Seals were generally filled with air and floated home, sometimes tied to an (empty) inflated seal carcass from a previous kill.
Early Europeans arrived by ship, admiring the ease with using these small craft.
It was always a pleasure to find locals who could demonstrate impressive rolls and boat handling skills.
A few sporty ones even tried it out themselves, despite their attire.
This is the only handmade kayak in Ittoqortormitt, in Scoresbysund Fjord on the East coast of Greenland. It belongs to a young woman from Germany who brought the kayak with her when she moved into the village. She's befriended this former seal hunter who is helping her make alterations to the boat and teaching her rolling skills.
The village is working hard to create an environment that welcomes tourists. A travel agent in the village has a small fleet of kayaks (plastic) for visitor's use.
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