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Spend two focused days at Salem Willows learning Greenland-style rolling and strokes with expert coaches Cheri and Turner. Small groups, hands-on land drills, and on-water repetition make this clinic ideal for beginners and advanced paddlers alike.
Spend two focused days at Salem Willows learning Greenland-style rolling and strokes with expert coaches Cheri and Turner. Small groups, hands-on land drills, and on-water repetition make this clinic ideal for beginners and advanced paddlers alike.
Book with Coast to Coast Paddle
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Coast to Coast Paddle · Salem, Massachusetts
At the water’s edge of Salem Willows Park in Salem, Massachusetts, the Greenland Kayak Rolling Clinic condenses generations of Arctic technique into two brisk days. Run by Coast to Coast Paddle alongside Kayak Ways instructors Cheri and Turner, this hands-on workshop blends land-based movement drills with on-water coaching to teach layback, forward, and sculling rolls plus a suite of Greenland strokes. Participants meet at the Coast to Coast Salem Willows Kiosk on Fort Ave and spend two days (9am–4pm) rotating between shore drills and practice sessions in Salem Harbor’s tidal flats and rocky shoreline.
The setting is practical and characterful: low granite ledges, salt-scrubbed lawn, and the working waterfront of Salem create predictable wind funnels and currents that make for excellent rolling practice. You’ll feel the coastal geometry of the harbor—shallow flats, rip lines, and eddies—working with instructors to build muscle memory. Rolling kayaks, tuiliqs, and Greenland paddles are available to borrow, though you should bring your own kayak for the strokes segment if you can. The course accommodates eight paddlers, ages 18–150, and is suitable for everyone from first-time rollers to seasoned paddlers wanting to expand their hand rolls, norsaq rolls, and sculling braces.
Instruction emphasizes repeatable mechanics. Mornings start with guided mobility and layback drills on land to groove timing and hip snap; afternoons move to the water for progressive exposure and individualized feedback. Small groups mean more personal coaching from Cheri and Turner, targeted corrections, and ample partner practice. Expect to flip, perform wet exits, and be upside down frequently—this clinic demands practical confidence in self-rescue and breath control.
Logistics are straightforward. The clinic runs rain or shine unless unsafe conditions arise; check-in occurs at the Salem Willows kiosk where directions for unloading and parking are provided. Bring protective layers, a fitting spray skirt if you plan to borrow rolling boats, and a willingness to get wet. Note that bookings are final; contact organizers early if you need to transfer your spot.
Why this clinic stands out: nowhere near downtown Salem will you find focused Greenland-style instruction paired with real harbor conditions and a lineage of teachers who specialize in traditional paddling technique. For paddlers aiming to add elegant strokes, resilient rolling, and an appreciation for Greenland paddle design, this two-day clinic is a direct, efficient path to measurable progress. Check-in is at the Coast to Coast Salem Willows Kiosk on Fort Ave (Salem Willows Park, Fort Ave, Salem, MA 01970), where staff explain unloading and parking. The workshop has a minimum age of 18 and keeps groups small — maximum eight paddlers — so expect focused attention. All equipment cannot be guaranteed; bring gear when possible. The clinic is a practical immersion in traditional paddling craft.
moderate.
2 days (9am–4pm each day).
Good upper-body conditioning and comfort spending hours on the water; expect repeated flips and wet exits.
Meet at the Coast to Coast Salem Willows Kiosk in Salem Willows Park on Fort Ave; confirmation emails include unloading and parking directions.
Yes—beginners through advanced paddlers are welcome, but all participants must be comfortable performing a wet exit and spending long periods on the water.
Rolling kayaks, tuiliqs, and Greenland paddles are available to borrow, but you should bring your own kayak for strokes practice when possible.
Minimum age is 18.
All bookings are final; if you cannot make it, contact the organizers and they will try to find someone to fill your spot.
The class runs rain or shine as long as conditions are safe; instructors may move off the water during storms and return when it is safe.
Salem’s maritime legacy and public seaside spaces like Salem Willows provide authentic coastal context for traditional paddling techniques.
Respect local wildlife—keep distance from hauled-out seals and avoid paddle routes through nesting areas; pack out all gear and minimize shore impact.
Coast to Coast Paddle is a Salem, Massachusetts outfitter offering stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and kayak tours, rentals, and guided experiences across the North Shore. The business operates SUP and kayak tours in Beverly and Salem, family paddle tours, sunset paddles at Salem Willows, Discovery Paddle Tours of Salem's historic coastline, and rentals at Horn Pond and Salem Willows. Participants can choose single or tandem sit-on-top kayaks or SUP rentals to explore at their own pace. Coast to Coast Paddle offers winter paddling options that invite paddlers to gear up in a wetsuit or drysuit for guided cold‑water outings. Guided tours emphasize scenic routes — including sheltered coves, Fort Pickering views, and the Danvers River — and include wildlife spotting and local history commentary. Rentals at Independence Park in Beverly and Horn Pond Recreation Area provide flexible options for beginners and families, with staff support to ensure a smooth launch and return. Tours are described as beginner-friendly and family-oriented, with 90-minute Family Paddle Tours that combine gentle exploration, simple games, and wildlife observation. Sunset Paddle Tours at Salem Willows focus on tranquil evening paddling and coastal views. Discovery Paddle Tours highlight Salem’s maritime history while navigating calm waterways. All public materials describe clear rental choices, guided experiences, and seasonal gear recommendations. Coast to Coast Paddle’s offerings make it straightforward for visitors and residents in Salem and nearby communities to plan paddling outings tailored to skill level, schedule, and desired scenery. Booking and rental details are available through the business directly online.
Book with Coast to Coast Paddle