All Things Kayak Traditional Retreat

Sea kayak Instructor: James Manke
Retreat Venue: Manke at The Wreckage, Ucluelet, BC, Canada

All Things Kayak: A Deeper Dive into Tradition, Community & Skill

Experience the roots of Greenlandic kayaking, connect with nature and like-minded paddlers, and return home transformed, not just more skilled.

For years, I’ve watched people come to my shorter day workshops excited to learn to roll, experience the Greenland paddle stroke, or stretch their boundaries. But what my clients truly remembered was the connection, connection to the water, to traditional, personal stories from my journey and with each other.

This retreat is my invitation to step off the shoreline, slow the pace, and live kayaking for more than just a few hours. Over four days, we’ll dive into the deeper parts of this craft - learning, building, laughing, and rolling until paddling inspires you on a whole new level.

What Makes This Unlike a Workshop

Tradition Re-imagined: Build your own norsaq, hear stories of Greenland rolling culture, and explore skin-on-frame kayak building in a hands-on, shared environment.

Skill Through Immersion: Two full days of intensive rolling, both on land and in the water, guided with patience and precision in a small group setting.

Real Community: Evenings around the fire and kayak games, stories from real-life experiences, and time to connect with fellow paddlers who care as much about the why as the how.

The Place Itself: A more intimate re-creation of the much-loved Manke at the Wreckage on the wild coast of Ucluelet, where waves, rainforest, and wind shape every story.

What You’ll Do & Feel

• Shape your own norsaq and hold in your hands a tool born from ancient fishing, hunting, and survival traditions.

• Learn lay-back and forward-finishing rolls through land drills in a unique learning space, then carry those movements to the water until they become second nature.

• Discover the true art and technique of the Greenland paddle, feeling the water and ocean around you as teachers rather than obstacles. Feel the dance. Be the water.

• Connect with fellow paddlers in the evenings over stories and laughter in a space literally built for kayakers.

For Whom This Is Designed

Beginners curious about tradition. Seasoned paddlers wanting to reconnect with the roots of the sport they love. If you’ve ever felt that a day workshop scratched the surface but left you wanting more then this is the retreat for you!

Logistics & Promise

A small group (max 8) ensures personalized instruction and a close community feel.
All chef-prepared meals and building materials are included. Whether you camp under the stars or sleep in the loft, the experience is immersive, focused, and unforgettable.

Highlights Include

➡️ Build your own personal norsaq (traditionally used for throwing a harpoon)
➡️ Evening presentation on skin-on-frame kayak building, featuring examples from the Manke Kayak Workshop
➡️ Evening presentation on James’ personal journey to the National Greenland Kayaking Championships
➡️ Full-day intensive: Foundations of lay-back rolling (Land and On-Water training)
➡️ Full-day intensive: Foundations of forward finishing rolls (Land and On-Water training)
➡️ Blended and traditional Greenland paddle strokes with a coastal group paddle
➡️ Greenland ropes exercises and kayak stretching

Food & Beverages

All meals, coffee, and water are included in your registration. Alcoholic beverages are not provided; however, a liquor store is located just a few doors down from The Wreckage. Please inform us of any dietary needs or allergies well in advance so we can accommodate them accordingly.

On-Site Accommodations

Two beds are available in the loft of the Manke Kayak Garage — a simple, open-concept space offered at a much lower rate than local accommodations in Ucluelet. These are not private room and are rustic. Reduced rate camping spots are also available on-site for those bringing a small tent or camper van. 

*IMPORTANT*  If you plan to stay in your own accommodation you will want to book these well in advance as accommodations including camping tend to fill out in the area during the summer months.

Full Itinerary for the retreat

Friday 

Saturday 

Sunday

Monday