Akiak

After borrowing my instructor’s paddle, I immediately purchase this as my fist paddle for my new kayak. It is so much less fatiguing than the traditional style kayak paddle. So slim and easy to store too. I like how the paddle works as an instructor on how to paddle correctly; by making nice deep long strokes the most effective insuring a good torso rotation. It offers a subtle fluttering feeling, if you use it incorrectly.

Nice paddle! Light, fast and easy to handle. You get a bit wet but I’m sure that will improve over time with use. A pleasure to paddle with.

This is a beautiful paddle. I spent much time trying to decide on length shape and color and decided on 230cm, smooth shoulders and black. I'm 6'0" tall and paddling a perception Sea Lion. There is a learning curve. A few hours to where I wasn't thinking about it every stroke. but that's the paddler not the paddle. The paddle is smooth and comfortable in my hands and I felt more relaxed paddling but I think my speed is no different than with a euro paddle. A shorter Akiak probably would have been ok as well, as would the shouldered version. It would have been nice to test paddle all the versions but I am very happy with my choice.

Impeccable craftmanship, great looking paddle. It provides a crisp and precise paddling.

Arrived very quickly. Very lightweight, but nicely stiff. A joy to paddle

I just received my new paddle and bag. They look so well made. Unfortunately, I am in Canada and kayaking season is over but I so look forward to trying it out next spring.

Purchased start of Sept. ‘20. This Greenland stick is very light, same as a carbon Lendal Euro style paddle. Handles nicely for effortless paddling. Well made, tight fitting with no slack/ movement once assembled. Good customer service (thanks Agnes). I would recommend Gearlab to a friend.

I bought this paddle both for the history (and nostalgia) as well as paddling with a blade that claimed to be easier on the shoulders. I'm very pleased with the purchase and this is now my go-to paddle (I also own a wing paddle). I have a SOT that I paddle in mostly protected bay waters in Miami, FL. However when venturing out into more open water, this paddle handles just fine.

Nothing but praise for the Akiak Greenland Paddle. I have been canoeing & kaysking for just over 40yrs now & have been venturing into the world of sea kayaking. My biggest surprise is the speed & comfort that the Akiak delivers. I thought I would have issues with the lightness of the carbon fibre but it really is a joy to hold & paddle. My speed has improved by approx 10% (as measured on my handheld gps) & again, it is much more comfortable to paddle with. It hasn't quite solved world Peace but I'm sure there is a way ... ;) Cheers ... Scol.

This is my third review of the Akiak. The first paddle I received had a clicking joint and I did end up sending it back. The GearLab service folks are exceptional, and the whole exchange process was absolutely painless (apart for being deprived of the use of the paddle for a couple of weeks). The new paddle has a solid joint, no clicking and no play. Took it out a few times already; it behaves beautifully. It is a real pleasure to use this paddle and to deal with the company. I am very impressed and recommend both enthusiastically. BTW, their paddle bags are also really great.

Great greenland paddle. Light and strong. Excellent product finish. Great balance

Just received my new Akiak (230 cm with shouldered loom) and got out on the water to test it out. A few caveats - this is my first Greenland style paddle so the review is part discovery. Second, I’ve been on the water my whole life but only just got my first sea kayak two years ago, so I have a lot to learn. Third, the first paddle I received had a little rotational play at the joint. The folks at Midwest Paddle Adventures and Gearlab were a big help and quickly got a new one sent out to me. The Akiak is a well made paddle. The craftsmanship in the carbon fiber is astonishing. The seams are tight, the weave is consistent and even, the finish is great. On the water, the paddle feels natural. I feel like it gives me more control than my euro style paddle. Bracing becomes a subtle set of motions that take a surprising amount of my weight. The paddle is nice and stiff, and one can easily lean into it without feeling any flex. Rolling is new and far from graceful for me, but the Akiak changed that. Hard to explain, except that maybe having a longer paddle surface helps to go through the rolling motions slower and more deliberately (slow is smooth and smooth is fast). I was in between sizes based on length and loom. I went for the longer paddle - the loom is on the wide side but I can still get two to three fingers on the blade. So far the grip is very comfortable, and the paddle has plenty of power. Slight manufacturing variation aside (everything varies), the Akiak is a solid, well made paddle with a great feel. Will update this as I get more time on the water.

Arrived today and I was out on the water (Puget Sound) less than an hour later. Love the weight and the feel of this paddle. I chose the orange for great visibility as there can be many boats on the water. "Slice the water" is no joke!

Super light and smooth design. Cuts through the water like butter.

super light yet strong as superman.. love the quickness and effectiveness while skulling..

