It was in 1988 that Charlie and Cindy Cole started an annual gathering of paddlers on the western shore of Rehoboth Bay in Lewes, DE, to exchange paddling skills and knowledge – today that has become an annual gathering at which Greenland-style sea-kayakers gather to celebrate the origins of kayaking and hone traditional kayaking techniques and skills. Whether you are looking to learn your first kayak roll, or develop an understanding of advanced traditional techniques, the Delmarva Paddler's Retreat is the place to do it.
Speaking to the history of this event, and of the origins of it's official sponsor, Qajaq USA, it was Cindy Cole, who in August 2000, joined Harvey Golden and Greg Stamer, to had compete in the first "open" Greenland National Championship. Two years prior to that landmark trip, Champion Greenlander Maligiaq Padilla had embarked on a tour of the United States and Canada. Few then realized the impact that tour, which began with a visit to the 10th Annual Delmarva Paddler's Retreat, would have on the development of Greenland kayaking in America. It was at the 2000 event in Greenland, and the subsequent Qaannat Kattufiat Board meeting, that the seeds of an American chapter were planted, leading to the formation of Qajaq USA.
Since 2001, the Delmarva Paddler's Retreat has transformed to become the first all Greenland, traditional paddling event of its kind in the United States. It has increasingly moved towards an extended gathering of Greenland enthusiasts, sharing traditional skills, boat construction, and the implications of traditional origins on modern kayaking. The event began to include, apart from instructional elements, distinguished invited speakers, and world class demonstrations and workshops.
Although Qajaq USA board members and advisors are involved in organizing a number of events with a traditional focus, currently, the Delmarva Paddlers Retreat is an official Qajaq USA event at which the club's annual board meeting is held as well as club elections. Just as important, often committees are established and objectives set for the coming year at that time.
