GEARLAB AKIAK. Greenland Kayak Paddle beginner.

[@flatheadfletch]

I have the same paddle. I took no lessons just went to the river with my only intent of having a good day. I went 18 miles round trip. I didn’t know it was that far until the park ranger told me. He was amazed. Me too at 61 yo and 220 lbs. felt zero fatigue in arms and shoulders. I was using a Werner Kalliste touring paddle prior. I would get to sore long before I could finish that trip !!

[@Fishaholicboy]

We are paddle buddies! 18 miles is quite a long stretch! My first two hours with the GP was a bit of a struggle as it took time to adjust.. you adjusted immediately! I agree with you that it doesn’t impact the arms and shoulders as much as a euroblade and that’s why I love it too! Also the red is just so pretty haha

[@flatheadfletch]

Yes indeed. Mine are red as well

[@flatheadfletch]

@@Fishaholicboy Ps I was 61 yo and had gone from 297 lbs to 210 in under 5 months of paddling. I was about 240 lbs when I bought the Akiak. I’m 205 lbs now. The Greenland paddle makes it so so much easier !

[@Fishaholicboy]

@@flatheadfletch that’s really amazing and inspiring! I do feel healthier after started kayaking.. my back feels stronger too! I look forward to your future videos too!

[@flatheadfletch]

@@Fishaholicboy Thank you sir. I will be doing more yak videos soon !

[@jakebrakebill]

Your video reminds me of my first day with my Greenland. I recorded it and posted it on KZbin. I look back on it now several months later and can see everything I was doing wrong. I knew it at the time but it's such a different experience, there's really a lot to take in. But after watching several videos and people nice enough to comment with suggestions, I think I'm about as good as I'll ever be right now. And yes, more water on your hands and skirt, my Euro blades have the rubber drip ring/washer that really helps but the drips with a Greenland are worth it. Everyone has an opinion, so I hate to give mine but the two biggest things for me were. To some degree, stab the blade in the water like stabbing a fish. You'll find the happy place there like you did the angle for the flutter. Then second, put the blade deep enough that your hands are in the water. Again, to some degree and finding what works for you. " IF " your boat, has you up out of the water so high that you're rocking to touch your hands, then just bury the blade the best you can. Then your cadence/RPM, I had to slow mine down and focus on technique, when you're doing it all right, you'll still be going just as fast, with less fatigue. Great video, the honesty sure helps beginners.

[@Fishaholicboy]

Wow.. really appreciate the feedback! I know I have a long way to go with the GP and what you say makes perfect sense. I’ll have to keep practicing and keep in mind what you have pointed out when I go out and paddle. I like how you said “stabbing a fish” as I can actually visualise it. Really appreciate it!

[@jakebrakebill]

@@Fishaholicboy Having the GoPro helps a lot. If you film yourself and talk at the same time as to what you're trying and doing, then when you get home, you can watch yourself and critique your efforts and your progress. Then the stabbing part, if you can visualize the stabbing being completed near the end of the stroke say 3/4's. The stab and the stroke, being all one. Starting the catch closer to you, not reaching out in front of you so far, then letting the blade travel farther behind you. All of this to some degree and what fits you, everyone is different, may not work at all for you.

[@adventurecoalition3690]

You must have read my mind, all my questions were answered. Thx for the info 🙏much appreciated

[@Fishaholicboy]

Great! Really happy I helped to answer your questions.. actually I tried to provide information to questions I had before investing in a Greenland paddle :) I have another video of the Kalleq which is the higher end version from the same company, Gearlab Outdoors. Sharing the link in case you're curious: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZXWk55rm7Zld7s

[@jakebooker3040]

Excellent video! I agree with you, once I spent a couple of hours with a Greenland paddle I knew I wouldn’t go back to the euroblade. The strokes are quicker but I noticed the shoulder stress is reduced and I was able to paddle for longer periods of time before feeling fatigue.

[@Fishaholicboy]

The more I use the GP, the more I love it!