I have a shouldered Akiak in Chili Red at 230 cm. Quality of the finish: I would place this paddle in the “handmade quality” category. Overall it is beautiful, but there are some imperfections and nicks on the loom, the joint has a small gap and a tiny bit of play (whereas my Werner paddles are utterly gapless and tight), and the red enamel is dulled (as in: rubbed and not shiny) near the loom joint. Cosmetic imperfections are not a really big deal, but I would have certainly preferred a gapless tight joint on a paddle of this grade and price. Still, overall, this is a gorgeous paddle, and it is well-made. No doubt about that. Shipping & Service: Outstanding. After my initial order, Gearlab responded quickly with an invoice for me to inspect. I wanted to make a change with my original order, and this proved to be very easy and efficient. No problems at all. The paddle arrived at my doorstep in Maine (with DHL) in less than a week, and communication from Gearlab was excellent throughout the process. Paddling impressions: I am not yet ready to report on this, but I will post my impressions as a follow-up posting after I have had enough time to evaluate. Slight qualms: The extra set of tips included with the paddle came with only one screw. I would have expected at least two (if not four), as that is what it takes to mount a tip. These screws are tiny, special (made of titanium ?) and seem very easy to loose. Also, I had ordered an additional set of round tips, but instead received a set of flat ones. I have reached out to Gearlab and I hope that they will send me a correct set of tips. I will report on how that goes.

I have just received my new Akiak Greenland paddle. The delivery was fast, the paddle meets or exceeds expectations. Thank you, Gearlab!! Kevin.

Just received the paddle and it looks and feels exceptional in everyway. The paddle I bought is the Akiak, shoulderless, and size of 220 CM. The orange will make me more visible on the water.

This paddle does it all. Very lightweight without compromising strength. And love the fact you can replace tips easily. This is a great addition to my gearlabs collection. A special thanks to paddlesports of Naples for the great customer service and extensive knowledge to help with questions.

All I can say is why have I been using a clunky carbon fiber euro paddle all this time? All of my kayaks (sea, tour, rec, fish) actually paddle faster and significantly easier with this carbon GL paddle. Shoulder stress? Gone. Rolling? Effortless. The technique is slightly different, but much more efficient! High quality. Very satisfied. I chose the shouldered version so I would always know how I was holding the paddle were when my attention was elsewhere. Highly recommended.

The paddle is wonderful! The fit and finish is excellent. I would happily buy from gearlab again.

Extremely fast turn around after ordering. Beautiful paddle. I could not be happier with my purchase

I had a need for a light strong greenland paddle that had the ability to breakdown in two parts. The Gearlab paddle fit the bill perfectly. The paddle is light strong and is a dream to paddle with. the catch is smooth as well is the exit. I have been using wood greenland paddles for many years and this is a real upgrade.

Beautiful paddle right out of the box and before it’s been in the water. I debated shouldered vs non-shouldered and went with the latter. It was a wise choice. The paddle falls perfectly within my shoulder width.

I love the way this paddle handles, so smooth!

What a piece of workmanship this paddle is! In perfect condition right out of the box. Have only quickly tested it today briefly and it behaves just as it is supposed to. I recommend this product to anyone wanting the Greenland paddle experience! Everett

Just received my new paddle, a Gearlab Akiak 220. Look is asome and hand grip is very good, so light weight, can't wait to test in the water.

Beautifully made, incredibly lightweight and great motion through the paddle-stroke that is easy on the arms without sacrificing force in the water. I love my Akiak paddle and will be using it on future sea kayak expeditions.
GearLab produce quality merchandise and are one of a handful of companies making high quality carbon-fiber Greenland paddles. There are some great small independent companies in the Pacific NorthWest too - all in the same price range ($300 to $400), but you truly get what you pay for.
I opted for the GearLab Akiak because they come with replacement tips - the most common area on the paddle for damage. I've read (and believe) that when a carbon-fiber paddle gets a crack it is pretty much rendered useless. GearLab have addressed this issue by providing the replacement tips. Reassuring to have on a long trip.
I am definitely a convert from European to Greenland paddles. European paddles have their place. I think I will always use my European paddles for my packraft, for those swift-water maneuvers. But for touring, I've found a winner in the Greenland style. The Inuit have been using this style for centuries and for good reason. Only a practical design would stand up to the test of time. I wouldn't hesitate in spending the money on one the Akiak. You won't be disappointed.

