Beyond Rolling: Ropes and Harpoons with Aidan Manning

Send us Fan MailWATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBEThe Dubside Supply CompanySUPPORT TEAM QAJAQ USA'S JOURNEY TO GREENLANDAt SSTIKS 2025, Andrew sits down with Aidan Manning, a young paddler and ropes mentor from Minnesota, to explore some of the lesser-known traditions of Greenland-style kayaking. The conversation dives deep into Greenland rope gymnastics, including its origins as a winter pastime among Inuit children playing on suspended harpoon lines inside crowded homes during the long Arctic winter. Aidan explains how the movements relate directly to kayak rolling technique and why ropes remain an important part of traditional kayaking culture today.The discussion also turns to harpoon throwing, one of the most fascinating and least understood events practiced at Greenland kayaking gatherings. Aidan describes learning to throw at floating targets, the surprisingly complex mechanics of the traditional toggling harpoon and norsaq, and the challenge of building authentic hunting gear. Along the way, the episode captures the atmosphere of SSTIKS itself, where traditions beyond rolling and paddle carving continue to be preserved.