July 15 - 19, 2026

"This place will change your life"

Doug Van Doren

Paddling Bio

I began paddling in the early 90’s, specializing in the use of Greenland style paddles and kayaks. I produced and am the online instructor for an instructional paddling video, “Greenland Style Paddling” and was featured in Justine Curgenven’s “This is the Sea 2”. I have been privileged to coach and do rolling demonstrations across the U. S. Canada, Wales, and at the International Symposium in Llanca, Spain.

Who am I?

I am a retired local church pastor who began paddling in the early 90’s. I was intrigued by Greenland style paddles and kayaks at a time when most of the industry thought them inferior for anything but rolling. My sense was that it was we who did not know what they were doing, rather than that they did not know what they were doing, so through research and a lot of experimentation I set out to discover and become proficient in the use of the “stick.” I have been married for 48 years to Colleen who doesn’t paddle but is very supportive of me doing so (or maybe she just likes me out of the house) and we have a son, Aidan, who is a fine paddler and super roller.

My GLSKS Story

GLSKS has been the key component in my development as a kayaker and coach. my BCU training and certifications up to Senior Coach (nomenclature back in the day) was connected to GLSKS and I met most of the leading kayak coaches around the world right here at GLSKS, and have learned so much as a coach and developed great friendships among coaches and participants.