[@82HEADCASE]

Hi . I was looking in to GL paddles when I discovered your video 👏👏 iv this thing stuck in my head to try a GL... I messaged a neighbour of mine earlier to see if he still had his GL paddles and sure enough he had a carbon split GL paddle for me to use I presume as long as I like as he uses euro paddles now .... The paddle can be adjusted for length and feather... I just picked it up this evening but it looks great and feels great aswell as being nice and light!! I'm going to watch your other GL paddle videos now 👍

[@Fishaholicboy]

HOORAY! You can try the GP! There's a bit of adjustment needed in the beginning where you'll sense some flutter but you'll get over it quickly. Just make sure you hold the paddle on an angle so it slices into the water. Please let me know how you go with it and your thoughts too!

[@dwangreen9566]

Great observations and video.

[@Fishaholicboy]

Thank you! It's my favourite paddle now

[@dm208060]

A thought about your stroke ... yes, the greenland paddle stroke is different from the euroblade stroke. The GL stroke starts at about your knees or mid-calf (not at your toes) and continues past your hips to the stern of the kayak. The stroke looks like less of a stab-and-pull and more of a fly-the-wing style. You know your stroke is proper when your pinky fingers are always in the water at the point where you slice the paddle out for the next stroke. The GL stroke is a low-angle stroke that mimics an aerofoil in the water that's why the blade needs a forward cant. It's a bit of a learning curve, but worth it to master the paddle and stroke techniques.

[@Fishaholicboy]

Thanks Craig! I just need to play around with the GP more and adjust. Thanks for the tip!

[@eastalawest1633]

I love my Kalleq, bought it a few years ago as a backup paddle but ever since I tried it I haven't touched my euroblade.

[@Fishaholicboy]

I completely get what you mean.. I have been the same! The only time I go back to my Euro is when I use my Tucktec

[@88kayak]

I love Greenland paddle too. A lot more versatile and less stress on the arms.

[@Fishaholicboy]

Definitely agree! I need to play around with it more though.. cant wait for the weather to get warmer!

[@ericschellenberger612]

Nice video. I wish I could be in HK too! I went a couple of times before and love it! Anyway, your review has me excited about my new purchase. Here in the Pacific Northwest US shops don't really carry these GP styles. I had to just buy my own. Note there is a very good link to an instructional video posted below in comments and also I have seen recommendations online from a paddle builder that the longest lengths are not so important. Since I am older and looking to reduce stress and wear while paddling I chose medium length.

[@Fishaholicboy]

Did you manage to experience the outdoors over here in HK? I didn’t realise how beautiful Hk was until a few years back 😅😅 I also didn’t have access to any shops with GP so I took the leap and bought it online and no regrets whatsoever. I would love to make too!

[@ericschellenberger612]

@@Fishaholicboy just climbing the hill! Mostly city stuff, cultural stuff, architecture and food. Paddles are in the mail. I have too many other hobbies to carve one :/

[@NaNa-rb7ou]

I went from high angle to low angle were very glad and yes it was comfortable and I can paddle longer without fatigue but I felt like I got zero power in the water. Soon I crave more of the power stroke. So I ended up with lendal storm. High angle paddle but much less fatigue than Werner Cyprus. I would probably hate the Greenland paddle.

[@IamNothing82]

I bought my first greenland paddle a few days ago, used it today for the first time. I agree on every point you made. Also there was much wind today, and a greenland paddle is also very comfortable then a euro blade in those conditions.

[@Fishaholicboy]

It's really great to hear you had the same experience. Did you feel really uncomfortable the first couple of hours of using the GP as well? Now it's my primary paddle and my euro is my back up!

[@IamNothing82]

@@Fishaholicboy yes, it was really weird the first hour. Im gonna use it for the next 2 weeks and have a look to upgrade it to a carbon. But not sure yet.. don't know if you have seen my video's, but I like catching boat wakes and a greenland paddle is not really suited for that.

