Traditional Qajaqs, Skills & Community
the Pacific Northwest's premier community event for Greenland-style and traditional kayaks, rolling, and traditional skills.
SSTIKS is hands-on and on the water from morning to night. Build skills, meet mentors, and share meals.
SSTIKS 2026 is honored to welcome these exceptional paddlers, builders, and teachers to the Columbia River.
Dubside is one of the world's foremost practitioners of Greenland rolling, having mastered and documented the full canon of traditional Inuit rolling and ropes techniques. His instructional films and workshops have introduced thousands of paddlers to the discipline.
Brian Shulz is the founder of Cape Falcon Kayak and a leading voice in traditional skin-on-frame kayak building. His designs draw from historical Greenlandic and Alaskan kayaks, refined through years of paddling and teaching.
Peter Strand is the incoming President of Qajaq USA.
Learn in small groups and 1:1 from a roster of talented paddlers and experienced mentors.
SSTIKS is more than an on-water symposium. Learn the values and principles that guide the gathering.
Originally the "South Sound Traditional Inuit Kayak Symposium," SSTIKS was held for nearly 20 years on Washington's Hood Canal. The event has moved, but we are keeping the name!
SSTIKS is rooted in traditional Arctic kayaking, family, and a commitment to sharing skills. The full SSTIKSishness statement outlines what makes the event distinct and how the community keeps it that way.
SSTIKS 2026 will be held at Skamokawa Vista Park. Located on the shore of the Columbia River, the park has tent sites and RV parking. There are also hotel and motel options nearby.
Tent sites, yurts, and RV parking keep the community close. Expect long evenings by the water and open-air demos between sessions. Camping is included with your ticket.
Skamokawa Vista Park is right on the Columbia River, giving quick access to sheltered water, rolling practice, and sunset paddles.
Prefer a bed? Hotels and motels are available nearby if you want a quieter reset between sessions.
Skamokawa Vista Park
SSTIKS 2026 will be held at Vista Park in Skamokawa. Attendees begin arriving Thursday afternoon, June 11th, with on-the-water activities planned for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Bring food and supplies to camp comfortably for the full period.
Thanks to the businesses, organizations, and individuals backing SSTIKS in 2026.
