Brian Shulz
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.
Traditional Qajaqs, Skills & Community
SSTIKS 2026
the Pacific Northwest's premier community event for Greenland-style and traditional kayaks, rolling, and traditional skills.
- Thu, June 11Gather in the afternoon and evening.
- Fri & Sat, June 12 & 13Activities all day.
- Sun, June 14Last day of activities.
Featured Guests
SSTIKS 2026 is honored to welcome these exceptional paddlers, builders, and teachers to the Columbia River.
Dubside
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.
James Manke
James Manke is an international sea kayak instructor based on the west coast of Canada. Over more than fifteen years he has taught paddlers across North America, Europe, and Asia with a focus on traditional kayaking skills, rolling, and rough water paddling.
Peter Strand
Peter Strand is the incoming President of Qajaq USA.
Activities this Year
SSTIKS is hands-on and on the water from morning to night. Build skills, meet mentors, and share meals.
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Never rolled a kayak before? This is your starting point. Patient mentors guide you through the fundamentals of Greenland-style rolling in a supportive, shallow-water environment. You might just surprise yourself.
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For paddlers ready to push further. Explore the full catalog of traditional Greenland rolls — from balance braces to hand rolls — with guidance from experienced coaches who live and breathe this craft. Push your limits, refine your technique, and maybe, just maybe, unlock the elusive SJR.
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A kayak goes where you tell it to — in theory. This session covers the Greenland paddle techniques behind tight turns, precise edging, and smooth boat control. Small adjustments, big differences. Your kayak has opinions. This session teaches you how to politely disagree.
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A unique and athletic tradition from Greenlandic culture, rope gymnastics build the core strength, flexibility, and body awareness that directly translate to better rolling and paddling. A surprisingly fun challenge at all levels.
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Watch a traditional Greenland paddle take shape from a raw plank of wood. Prolific carver Don Beale walks you through the process, explaining the design principles behind one of the most elegant and efficient paddle forms ever developed.
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Get up close with a stunning collection of traditional Greenland-style kayaks. Admire the craftsmanship, ask questions, and try one out on the water. A living showcase of the qajaq-building art.
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Competitors take to the water to roll through as many of the traditional Greenland rolls as possible. Whether you're competing or cheering from the bank, it's one of the most exciting and beautiful spectacles of the event.
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Friendly competition on the Columbia River — sprints, relay races, and paddle games that bring out the playful side of the sport. All skill levels welcome. Fast kayaks are optional, good humor is a plus, and heckling is mandatory.
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Communal Dinners
Good fun happens off the water too! On the first evening, paddlers trade their wooden sticks for wooden spoons and bring their best dish to the communal table. Everyone brings a favorite dish to share, and count on there being just a little too much food. Come hungry, and bring a side of good stories.
Two-Hour Kayak Building CompetitionTeams race against the clock to build a seaworthy — and we use that word loosely — kayak from sticks, duct tape, shrink wrap, and optimism. The real twist? You don't just have to paddle it. You have to roll it. May the stickiest team win.
Yoga on the BeachStart your morning with a gentle stretch along the Columbia River — led by Dubside, Greenland rolling legend and surprisingly bendy yoga instructor. Loosen paddling muscles, improve flexibility, and set a calm tone for a full day on the water. All levels welcome.
Mentors and Volunteers
Learn in small groups and 1:1 from a roster of talented paddlers and experienced mentors.
- Beginning and Advanced Skills
- Roll with mentors 1:1
- Improve your aim with a harpoon
- Perfect your forward or maneuvering strokes
- Pick up a new ropes move
Aidan Manning
Bob Rivet
Carson Ducey
Chessy Knight
Roll like a jellyfish... Go with the flow.
DH
Denise Harrington
Don Beale
Henry Romer
Joanne Barta
Joel Guay
Noy Davis
Patrick McMurchie
Paul Steinberg
Shannon Britt
Tim Mattson
Trina Hahn-Anazalone
Vadim Shayevich
Zora Hess
...And You?
Background
SSTIKS is more than an on-water symposium. Learn the values and principles that guide the gathering.
The Name
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!
SSTIKSishness
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.
Location and Accommodation
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.
Camp With the Crew
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.
Easy Access
Skamokawa Vista Park is right on the Columbia River, giving quick access to sheltered water, rolling practice, and sunset paddles.
Lodging Options
Prefer a bed? Hotels and motels are available nearby if you want a quieter reset between sessions.
Skamokawa Vista Park
What to Bring
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.
- Food There will be a potluck dinner Thursday evening — bring something to share. Our hosts at Skamokawa xxx will provide dinners on Friday and Saturday, included in the ticket. Bring food to cover breakfasts, lunches, and on-the-water snacks.
- Paddling Gear You cannot learn traditional kayaking with a Euro paddle — leave yours at home. If you don’t have a Greenland paddle, we’ll have plenty to borrow. There’s usually an assortment of gear including Tuiliks, Akuilisaq, Aaqatit, Avataaq, and more. Traditional kayaks will be on hand as well — just ask, and most folks will be happy to let you take a spin.
- Camping Gear Please bring a backpack-style tent. Large “basecamp” tents take up too much space in the shared campgrounds. Skamokawa Park may have goat head thorns on the ground — bring light footwear for walking around camp and lawn areas.
- Greenland Ropes Wear closed-toe shoes, long sleeves, and long pants for ropes sessions.
- Yoga We are once again offering morning yoga on the beach. Bring a yoga mat.
- Auction Last year’s prizes included a Brooks Tuilik, a custom Don Beale paddle, books, artwork, private classes with James Manke, hand-carved norsaqs, and more. The auction is a great way to support SSTIKS and our parent organization, Qajaq USA.
SSTIKS 2002—2025
Inspiration from the Arctic
Supporters
Thanks to the businesses, organizations, and individuals backing SSTIKS in 2026.
