddling in waves, and efficient paddle technique to cover long hours on the water without tiring.
And to get started, nothing beats joining us for our sea kayaking discovery and improvement courses in the Calanques of Marseille.
You will discover, at your own pace, all the fundamentals of independent paddling on the turquoise waters of the famous Calanques of Marseille or the Côte Bleue.
And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Sébastien Royer, our kayaking specialist, right away: sebastien@secret-planet.com
©️Sébastien Royer