Greenland Kayak Club Qaannat Kattuffiat

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Who We Are

Qajaq USA is the American Chapter of Qaannat Kattuffiat - the Greenland Kayak Association. We have members world-wide. Qajaq USA is one of only two affiliated "Qajaq" clubs outside of Greenland. Most "Qajaq" clubs are scattered among the small villages of Greenland and are a major impetus in keeping the local kayaking traditions alive.

Our Mission:

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.

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Latest Qajaq USA News

New Issue of The MASIK
(published Oct 6, 2008). Tom Milani, Thomas Duncan and the MASIK newsletter team has created another great issue! The MASIK is Qajaq USA's online newsletter.
Read the MASIK »

Membership and Board Transitions.
October 2008. Jen Torres has resigned her office of Treasurer. At one time Jen was responsible for Membership, Merchandise and Treasurer! We are grateful she is continuing as Director while enjoying a well deserved break .

Ben Fuller has assumed the office of Treasurer. Ben has been a dedicated member of the Board as Advisor and Director. We appreciate his willingness to serve in this expanded role.

Richard Nonas, founding member of the Qajaq USA Board, is retiring as Director but remains as Board Advisor. We value his vision and are grateful for his continued involvement
View Board Members »

Qajaq USA Sanctioned Events.
The Qajaq USA Events Committee has worked to define guidelines for Qajaq USA Sanctioned events. Qualifying events have access to the Qajaq USA demo inventory, as well as financial grants in support of featured speakers. To learn more, please the contact the events committee.

Qajaq USA. Your Greenland Kayaking Resource.

Welcome to the Qajaq USA website! We are a small yet passionate non-profit organization staffed by volunteers. We depend on your membership contributions to fund this website and forums, publish the Qajaq Journal, translate historic manuscripts for publication in the Journal, purchase equipment and supplies for events, organize events and more.

If you visit this website often, view the Greenland forums, and find Qajaq USA to be an interesting and valuable resource, please become a member to ensure that we can continue fulfilling our mission. Join online via PayPal »

Skinboats of Greenland John Brand's Little Kayak Books are available at the Qajaq USA Online Store.
Nov 10, 2008. All four volumes of Brand's much acclaimed, and long out of print, series is now available! The long, thin layout of the books shows the kayak surveys to good effect. Brand’s notes reveal his research and that of others. Brand’s writing is insightful: “kayak research may be that serious alternative for those who want to stretch body and brain to the limit.”

Oct 26, 2007. Skinboats of Greenland and Instruction in Kayak Building, by H.C. Petersen, are available at the Qajaq USA Online Store. "Each is a classic reference, each is imported (one from Denmark, the other from Greenland), and neither one is widely available in the US", Wes Ostertag, Merchandise coordinator. In addition to membership items, the Merchandise team will continue to seek out and supply hard-to-find items for the traditional kayaking community. Shipping is free within the United States.

Qajaq USA Equipment Purchase Update
October 2008. We've expanded the Qajaq USA demo gear to include materials in support of increased, safe involvement with ropes gymnastics. Other expansions to the demo inventory are under consideration, including a fleet of replica kayaks. For information please contact the events committee.

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