Jesper Nielsen: Kayaking and Life in Sisimiut

Send us Fan MailRecorded in the rain during the 2025 Greenland National Kayaking Championship in Sisimiut, Dubside talks with Danish civil engineer and traditional kayaking competitor Jesper Nielsen.Jesper describes his work and daily life in Greenland, from its unusual system of land use and rapidly expanding construction to Arctic winters, the midnight sun, and surprisingly inexpensive fuel. He also compares Danish and Greenlandic paddling cultures, discusses the International Paddle Pass certification system, and explains how he introduced skeptical Danish club members to the speed and versatility of the Greenland paddle.The conversation turns to cold-water equipment, local approaches to paddling safety, and Jesper’s experience with the Sisimiut Qajaq Club. He also shares a resident’s perspective on international talk of buying Greenland—and the reaction that idea received locally.