Gearlab Kalleq Greenland Paddle : First Look 

Thanks. I'm always playing with technique, kayak and video. I kinda like the stabilization in small doses. For short clips like this I think it is fine but in rough water, definitely no stabilization, then it is really weird.

Afraid not. Been too busy to get back to it. Hopefully this winter I can do some snow rolling with it and make a video from that as a follow up.

Same here. I basically only diverge for some coaching and for whitewater.

Thanks. I haven't had any issue with the blade being too sharp. The surfaces are all super silky and smooth so it is very nice to handle everywhere, even when doing things like sculling rolls that require a solid grip and precise control.

Thanks for your quick response. Your video seems to be the best review on the tube for the kalleq.

@@staffordvideoproductions5788 :

I have used the Gram in a quick pool demonstration at Canoecopia this last winter and really liked it. I would love to do a side by side comparison of them to see how they stack up. The tough part is availability, there aren't a lot of Gram paddles around the USA at thia point.

@@KayakToTheSea www.EasterOutdoors.com is the importer for Canada. Check it out info@EasternOutdoots.com You will save $$$$

There are some around if you look for them, but not many. To learn good technique and not develop bad habits I would recommend trying to find a local kayak club and see if you can find someone to teach you (socially distanced per local guidelines) in person. You will learn more and be less likely to develop bad habits.

@@KayakToTheSea Our local club is now offering a Greenland class and I teach one for a local outfitter. I agree - best to work with someone knowledgeable. And the Kalleq is an amazing paddle. Mine has been well used over the past year!

Thanks! Lots of things here: I personally have never replaced a tip but it is a part of the paddle that is prone to taking damage so I see the logic. I think it is also that making a tip that is that thin and sharp and all one piece is a manufacturing challenge so doing the separate piece keeps the design and manufacturing process simpler. I can't speak much with the metal free part but you do have a point that the screw is metal. But I think they go metal due to the size. Plastic doesn't hold up at the size it needs to be. And the last thing, a paddle does have an 'ideal' length based on the paddle. This is based on your body, the kayak you are using, and personal comfort and style. This is usually somewhere in the range of your 'wingspan+cubit (fingertip to elbow)'. Carbon paddles have an ongoing problem of only coming in a few sizes. Most carbon paddles tend to be a bit short for me but I am a giant so my experience is not everyone's.

@@KayakToTheSea, thank you for the extensive answer! Good points about the tip and the screw. I have seen the paddle in "How to fit FIVE people in a ONE MAN KAYAK [Inuit Style]" (uploaded by one Marco Andre); it is extremely long - the kind I think I would enjoy handling (in spite of the formula - which does make sense itself).

@hntrains2 Paddles vary all across the arctic as do their watercraft. The general formula based on wingspan is based on common West Greenland styles and it is a system with their qajaq. Some of the Northern Canada shapes are wild and incredibly long. Lots to research and experiment with.

This one is a 210 (I think) i got it short knowing I would mainly be using it for demoing, teaching, technical rolling, and surfing. I am quite tall so if I were getting one for more cruising or day to day I would got for a 230. A good rough measurement is your wingspan (fingertip to fingertip) plus a cubit (elbow to fingertip). Or similarly, your height plus a cubit. You should be able to just drape your fingers over you paddle tip if it is standing next to it. If you can, try as many different lengths and see what feels best to you.

@@KayakToTheSea thanks! i had a wooden greenland that was just shy of 220 (im 5'11") and it was fine, but i definitely desired a little more power out of it for longer trips. unfortunately i forgot it at a landing one day. RIP

You are right, I mis-spoke. I just measured the paddle, it is a 220 cm. I had it in my head it was a 225 for some reason. Thanks for the catch. I'll make a note in the description. Either way, it is an awesome paddle.

Ooh, that is a tough one, you could probably be good with either one. So much is personal preference. And so much is what you like to do. If I am out just cruising and touring then a longer paddle is my preference since it lets me use a long low angle stroke. But surfing and rolling I will go with a shorter paddle for a higher angle faster stroke. Test out both sizes if you can and see what feels best to you.

@@KayakToTheSea I have been paddling a high angle stroke with wing paddles and/or werner cyprus... but I am 67 now and finding that I develop inflammation and nerve pain just below my left shoulder blade after consecutive long day paddles. I paddle 7 - 15 miles a day from May 1 to mid october. Mixed in I will do 20 - 30 mile trips in a day. so i am looking to paddle with a low angle and gentler paddle. Obviously, I have been using shorter length paddles so 230 seems long... Do you know of a place that has these in stock?

@@csyburg If you are mainly touring then a longer paddle is 'usually' the way to go (again preference). I don't know anywhere off the top of my head, but there are a handful of places around. But if you are mainly going distance then a wooden greenland paddle might be a better fit. The wood can be custom sized and the bit of flex and larger looms that can be made can make for a much more comfortable and ergonomic paddle.

I'm the same height with a 20.5 wide kayak, I use a 215cm bent shaft Werner Shuna and I ordered a 220 Akiak. That seems the best balance between power and play. It was supposed to be here today but......Canada Post.

I would tend to agree with you. I have big hands and the loom a bit thin for my liking. Blades, like you said, and great!

They just released a shouldered paddle, and are taking pre orders for delivery Dec. 2022. I think the dimensions are the same as the Kalleq, but with shoulders.