Gearlab IPIK Greenland Paddle: First Look

Introducing the new Gearlab Ipik Carbon Fiber Paddle.
After a few years of using and enjoying the Gearlab Kalleq paddle I get the chance to try out the new Ipik paddle. This paddle is a bit different from other Gearlab models in that it has an oval shaped loom. After I look it over I head to a full condition shakedown at the amazing Tybee Island Georgia.
If you are interested in getting a sweet new paddle and helping out this channel check out my Gearlab Affiliate Link and support my channel with any purchase:
Gearlab Ipik :
gearlaboutdoor...?sca_ref=904110.BPmuXoOkrb
Gearlab Kalleq :
gearlaboutdoor...
Ebenezer Creek :
en.wikipedia.o...
Tybee Island :
visittybee.com
Coaching, instruction, and touring with Uncommon Adventures:
www.mi-paddlea...
As always, if you want to see more about traditional qajaq skills and adventures then follow me at the usual places:
/ kayaktothesea
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[@stevekimball7697]

Great review and video! I just bought the Kalleq in 220cm. It's soooo nice!

[@melissabeck6592]

Thanks for the review. I want to purchase my 1st GP, and I was between the Kalleq and the IPIK. Thanks for going into so much detail about the difference between the two designs. Your review tipped the balance for me -- I'm going to get the IPIK.

[@communicationiskey-]

I am in the same boat/kayak, having to choose better the Kalleq or Ipik. Have you pulled the trigger on Ipik and what are your thoughts ?

[@melissabeck6592]

@@communicationiskey- I got the IPIK. It got great reviews. I'm amazed at how light it is! I like its length, and the shoulders feel very comfortable for my hands. I'm still learning how to move the paddle just enough to increase my speed w/o pulling too hard like a wing blade. When I pull too hard, I get a little turbulence sound in the water. I then usually cant the blade forward just a tad more & the sound goes away. I'm still learning the GP stroke(s), but so far I love it! Go get one!

[@christopping5876]

It took me a year and a week long sea kayak expedition to start really enjoying my Kalleq. Prior to this, I was thinking it was a very nice but expensive mistake on my part. I have had an Ipik for a couple of months now and think it is a tremendous paddle, much like the Kalleq, but better indexing and slightly better comfort. The Ipik, due to its very light and stiff construction, has a curios hollow characteristic. If you plant it wrong or cause cavitation on the blade, you can definitely hear it. At 5ft 10 and long arms, the loom and length are an almost perfect fit for me. Maybe 5cm longer would be nice, but it is an exceptional paddle all told.

[@KayakToTheSea]

The comfort thing is what really sets this paddle apart from the other gearlab paddles. It's amazing how small variations can affect how they behave and feel in the water. And the cavitation sound is something that can happen on all greenland paddles. I notice it on my wooden paddles as well and hollow core paddles really make it obvious. It is just the paddle reminding us to adjust our technique a bit. And I agree, an extra long carbon paddle would be really nice. My wooden touring paddle is about a 235 cm. A great length for me with a production sea-kayak but usually too long for a skin-on-frame.

[@dbf_91]

Omg all that area looks beautiful. I'm moving down to Savannah in February. Can't wait to test my Greenland paddle in local waters

[@KayakToTheSea]

There is a lot of beautiful water down that way. I definitely fell in love with the area and will be back. You'll love it!

[@done-ManJustLivingLife]

Thanks! You just convinced me to upgrade my Kalleq🙂

[@snowleopard1918]

Wow I’d be scared to scratch it. I’m 6’2” tall and have a 230 cm Kalleq and it’s great. I paddle with my hands further apart slightly on the oval part of the paddle and it works great, just the right angle for paddling quietly without flutter. I bought it site unseen without ever having used a Greenland paddle and love it. People are always looking at me wondering what that weird paddle is. The Ipik looks great too, but I think I would definitely like to hold it first and would go for a 230 cm again, if they decide to make that size. Thanks for the review.

[@KayakToTheSea]

The grip on the Ipik is much more comfortable in general (in my opinion). I definitely had less hand fatigue after using it at Tybee compared to how the Kalleq would feel. Finding the correct length is always the hard part with carbon paddles, but the trade off for the other characteristics usually is worth it. And I totally get wanting to try it out. I am always skeptical of any equipment before I actually use it. The first scratch is always the hardest. Then you are set free!

[@yru435]

I like the look of the paddles but the sharp edges are not a feature I am looking for as they are not hydrodynamically ideal, and some owners have had their tip edges split.

[@KayakToTheSea]

@yru435 It's one of those great tradeoffs of features in general. No paddle is perfect for everybody. And in my experience it is very rare to have edges split in carbon paddles, that usually happens with wood where there is a grain imperfection.

[@dbf_91]

Btw I subscribed

[@djieffe]

so all the good things about the greenland paddle have nothing to do with greenland paddle. it can be on any kind of paddle.

[@KayakToTheSea]

Every paddle has different traits and characteristics, regardless of Greenland/Euro/canoe/otherwise. A lot of the things I look for in a paddle, comfort, grip, good feel in the water, quiet blades, are common between disciplines for me. The different disciplines are a lot more similar than a lot of people like to make it seem.

[@carlscarbro4127]

Do you use a euro paddle? If so what do you use it for?

[@KayakToTheSea]

I use a euro every now and then to mix it up and practice. I use it mainly in whitewater and for coaching some sea-kayaking classes. It is good to practice all skills and disciplines. Diversified portfolio.

[@billybert3506]

I am sorry your paddle crashed to the ground, but that look of personal disappointment, disgust, and nobody to blame. 🙊 Great Greenland Paddle review.

[@KayakToTheSea]

It's a common look...

[@ZaphodTube]

Ipik or Gram 9200? Would you like to share your thoughts? (will buy my first gp and don‘t want to upgrade later on… started with inuksuk, then thoight about kalleq, now ipik - so then the gram isn‘t too expensive anymore 😂)

[@KayakToTheSea]

That is a really tough question. I've handed both paddles to try out at a few events and different people prefer them differently. I feel the Ipik is a more user friendly and forgiving, easier to pick up and use, super planted in the water. The 9200D is more subtle, given to more nuance, a bit more comfortable in the hands, the one I have tended to gravitate towards more. But even with both of them available, if I am not playing in dynamic water or teaching I still go for a wooden paddle for comfort and a correct fit.

[@ZaphodTube]

thank you so much. Thanks for taking the time and sharing your opinion!