SSTIKS Education
SSTIKS Mentoring Rubric
SSTIKS emphasizes the full gamut of Greenland cultural traditions. The classes are geared towards learning what you need to know to paddle qayat (kayaks) safely using traditional equipment and techniques. We also emphasize the skills needed to compete in the SSTIKS Greenland Games.
Our own mini Greenland Games typically feature rolling, ropes, and harpooning competitions as well as a race.
Hunting Skills
Using Arctic Kayaks
We will learn to paddle a variety of historic kayak replicas.
This class is suitable for everyone. Kayaks will include those very easy to paddle and those more challenging. Topics covered will include the history of the kayaks, getting into and out of traditional boats safely, strokes and maneuvers. We may also teach rolling traditional kayak, rescue, and on water safety considerations.
Harpooning
Learn to throw a harpoon at a target from your moving qajaq.
Strokes & Maneuvers 1
Learn how to get your qajaq from point A to point B in the water.
This class is for those who are fairly new to qajaqing. It will cover the basic forward stroke and how it can be modified to control your qajaq.
This class is for those who are fairly new to qajaqing. It will cover the basic forward stroke and how it can be modified to control your qajaq.
Strokes & Maneuvers 2
Learn how to get more from your paddle and when to use what strokes.
Fine tune your use of a Greenland paddle. Experiment with various rudders and stroke types.
Fine tune your use of a Greenland paddle. Experiment with various rudders and stroke types.
Survival Skills
Basic rolling and survival skills
Rolling Set 1 (basic rolling and survival skills)
Side Scull
Chest Scull
Standard Greenland Roll
Roll with hunting float
Storm Roll (low brace over masik)
Side Scull
Chest Scull
Standard Greenland Roll
Roll with hunting float
Storm Roll (low brace over masik)
Variations on the standard roll
Rolling Set 2 (More rolls – variations on the standard roll)
Paddle in Crook of Arm
Spine Roll (paddle projecting over head)
Paddle held behind back
Standard Roll with Paddle held behind head
Armpit Roll
Successive Standard rolls performed in 10 seconds
Paddling upside down
Paddle in Crook of Arm
Spine Roll (paddle projecting over head)
Paddle held behind back
Standard Roll with Paddle held behind head
Armpit Roll
Successive Standard rolls performed in 10 seconds
Paddling upside down
Rolls with less buoyancy – throwing stick rolls
Rolling Set 3 (Rolls with less buoyancy – throwing stick rolls)
Reverse Roll with Paddle held behind head
Roll with arms crossed
Successive Storm rolls performed in 10 seconds
Throwing stick, start tucked forward, finish tucked forward
Throwing stick, start leaning aft, sweep from stern to bow
Throwing stick, start tucked forward, finish leaning aft
Reverse Roll with Paddle held behind head
Roll with arms crossed
Successive Storm rolls performed in 10 seconds
Throwing stick, start tucked forward, finish tucked forward
Throwing stick, start leaning aft, sweep from stern to bow
Throwing stick, start tucked forward, finish leaning aft
Hand rolls and more
Rolling Set 4 (Hand rolls +)
Hand roll, start tucked forward, finish tucked forward
Hand roll, start leaning aft, sweep from stern to bow
Hand roll, start tucked forward, finish leaning aft
Hand roll with a clenched fist, start tucked forward, finish tucked forward (added 12/2005)
Hand roll with a clenched fist, start leaning aft, sweep from stern to bow (added 12/2005)
Hand roll with a clenched fist, start tucked forward, finish leaning aft
Elbow roll
Hand roll, start tucked forward, finish tucked forward
Hand roll, start leaning aft, sweep from stern to bow
Hand roll, start tucked forward, finish leaning aft
Hand roll with a clenched fist, start tucked forward, finish tucked forward (added 12/2005)
Hand roll with a clenched fist, start leaning aft, sweep from stern to bow (added 12/2005)
Hand roll with a clenched fist, start tucked forward, finish leaning aft
Elbow roll
Advanced scull & brick rolls
Rolling Set 5
Vertical Sculling Roll
Sculling Roll with paddle held horizontal on foredeck
Sculling Roll with paddle held horizontal above “backrest”
Sculling with paddle held under kayak
Hand roll holding eight kilogram brick, start tucked forward, finish tucked forward
Hand roll holding eight kilogram brick, start leaning aft, sweep from stern to bow
Hand roll holding Eight kilogram brick, start tucked forward, finish leaning aft
Straight jacket, no hands-roll
Vertical Sculling Roll
Sculling Roll with paddle held horizontal on foredeck
Sculling Roll with paddle held horizontal above “backrest”
Sculling with paddle held under kayak
Hand roll holding eight kilogram brick, start tucked forward, finish tucked forward
Hand roll holding eight kilogram brick, start leaning aft, sweep from stern to bow
Hand roll holding Eight kilogram brick, start tucked forward, finish leaning aft
Straight jacket, no hands-roll
Deep water rescues
De-water a skin-on-frame or recreational kayak
Qajaq exit and reentrancy in deep water
Cleopatra’s needle
Towing another qajaqer
Hand of Pavia/ hand of God rescue
Qajaq exit and reentrancy in deep water
Cleopatra’s needle
Towing another qajaqer
Hand of Pavia/ hand of God rescue
Winter Skills
Allunaariaqattaarneq (Rope gymnastics)
Allunaariaqattaarneq, “games performed using harpoon line” (rope gymnastics), are known throughout the arctic. The rope gymnastics performed at the Greenland championship are a mix of techniques from both East and West Greenland. Rope gymnastics is an ancient Inuit form of sport, which demands and develops balance, strength, flexibility, coordination and pain tolerance.
SSTIKS 2024 Schedule will be posted when it is finalized.