Functional & Beautiful
All gear at Nanuq is put through the most rigorous testing: ours.
We use what we sell and stand by our products. We think the gear we carry is the best available anywhere.
Paddles
Greenland Paddles
Why a GP? To us the advantages are many. The light weight means you lift fewer pounds per stroke. The low stroke used means you don’t have to “lift” your arms as you do with a higher angle stroke needed with the Euro-blade. You focus on torso turning to use the GP efficiently decreasing wear and tear on your shoulders and upper body. Its extremely forgiving. You always know where the blade is. It rolls like a bandit. No worries about which face is up or down. The buoyancy, simplicity and sheer art connect you to your boat and the water as nothing else. Why has it been used for over 1000 years? Because it works.
GREENLAND PADDLES – ONE- AND TWO-PIECE MADE IN CANADA
Custom-built Greenland paddles are as functional as they are beautiful. The paddles are meticulously crafted of striking woods and are available in 1-piece and 2-piece designs. Our selection is always changing, as these paddles are handmade and one-of-a-kind. The two-piece paddles have a carbon fiber ferrule but are otherwise identical to the one-piece.
All our wooden paddles are built by a master paddle maker in Canada... Joe has built over 1000 paddles and has over 40 years of paddling experience, including setting the speed record for circumnavigating Vancouver by sea kayak.
We stock many lengths; however, can also make custom to fit under or oversized paddlers; paddles are laminated for strength; finished with light oil.
Pricing: $275 for a one-piece, $375 for a two-piece. You can buy from our inventory, or we can order made-to-measure
GREENLAND PADDLES – KALLEQ BY GEARLAB
Greenland paddles are made by Gearlab; Model is Kalleq; leading Carbon Kevlar paddle in the world; We also carry paddle bags, deck bags, and paddle pockets (a device you use on the deck of the boat to carry a spare two-piece paddle).
Lengths : 210, 220, 230 cm; two piece;
Price: $450 plus shipping; light; strong; stiff; handles everything; great for rolling
EURO-BLADE PADDLES
We source a variety of Euro-blade paddles depending on the needs of our customers. Everything from a sea touring narrow blade to a high grab full blade to a wing-shaped blade for speed can be ordered specifically priced and sized for the individual. Because of the wide variety, we offer and our focus on Greenland paddles, we do not keep inventory on hand.
Gear
Reed Chillcheater
Comfort in Demanding Environments
Come check out Nanuq's selection of Reed apparel:
We do not carry neoprene for environmental reasons. Reed products are made of a proprietary product called Aquatherm, which is thinner, waterproof, rainproof, breathable, extremely flexible, and far more abrasion resistant than neoprene.
Kokatat 210D ripstop
Nanuq is an authorized dealer for Kokatat. Located in Arcata, California, Kokatat produces the finest clothing for the worst weather. Come by the Shop to try on our sample drysuits and get fitted for one of your own.
Kokatat 500D Cordura
Very high-end type vest. Not needed by most paddlers.
Priced: $249
NRS Odyssey
Full-Featured Guide Vest; Reflective tape Thin foam back; multiple adjustments for fit; lash tabs and d rings for attachments; warmer pockets; VHF etc. pockets; super comfy; $149.95
Priced: $249
Kokatat - Low Volume Vests
Nanuq is an authorized dealer for Kokatat. Located in Arcata, California, Kokatat produces the finest clothing for the worst weather. Come by the Shop to try on our sample drysuits and get fitted for one of your own.
Kokatat – PFD (yellow);
great for all-day paddles, dsa
2019 pricing @ $91
NRS - Low Volume Vests
Odessey NRS vest (Orange):
Mesh back for breathing and avoiding sweat;
2019 pricing @ $139
NRS (Blue Vest);
We have in 2019 and 2020 styles called Ninja @ $139.95
NRS
NRS, an American manufacturer of a wide range of products designed and tested under the extreme river and ocean conditions, is our primary supplier for general boating products, such as paddle carabiners, tie-down straps, pumps, paddle floats, nose plugs, sponges, and more. Variation is huge – call or stop in to see what we have in stock.
Malone
Malone, a local Maine company with a worldwide reputation, is our supplier for kayak roof racks, carriers, wall racks, and trailers. We carry their low profile wing design with the Stinger, a device for sliding your kayak up onto your roof racks that avoids beating the hell out of the back of your car while at the same time virtually disappearing when not in use.
Average water temperatures here in Portland, Maine are:
DRY = WARM
Maine weather can be deceiving when you’re heading out on the water. The air temperature might be warm, but the ocean temperatures here in Casco Bay take much longer to moderate, remaining cold into June. When you’re wet, you lose heat 25 times faster than when you’re dry.