[@Fishaholicboy]

@@IamNothing82 ​ Just looked at your channel and subscribed! I see the style of kayaking you do! There's a few guys that do exactly the same with their surfski. Speaking of which, I remember watching a guy using a GP with Surfski but not catching boat waves. The video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e56UoKePn9R6qbs

[@IamNothing82]

@@Fishaholicboy haha, thanks. I've allready seen those video's. I also try it with my perception kayak, much harder but sometimes it works

[@makinnamiller1431]

Awesome video! You inspired me to purchase an Akiak, really excited to use it tomorrow :)

[@Fishaholicboy]

I am so sure you will love it! Did you also get the red?

[@makinnamiller1431]

@@Fishaholicboy I actually got the blue one! It matched my other kayaking gear haha

[@Fishaholicboy]

@@makinnamiller1431 Nice! How was your first time use?

[@makinnamiller1431]

@@Fishaholicboy it was amazing! It’s a lot easier to use and lighter than I had expected

[@Fishaholicboy]

@@makinnamiller1431 yeah it’s so nice in the hands! I wonder how a Kalleq feels like now 😂

[@AdventureswithAdam1]

New subscriber, I'll be binging through these this week 🙌

[@Fishaholicboy]

Thanks Adam! Subbed yours too!

[@adventureswithmarkhorsebox4598]

Nice paddle bag. I wish I had one of those … ☹️😂😂… Great video mate. 👍

[@Fishaholicboy]

Thanks Mark!

[@Joeyapwaichong]

Yes, the cadence for GP will be higher than Euro blade paddles. It's normal. Traditional wooden GP with diamond-shaped cross-sectioned blades has less tendency to flutter but it's a trade-off for some power.

[@Fishaholicboy]

Good to know! Thanks!

[@kayakerkoreaeastseakayak7282]

Hong Kong is still warm. Cheer up for the fun Hong Kong kayak storys !.

[@Fishaholicboy]

Hong Kong's winter is definitely not as cold as Korea! We can still kayak comfortably :)

[@wavesoffun]

Ha ha! Come and try paddling over in Wales! We seem to wear lots of layers all year round

[@Fishaholicboy]

@@wavesoffun Haha! Im so scared of the cold.. been climatised to warm weather.. also like taking a dip at the end of the trip. Not sure if I’d do it over there in Wales with you

[@paddlaistockholm]

Now we're waiting to see you do a roll with GP. 😉

[@Fishaholicboy]

Hi! You can see my kayak rolling journey here: kzbin.info/aero/PL4Pw2EcNn_bSr4Wq5GYVLRLyrNCNXXI5l :)

[@manhonlee7691]

solid thanks for your demo as well as intro. My next upgrade to FiberGlass or carbon will be more towards GP than Euro blades. Besides, it could be less costlier as less volume and surface area, I supposed.🤔😇

[@Fishaholicboy]

Hi! I've been using the GP pretty much every time I go out now.. I really love it. I hope you'll love yours when you get it!

[@tuilorraine]

It's a bit like being on a bike with a lower gear - less strain on your own muscles. As Yappy Joe says below, you would use a quicker cadence just like when cycling in lower gear. I love the quietness feature you mentioned. That would be so helpful when filming wildlife around me in the sea, which I do a lot. I thought it looked lovely and light in your hands and of course you say it is carbon fibre so that's why. The only think I might not like is the water dripping down the blade. i paddle in winter a lot. I might not like that then. Thanks for a very informative video. But I'm tempted to have one for summer use at least. They also look very cool.

[@Fishaholicboy]

I love the red! There’s a couple of different colours from Gearlab and another model. There are many other Greenland paddles out there too. Definitely keen to see you using it on your kayak trips. The water dripping didn’t bother me much as I was using a skirt. Would be more annoying for an open cockpit.

[@tuilorraine]

@@Fishaholicboy I always use a sprayskirt too. But doesn't water run up your sleeves?

