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 Jan 8 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.
December 12 , 2007. Nancy Thornton is the new Qajaq USA Membership coordinator, assuming this responsibility from Jen Torres. Jen remains active as board member and Treasurer. Please welcome Nancy in her new role as board member, membership coordinator and Board Secretary.

Please also welcome John Doornink (PNW representative) and Thomas Milani (MASIK editor) as new Board members. Pavia Lumholt, Mike Hanks and Vernon Doucette have retired from the board as voting members. Many thanks for the time and effort they have donated to Qajaq USA! Vernon remains active as a board advisor.
View Board Members »

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 »

Grippy Neoprene Strips now available at the Qajaq USA Online Store.
Dec 20, 2007. This material is perfect for DIY projects, for making the bottom casing on a tuilik or a tuitsoq.

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
May 2007. The Qajaq USA events committee recently purchased eight bright-blue Brooks tuiliks, four aquilisaqs (short skirts), three avataqs, two harpoons, three SOF (skin-on-frame) kayaks and six paddles. The new gear is for use at Qajaq USA events by participants and traveling instructors. It will be transported from event to event. The gear was used for the first time at the Michigan Training Camp in August 2007. Participant reaction was very positive. One comment expressed was that this was a very tangible membership benefit. This gear was made possible by your membership contributions. If you are an equipment manufacturer and wish to include a bid for future purchases, please contact the events committee.

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