About HRGF – History

 

The Hudson River Greenland Festival was founded in October 2003 at Norrie State Park on the Hudson River in Staatsburg, NY.  Organized by Wayne Gilchrest and Hudson Valley Pack & Paddle, the one-day event featured Greenland Kayak technique demonstrations, races, and rolling competitions.  Some of the most recognized and highly skilled kayak mentors in the country were there, including Cheri Perry, Turner Wilson and Dubside.  After three successful years, sadly the organizers left the area and the park closed the Norrie facilities for major renovations.  Unfortunately, the festival did not happen in 2006.  In 2007, HRGF was revived and found a new venue at Croton Point Park a few miles down river on the Hudson and was reborn as a multi-day event.  Starting in 2024 we moved into the Hudson Highlands at Fahnestock State Park.  In 2011, HRGF became a Qajaq USA sanctioned event. This year we will be celebrating our 18th year, our 2nd in the Highlands!  The festival attracts participants of all levels as well as talented and renowned mentors from many different regions, including Greenland.  We strive to pass along traditional kayaking skills in a "Pay it Forward" method: everyone has something to learn, and everyone has something to teach.