[@Fishaholicboy]

@@tuilorraine Took me a while to respond to this.. I must've missed it! If I don't wear gloves, some water will end up on my arms.. the gloves usually stop the water from going down

[@DominiqueB]

@@tuilorraine I've read an article describing how you can force a standard drip ring over the blade, seems to work, and reduce the water dripping. Apparently not _too much_ of a hindrance when moving hands up and down for different strokes... Comments in article mentioned using women hair bands/scrunchies (not a specialist ==> those elastic bands used to collect long hair ;-) to help limit the amount of water dripping along the blades. Maybe some ideas to explore... It's never bothered me much - in winter, i wear immersion gear with watertight gaskets at the wrists, and in summer/shoulder seasons, water is warm enough that it's not (much of) an issue.

[@ms.kayak7seas]

Hi and thanks, Fishaholicboy for educating me. It's embarrassing to say that I am not familiar with "Gearlab Akiak. Greenland Kayak Paddle". It seems a completely different type of shape(fashionable) and a method to paddle from my perspective. I am not a strong paddler, so I have this outdated- thinking; wide blades generate a powerful stroke... how light-weigh is yours? What's your suggestion for paddling a simple recreational sitting -on a kayak, not like your sit-in sea kayak, with this Greenland Kayak Paddle? Are dip rings applicable? I found you very much protective: a little bag to store the new paddle.😊😊Let me know how you feel as you spend more time paddling with it.

[@Fishaholicboy]

It's definitely not embarrassing not being familiar with the Greenland paddle. It's a more traditional way of paddling as it was used by the Inuits looooong time ago. I really like using it due to the efficiency and less pressure on the body with each stroke. I suppose you can get some drip rings but it kind of defeats the purpose of the GP as you are constantly moving your hands along the paddle. For a sit on top kayak, I would suggest a regular Euro paddle but if you are feeling adventurous, you can try the GP too!

[@DominiqueB]

i paddle traditional kayaks, but i still have and love my old tank of an Ocean Kayak sit-on-top -- i always use my greenland paddle with it, and I am just as fast, and probably faster on longer distances as it is a lot more efficient and less tiring. I paddled 10 miles at 3.9 mph avg yesterday, with some wind and some small waves, on the Ocean Kayak with its hull all scratched up, and i'm very happy with that. I'm a 65-yo creaky lazy paddler, for what it's worth. :-) I use a bag to carry the paddles, mostly because i have 3 and it's easier to manage. 2 of mine are wood, that i carved myself, and have been beaten when rock gardening, when used as props to get in & out of the kayak (see creaky old paddler above). They are no beauty, they are not pampered, but work great after 4 years of abuse. Just a quick sanding and a couple coats of oil once a year, and they're good for another 52 weeks of paddling. Not sure how much they weigh, but they are lighter than my lightest euro paddle, carbon shaft and fiberglass blades. (I commented this to another query, repeating it here as you probably won't see it.) I've read an article describing how you can force a standard drip ring over the blade, seems to work, and reduce the water dripping. Apparently not too much of a hindrance when moving hands up and down for different strokes... Comments in article mentioned using women hair bands/scrunchies (not a specialist ==> those elastic bands used to collect long hair ;-) to help limit the amount of water dripping along the blades. Maybe some ideas to explore... It's never bothered me much - in winter, i wear immersion gear with watertight gaskets at the wrists, and in summer/shoulder seasons, water is warm enough that it's not (much of) an issue. So -- greenland paddles are NOT the ultimate paddling gear for all paddlers and all conditions, but they are definitely worth considering, and for me, older paddler with bad shoulders, and various other joints and back, they offer way more pros than cons, with no negatives, and help keep me in my boat longer.

[@ms.kayak7seas]

@@DominiqueB Wow, I sincerely appreciate your insight.

[@DominiqueB]

@@ms.kayak7seas You're very welcome, just glad to help Fishaholicboy spread the word. :-) Every time i swap paddles with other kayakers so they can try my weird "stick", it reinforces how much i enjoy it.

[@TheMacronist]

Thank you!

[@Fishaholicboy]

Welcome!

[@ninjazxd]

As far as water dripping, get some Rust-Oleum Never wet and spray the paddle. I sprayed my fishing paddle and it goes in bone dry and comes out bone dry. I sometimes wonder how a kayak would act if I sprayed the bottom of it. Since it's hydrophobic water can't stick to it so theoretically the kayak would be faster not having any drag or surface tension with the water. Maybe.

