I'm pretty new to kayaking (just started dipping my paddle in the water in May of this year). While poking around the internet, trying to learn how to stay dry and physically healthy while paddling for the next few decades, I somehow started noticing more and more mentions of Greenland paddles. (UA-cam's algorithm must know I'm a contrarian 😉.) The more I learned about GPs and their history and benefits -- and the more I noticed a (intentional? unintentional? a mix?) bias toward Euro -- the more I wanted one. A day or two ago, someone on Reddit shared their GP, a few of us asked some questions, and now I'm excited about getting my own (also 230cm) Gearlab Kalleq! Thanks so much for your helpful review! (And I agree with another comment that your voice is soothing!)
It's very soothing and relaxing to watch your videos. I find it very inspirational how creatively you share your journey and the surrounding beauty. As someone who has been struggling a bit more with stress recently, I find your videos helping me a lot to find the calmness and peace of mind in this chaotic life. Thank you for creating, sharing and showing is the beauty around. Wishing you the best on your journey :)
I've just found your review. Thank you for it, I see that I made a good choice to add Kalleq to my inventory. It's coming today... I'm aware it'll be a completely different experience from wing paddles I normally use but I want to learn it 🙃
Mike I have the 230 cm Kalleq too and love it, bought it site unseen having never tried a Greenland paddle and it’s fantastic. I wondered about the length when I first got it. I’m 6’2” 240lbs just like you and bought it from James Manke kayak out here in B.C. He said go for the 230cm and I’m glad I did. I get maximum power when I want it and if I want it super easy then just paddle at a shallower angle and it’s great. I think the 220cm would have been too lame, lacking power. On a different note how do you find your Delta 17 with the skeg? Is it fairly maneuverable and any problems with your skirt popping off ? Just wondering because we’re both the same size and weight and I’m thinking of upgrading to the Delta 17. Thx Kevin
First of all James Menke is so awesome! I’m really glad you’re enjoying your paddle. As for the Delta, it’s a great kayak for touring. It tracks extremely well because of the V-shaped hall and minimal rocker. However the flipside of that is it doesn’t turn as quickly as a boat with more rocker. However it’s not terrible. As far as the cockpit rim, it is a little shallow and is great for touring. However a white water skirt is recommended for it to bite a little better. I had a Delta skirt and it had a tendency to pop off when I was learning how to roll. I think if the Delta is in your price range it offers a lot for a kayak in its range. It’s great for beginners and intermediate. It does have a bit of volume so it makes it a little challenging to lay flat on the back deck. It is relatively quick and I did a review on it so you might want to check that out. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Let me know if you have any more questions. 😊👍
There is no reason someone as a beginner couldn’t use this paddle. It is a large investment to get started. There are some benefits to using a traditional hand carved Greenland paddle. Homemade ones are a bit more forgiving but definitely not as efficient. I think in order to truly appreciate the carbon paddle it might be beneficial to start with an inexpensive handcarved. Just my opinion though. In my own experience I started with a handcarved paddle before moving into the carbon fiber and found it very beneficial with the upgrade.
Was going to buy the Kalleq until I coincidently found the Inuksuk Carbon Greenland paddle that has very similar characteristics as Ipik for less money. Do you know the Inuksuk ?
Al little more power when i need it. Im 240lbs and 6’2” wanted to get as much paddle as I could. If I don’t need the power I just paddle with a slow stroke rhythm. I’ve become quite used to it. 👍
Thank you! The paddle is still as solid as the day I bought it. no wiggle or looseness at all. I do take good care of it. I make sure after I’m done paddling I keep it separated so the joints can dry out and I make sure that no debris or sand get left in it. I have to say that I’ve never been happier with a piece of gear. Thanks for watching and thank you for your kind words.
I'm pretty new to kayaking (just started dipping my paddle in the water in May of this year). While poking around the internet, trying to learn how to stay dry and physically healthy while paddling for the next few decades, I somehow started noticing more and more mentions of Greenland paddles. (UA-cam's algorithm must know I'm a contrarian 😉.) The more I learned about GPs and their history and benefits -- and the more I noticed a (intentional? unintentional? a mix?) bias toward Euro -- the more I wanted one.
A day or two ago, someone on Reddit shared their GP, a few of us asked some questions, and now I'm excited about getting my own (also 230cm) Gearlab Kalleq! Thanks so much for your helpful review! (And I agree with another comment that your voice is soothing!)
