My second time EVER using a Greenland paddle - how bad am I doing? (Itiwit x500)
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- Опубліковано 15 вер 2024
- Gearlab Outdoors Kalleq is one of the most advanced Greenland Paddles in existence. Once I got my hands on it, I wanted to share my experience with it combined with my Itiwit x500 inflatable kayak. This is my second time using a Greenland paddle (footage from first time was recorded in a wrong way - camera was angled too high).
My Kalleq is 220cm long - that's the regular size.
A few minutes of paddling with camera angled at the deck to show my arms and torso movement, followed up by regular view to see how the kayak tracks when paddled by inexperienced GP paddler. Some turns later along the way - 2 sweep strokes are enough to turn the Strenfit by 180 degrees. It would probably be even better with edging but I didn't want to risk it.
Greenland paddling technique is different to flat or wing paddles. The blade should be canted by approx. 40 degrees from vertical to avoid flutter. Entry is at around knee level, then we drive the paddle past our hips to generate lift, and we slice it out by pivoting it - that allows us to seamlessly plant it on the other side right away. A good stroke is a silent stroke. I managed to get a few of them.
Apologies for heavier breath, my camera is too good at picking it up. But hey, kayaking is a great workout... 😁
Let's go paddling!
Gear used in this video:
Itiwit x500 Strenfit inflatable kayak:
www.decathlon....
Gearlab Outdoors Kalleq Greenland paddle:
gearlaboutdoor...
Love this paddle but love Ipik even more :)
I could not afford Ipik, and it wasn't available in the UK anyway. 😅
I tried a Green land paddle once and didn't like the feel at all.
However I have heard that if you use it a lot you start to love it, so maybe I give up on it too soon lol
I haven't heard that but I loved mine right away... I like using both the wing and Greenland paddles. I struggle with euro paddles on the other hand...
I am jealous of that paddle. Just got a cheap aliexpress one myself but it was good enough to make me love that style of paddling.
Try a sculling draw/pry with it too. It takes some getting used to but can be a very useful stroke.
Step by step and one by one 😉
I haven't tried sculling draw yet but the regular draw stroke. I had much more control over the kayak's direction than when using other paddles.
I used my friends kalleq and it’s such a beautiful GP! I’m waiting for the IPIK though :)
It is definitely a fascinating paddle. Not as fast as a marathon wing but it does the job in a pretty decent way. You should see the faces of all other SUPboarders and kayakers seeing me paddle with a "stick" 🤣 and what's worse being faster than them... IPIK is unfortunately not available in the UK (import only, I didn't want the hassle) and it's also terribly expensive. I'll stick (pun not intended) to Kalleq 😉
Try not holding it straight up and down. The blade should be at an angle. Don't use it like a euro blade. It works differently.
Thanks Adam. I watched several videos about it and I'm aware of canted blades. This was only my second time ever using it. Now it's a bit better as I keep learning/training. Baby steps I'd say 😅
Greenland paddles are great. I have a euro blade, but it is only back up. Once you get the blade angle down, you will love it. You will know when it's right because there will be no flutter while paddling. Pretend your slicing the water with the blade.
I already love it. I can only love it more later 😁