[@Fishaholicboy]

Thanks for the tip! I’m really interested to see how it would work on the hull!

[@TheMacronist]

With the oil, unfortunately, you would cause a lot of harm to the environment and the animals. But wax for skis and snowboards works too.

[@ninjazxd]

@@TheMacronist I didn’t even think about wax. I remember people buying wax for their boards when I was a kid.

[@TheMacronist]

@@ninjazxd Try using wax, but not every kind works. Water beads less effectively on car polish wax compared to, for example, ski wax. I can't say whether it actually makes you faster, but it's worth it because you have to clean your boat less often. However, it only works on very smooth hulls.

[@bwisit24]

Did you consider the gram kajak carbon paddle? Similar price to kalleq but much lighter. I just got a pakayak same color, but got a werner kalliste, also very light. Waited for my pakayak for 72 days, delivery by sea to the Philippines from the US. It got stuck in HK (transhipment) for 3 weeks due to port congestion. Maybe I can cross the sea in my kayak to visit you in Hk from the Phil 😅, did it in a sailboat once.

[@Fishaholicboy]

Hi! I haven’t the paddle you recommended. I’ll check it out! Yeah ports are so congested these days.. everything takes two times longer but you still got your Pakayak! Wow you came across the ocean by sail? Amazing! Not so sure how you’d do with the Pakayak 😂😂

[@88kayak]

What's the distance from HK to Philippines?

[@Fishaholicboy]

@@88kayak Just did a Google search and it says 1,322km as the crow flies 😅

[@JamesLinBeWell]

Have you tried the Akiak with your Tucktec? Is the Tucktec too wide for a Greenland paddle? Thanks for your videos!

[@Fishaholicboy]

Hi! Coincidentally I do have a video already here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYTTYWV-Zr16jKM which is the Akiak with the Tucktec. Alot of my friends use the GP with the Tucktec and they enjoy it. I would probably suggest to get the 230cm GP if you're using it for the Tucktec as it's wider and you'll have more reach in the water for each stroke.

[@JamesLinBeWell]

@@Fishaholicboy Thanks a lot, I'm looking forward to trying it!

[@anderssandstrom545]

I bought my Greenland paddle last year and before that I paddled with a euro blade for just a short while (I am quite new to paddling overall). So I am not to used to the euro and maybe that makes the transition to Greenland easier. I just have to learn and not re-learn :)

[@Fishaholicboy]

I’m sure you’ll get hooked to the Greenland paddle! It’s my primary paddle now :)

[@anderssandstrom545]

@@Fishaholicboy I really like the many options it presents. How you handle the blade in the water, how you can move the paddle in your hands for different effects etc.

[@calvincheecs]

Wow ! It is so sleek and look very light…what the weight?as compare to other paddle. Thanks

[@Fishaholicboy]

It’s about 900 grams! The higher end version is about 800 grams or so. It’s feels really light on the shoulders when paddling. Definitely don’t get as tired compared to the euro blade

[@calvincheecs]

That’s light.

[@Redbelo]

Have you guys compared the Greenland with a bent shaft carbon for less fatigue ? I just bought a used bent shaft , but I am curious about the Greenland paddle

[@Fishaholicboy]

Hi! I’ve used the bent shaft euro before and it was nice to use. I couldn’t tell you if it’s less tiring because I did not use it for long.. but I believe there’s less pressure on the wrists etc. if you have a friend with a GP, give it a try! It took a while for me to adjust but afterwards, I fell in love with it

[@Fishaholicboy]

Gearlab Kalleq video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZXWk55rm7Zld7s See more of the Greenland Paddle here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXzUmmmandh2hKc

[@johncheung4005]

hold the green paddle slightly, the paddle enter in water will adjust suitable angle automatically. this skill can also decrease wrists pressure

[@Fishaholicboy]

Thanks for the tip! John, are you in Hong Kong?

