qajaq

Qajaq is the Greenlandic term for a kayak, a small, narrow, one-person boat driven by a double-bladed paddle. Traditionally used by the Inuit of Greenland and neighboring Arctic regions, qajaq were essential for hunting and travel along coastal waters, linking communities and enabling long trips across-sea ice and open water.

The English word kayak is a loanword derived from qajaq. In Greenlandic, the term denotes the craft as a whole, while in English it has come to describe a global family of similar boats. The name is often associated with a design optimized for stealth, speed, and maneuverability in cold, rough seas.

Origins and construction: Kayaks in Arctic cultures date back thousands of years. A traditional qajaq features a light frame, often of wood or bone, covered with seal skin or other animal skins, stretched tight to keep water out. The cockpit is just large enough for a seated paddler, with legs extended forward. The hull is long and narrow with an upturned bow and stern to shed water and improve tracking. Skin-on-frame techniques emphasize portability and repairability in harsh environments.

Modern practice: Today, qajaq designs range from traditional skin-on-frame builds to contemporary fiberglass, Kevlar, or carbon-fiber sea kayaks. Modern qajaq may include spray skirts, bulkheads, and foam flotation, yet many enthusiasts and instructors preserve the Greenlandic heritage by maintaining traditional construction methods or adopting the distinctive Greenlandic hull shapes. Propulsion remains primarily a double-bladed paddle, though rudders are sometimes added in modern touring models.

Cultural relevance: Qajaq remains a living term in Greenlandic culture, reflecting both historic craftsmanship and contemporary sport. Globally, the term Kayak is used for a wide range of similar boats, while qajaq denotes the traditional Greenlandic form.