Focused instruction to refine technique and build confidence on water through workshops, rolling camps, and coaching.
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Large paddling gatherings where the tribe comes together to learn, connect, and celebrate Greenland paddling traditions.
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Destination retreats that combine paddling, travel, and coastal exploration in remarkable environments.
See RetreatsExperiences designed to develop skill, build community, and explore remarkable coastal environments.
Focused small group coaching designed to refine rolling mechanics through movement work, on water practice, and detailed video review.
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A three day gathering celebrating Greenland paddling traditions through rolling sessions, skills workshops, and shared coastal community.
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Develop confidence and decision making in dynamic ocean conditions through guided rough water coaching in a supportive group environment.
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Destination paddling experiences that combine skill development, exploration, and connection in exceptional beautiful coastal environments.
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Traditional kayaking offers more than technique alone. It invites a deeper relationship with the ocean, with heritage, and with the small refinements that make movement on the water feel natural and controlled.
My approach to instruction is built around clarity of movement and thoughtful progression. Rather than simply repeating technique, the focus is on understanding how and why movements work so that skills remain reliable in real ocean conditions.
Over more than fifteen years of international instruction I have worked with paddlers at many stages of their journey, from first successful rolls to advanced rough water paddling. The goal is always the same: to help paddlers develop a deeper understanding of their craft so that learning continues long after the course has ended.
Each workshop, gathering, and retreat is designed not only to build skill, but to strengthen the connection between paddler, ocean, and community.
James Manke is an international sea kayak instructor based on the west coast of Canada. Over more than fifteen years he has taught paddlers across North America, Europe, and Asia with a focus on traditional kayaking skills, rolling, and rough water paddling.
His workshops and gatherings in Ucluelet bring paddlers together to refine technique, share ideas, and experience the coastal environment through thoughtful instruction and community.
Paddlers travel to the coast to learn, practice, and share time on the water.
"Relaxed yet passionate about paddling, James eased us past our fears and coaxed significant improvement from everyone. Intelligently structured, using multiple teaching strategies, and so positive an experience, his six-hour workshop left me feeling energized, inspired and fully satisfied."
"If you want to improve your rolling techniques, whether it be on calm water or dynamic conditions, James is the best at coaching and instructing. James instructed me with Greenland rolling techniques and the skills he taught me are with me to this day. Thanks James"
"I stink at rolling and worked super hard to get this skill. I had little to no success until I started working with James. He was gentle and kind, and helped me laugh when I felt done. With James' patience and my new "Angelina Jolie Lips" I was able to roll (standard and Greenland) and master other things."
Explore upcoming workshops, gatherings, and retreats on the west coast.