[@johncheung4005]

yes

[@Fishaholicboy]

@@johncheung4005 we should kayak together! If you’d like, you can contact me on my instagram :)

[@wavesoffun]

I have the akiak too and love it. It's also really nice for rolling too. Several of my friends have since bought Khalleqs and there is quite some difference. The Khalleq seems to generate less flutter so you can be more lazy with your paddling! It also feels much lighter but doesn't seem as robust, especially as we like to rock hop a lot. Have you converted to mainly using your Greenland now or do use prefer your Euro still?

[@Fishaholicboy]

I was always curious about the Kalleq.. good to know since you tried both! I like to use my Greenland paddle for my primary and then the euro for secondary. But I’m still learning so got lots to learn!

[@siknim]

What length did you choose? I'm about 178cm tall and have the same kayak. i'm debating 220 vs 230.

[@Fishaholicboy]

Hi. I’m 184cm and got the 220cm (regular). I’m really liking the GP but it’s my first one. Gearlab recommended 220cm as an all rounder. I think I’ll try a 230cm next time.

[@siknim]

@@Fishaholicboy thank you for the info! What makes you want to consider 230?

[@Fishaholicboy]

@@siknim purely for longer distances. I feel less tired with the GP and I’m curious how much difference it would be with a 230cm for longer distances

[@BackonTrailasia]

Fantastic. I am seriously contemplating the Akiak too, and in my search for reviews, there you are, again. :-) One question I have, I am not sure if you know the answer, but it is buoyancy of the Akiak being Carbon vs a traditional one of wood. I see a lot of videos saying doing skulling and rolls are much easier with Greenland paddles, but can not find any information so far, that compares the two. Saw your rolling video, or rolling training video I probably should say. :-) Why did you not use the Akiak for that? As for speed and paddle strokes, I hear that it is normal with a frequency of 60 strokes a minute, which is slightly higher than Euro blades, and it translate to about same speed, but a lot less stress on arms and shoulders. For obvious reason I can only quote what I have researched, have yet to have the pleasure of using it myself. :-)

[@Fishaholicboy]

Haha.. I’m everywhere and nowhere 😂 I used the Akiak to practice the exercises.. but I’ve been told I should use a euro blade to start. Honestly, I wouldn’t know the difference between and wooden one vs a carbon one as I haven’t had the chance to use a wooden one. I love using the Greenland paddle and I’d want to stick with it. Gearlab has another two higher end ones but one of them is yet to be launched.

[@flatheadfletch]

My Gearlab paddle is foam on the inside of the blades. Their very buoyant. I haven’t tried rolling as yet. I can tell you that I have far more control over my yak with the Greenland paddle than I ever did with my $500+ dollar Kalliste touring paddles !!! If you know anything about rear end gearing in a truck. Going from euro to Greenland paddle is like swapping out your differential from 2:73-1 to a 3:31-1. Like dropping a gear that only increases rpm slightly but climbs the hill with a whole lot less grunt !!!!!

[@BackonTrailasia]

@@flatheadfletch I know nothing about gears, but your analogy makes perfect sense. Those who advised me to wait, are all paddlers who prefer shovels, to feel the "grunt" as you put it. I am all about peace, tranquillity, ease, and yet still make progress. I got to get one. :-)

[@flatheadfletch]

@@BackonTrailasia You won’t regret it or ever even look back. Their that good !!

[@stefanomoretti3664]

angle a little bit more...about 35-40 degrees until you feel it sloshes less and "bites" more. By now, I think you are probably an expert.

[@Fishaholicboy]

Definitely not an expert but I feel like I am much more comfortable with a GP now

[@parajared]

If you paint the middle a rose white color you would look like Darth Maul

[@Fishaholicboy]

Haha I should also get myself some face paint too

[@teop7887]

I have the same Pakayak! p.s.: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h53Fpol9qd1mfJY 😎👍

[@Fishaholicboy]

You have great taste 😉😉 thanks for the link

[@djieffe]

my logic: the less you disturb the water, the less you disturb the kayak. which is not the goal. i really don't understand this paddle.

[@Fishaholicboy]

If you have a chance, have a go!

[@djieffe]

​@@Fishaholicboy sure, if i can borrow one.