The Traditional Paddlers Gathering is the product of a shared obsession. We’re northern paddlers who have fallen for the subtlety and brilliance of Greenland-style paddling techniques and equipment. Most of us have splashed at the water for hour upon hour and year after year as we’ve attempted to master some portion of the repertoire of Greenland rolls. Others have carved traditional paddles, built Greenland-style boats, or made tuiliks (the combination paddling garment and sprayskirt). Some of us have made harpoons and, to the befuddlement of onlookers, practiced chucking them at imaginary seals.
History:
Years ago, our mutual interest got us talking about the idea of a casual get-together, where we could yap about our pursuit without enduring the bemusement of the uninterested. This simple idea was seized on and vastly elaborated by Jo Hamilton, who became the mother and guiding light of the first Gatherings. Jo steered the Gathering to its original home at a quiet resort near Akeley, MN. She organized piles of food into delicious meals. And she created a welcoming atmosphere that helped make the first Gatherings such a huge success. Her death in 2008 left a tough-to-fill hole in the Gathering, in the Minnesota paddling world and in the broader community.
We reorganized the Gathering to meet some changing desires. As a tip-of-the-hat to a tougher economic climate, we made cuts to keep costs low. We moved the Gathering to the splendid Lake Carlos State Park, where we reserved a group camp site to minimize the cost of accommodations. Requests for more lodging options, desire for bigger water and the Gatherings growth necessitated our move to the Parker Scout Reservation.
The Parker Scout Reservation is on large, lovely and clear North Long Lake, in Merrifield, MN. Our lodge accommodations are varied. Your can bunk in a medieval castle, or camp along the water. If you desire more privacy, there are additional camping areas. The dining hall and pavilion are near the water, and there’s a sandy beach for launching. Driving time from the Twin Cities is about two and 1/2 hours— considerably closer than our former Akeley location, and about the same commute as Lake Carlos.
Qajaq USA
Qajaq USA is a nonprofit membership organization that is officially recognized by Qaannat Kattuffiat (The Greenland Kayaking Association). Qajaq USA is committed to supporting Qaannat Kattuffiat and their efforts to preserve, study and promote the traditions and techniques of Greenland kayaking while seeking to further the appreciation and development of Greenland-style kayaking in the United States. The Traditional Paddlers Gathering is a sanctioned event of Qajaq USA. If you are interested in learning more about all aspects of Greenland kayaking consider supporting Qajaq USA and Qaannat Katuffiat.
The future of paddling is in our youth. As part of our association with Qaannat Kattuffiat, and Qajaq USA, we are encouraged to get our youth involved in traditional paddling. As part of our association with the Parker Scout Reservation, we are again encouraged to do the same. As a result, we’ve added a children’s track, a Saturday only event. All attending children (13-18) and Scouts may participate. Scouts will be able to earn a “Sea Kayaking Merit Badge”.