@@andyd3063 enjoy your Greenland paddle journey! 😊. Thank you! 🙏
It's very soothing and relaxing to watch your videos. I find it very inspirational how creatively you share your journey and the surrounding beauty. As someone who has been struggling a bit more with stress recently, I find your videos helping me a lot to find the calmness and peace of mind in this chaotic life. Thank you for creating, sharing and showing is the beauty around. Wishing you the best on your journey :)
Thank you so much for your kind words! This type of comment makes all the hard work worth it. I really appreciate it! 😊🙏. Thank you so much.
Thank you for the helpful and detailed review!
Yes! Just got mine. Totally agree with everything you said! Effortless paddle strokes. My WS Tempest 170 has never gone so fast 😊
😊👍👍 right on!
Such a great review! Agree with so many points you mentioned
Great minds! 😊👍
I've just found your review. Thank you for it, I see that I made a good choice to add Kalleq to my inventory. It's coming today...
I'm aware it'll be a completely different experience from wing paddles I normally use but I want to learn it 🙃
You are gonna love it! The transition will be intuitive. Enjoy. 😊👍
Thanks for the update!
😊👍
Mike I have the 230 cm Kalleq too and love it, bought it site unseen having never tried a Greenland paddle and it’s fantastic. I wondered about the length when I first got it. I’m 6’2” 240lbs just like you and bought it from James Manke kayak out here in B.C. He said go for the 230cm and I’m glad I did. I get maximum power when I want it and if I want it super easy then just paddle at a shallower angle and it’s great. I think the 220cm would have been too lame, lacking power. On a different note how do you find your Delta 17 with the skeg? Is it fairly maneuverable and any problems with your skirt popping off ? Just wondering because we’re both the same size and weight and I’m thinking of upgrading to the Delta 17.
Thx Kevin
First of all James Menke is so awesome! I’m really glad you’re enjoying your paddle. As for the Delta, it’s a great kayak for touring. It tracks extremely well because of the V-shaped hall and minimal rocker. However the flipside of that is it doesn’t turn as quickly as a boat with more rocker. However it’s not terrible. As far as the cockpit rim, it is a little shallow and is great for touring. However a white water skirt is recommended for it to bite a little better. I had a Delta skirt and it had a tendency to pop off when I was learning how to roll. I think if the Delta is in your price range it offers a lot for a kayak in its range. It’s great for beginners and intermediate. It does have a bit of volume so it makes it a little challenging to lay flat on the back deck. It is relatively quick and I did a review on it so you might want to check that out. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Let me know if you have any more questions. 😊👍
Great video - thanks .would you recommend this awesome paddle for a complete beginner having not used a”normal” one!!
There is no reason someone as a beginner couldn’t use this paddle. It is a large investment to get started. There are some benefits to using a traditional hand carved Greenland paddle. Homemade ones are a bit more forgiving but definitely not as efficient. I think in order to truly appreciate the carbon paddle it might be beneficial to start with an inexpensive handcarved. Just my opinion though. In my own experience I started with a handcarved paddle before moving into the carbon fiber and found it very beneficial with the upgrade.
Looks like a great paddle. Too bad they don’t make a canoe paddle as well. We’ve been contemplating buying some.
Oh if they made a Canoe paddle I would on two of them! 😊👍
Where did you purchase it. I am in Ontario and cannot find them anywhere.
White squall.
Was going to buy the Kalleq until I coincidently found the Inuksuk Carbon Greenland paddle that has very similar characteristics as Ipik for less money.
Do you know the Inuksuk ?
Sounds very interesting. I have not heard of it. 😊
Why did you go with the 230cm as opposed to the 220?
Al little more power when i need it. Im 240lbs and 6’2” wanted to get as much paddle as I could. If I don’t need the power I just paddle with a slow stroke rhythm. I’ve become quite used to it. 👍
@@MikeProut Thanks. Is your Euroblade 230, too?
220 😊
They now make the Ipik with shoulders and an oval loom. It is even more expensive.
I priced it out and it comes in at nearly $1000 Canadian. Sure makes me appreciate the feel of my Cedar Greenland Paddle.
It is a beautiful paddle, I think it is better than my Kalleq.
how is solid is the paddle after one year, is there any play in two pieces?
great video BTW, love the b-roll footage and the music!!!
Thank you! The paddle is still as solid as the day I bought it. no wiggle or looseness at all. I do take good care of it. I make sure after I’m done paddling I keep it separated so the joints can dry out and I make sure that no debris or sand get left in it. I have to say that I’ve never been happier with a piece of gear. Thanks for watching and thank you for your kind words.
Make your own, from wood.
I have. And many!