I have carved a dozen Greenland kayak paddles out of wood over the years and I am very familiar with the engineering and design of Greenland paddles. However, since I have purchased a Gearlab paddle I have not looked back. Gearlab paddles encompass the traditional elements of the Greenland paddle and modernizes them using current technology. I absolutely love this paddle. It is lightweight and efficient in the water making it a joy to paddle with.

非常棒的格陵兰桨，非常适合冲浪及长途旅行使用 (Great Greenland paddle, perfect for surfing and long trips)

First things first, if you are considering getting a Greenland paddle, ensure you do some research on the ‘canted stroke’ first.

I am a relatively new convert to Greenland paddles, having paddled with euro style blades for 10 years. I mostly paddle the ocean, including week long kayak/camping expeditions. Day trips are usually in the 20-30km (half day) to 40km-50km range (full day). My preference for euro style paddle is a small blade and relatively short length. Currently a Werner Cyprus (carbon) 210cm using a 45 degree feather. My boat is a 580cm (19 foot) 55cm wide touring sea kayak.

Other than some very short plays I have very little previous experience with Greenland paddles. I have long admired the concept – the symmetrical and elegantly simple design – to me these were the paddles you would want to have if the s*$# really hit the fan due to ease of bracing, rolling, less windage paddling in high winds and reputedly more efficient distance paddling. For last few years I toyed with the idea of purchasing a Greenland paddle as my spare paddle so I could mix it up with the euro depending on conditions – but somehow never quite got around to the purchase. My first experience of any serious duration was with a laminated wooden shoulderless design from a relatively well known builder. I knew the principles of using the Greenland paddle but my first few attempts the paddle felt awful. Towards the end of a short 16km trip I was starting to get a little more comfortable with the design, though still paddling poorly (especially retraining the brain to the lack of feather on the left hand stroke). Despite this, the second half of the trip was towards the higher end of my cruising speed with other paddles, which I did not expect. I had already determined that bracing and rolling with the Greenland paddle was as good or better than a euro so I finally committed to a purchase.

In my previous half-hearted investigations I had zeroed in on Gearlab Paddles as my likely supplier. I wanted two-piece (but without an outwardly bulky ferule or needing tools) and I wanted carbon (wood seemed like too much maintenance). The replaceable polyamide plastic tips on the Gearlab paddle were a big plus in resolving one of the weakness I would just have to live with on greenland paddle. Lots of checking around the web revealed consistently positive reviews - a serious company, genuinely interested in the uses of the gear they make and improving the designs over time. I continued to look at other options, but came back to Gearlab.

The paddle choice was relatively simple – I wanted a touring design for long distances and I wanted shoulderless for wandering hands during paddling, bracing and rolling. So the Akiak model it was. Not so easy was estimating the correct length. In my initial years sea kayaking I went from 230cm to 210cm and found this a vast improvement – so much so that I now find a 220cm euro paddle quite awkward to use. My Werner is 210cm and I often think it is still a touch too long and I would like to try a 205cm version of that paddle. So I read lots on Greenland paddle sizing (including the guide on Gearlab’s site) and everything pointed to a much longer paddle – 235cm to 250cm! I am 6’4” by the way. I was struggling with ordering such a long paddle but was close to settling at 220cm – just to add some length to my euro preferred length as all indications were to go longer. In the end I emailed Gearlab with a tediously long list of considerations to paddle sizing. They suggested I go with a 210cm Greenland paddle as that is the length I have become used to paddling. This sounded good to me, but did create a new niggling doubt – the paddle blade gets a little smaller as the paddle gets shorter so would this thing, already the smallest bladed paddle in their line-up – be under powered?

I ordered the paddle anyway. As mentioned in other reviews, Gearlab handled the order impeccably. They are clearly very well accustomed to fulfilling online orders. They sent an email to confirm all order details were correct before shipping, and then the paddle was delivered (in regional Australia) only 3 business days after it was shipped!

Paddle was durably packed and came with spare tips and screws, some wax (to put on the ferrule joint if it is a little loose), instructions for how to change all the parts if need be and some promotional stickers.

On examination the paddle is well built. The join at the ferrule is not quite as perfect as my Werner (possibly the best ferrules in the business) – they is a hairline space on the Gearlab paddle between the two halves when joined though this is not in any way a functional issue. Sometimes if I twist the paddle deliberately I think I can feel a fraction of radial play in the join – then I try again and I feel nothing. I may or may not be imagining it and there is certainly no other play in the join – it is very solid.

On the water after only about 50km and a few rolling sessions I am impressed enough to believe this will become my primary paddle and not my spare as originally intended. The kicker here is the paddle’s success with forward propulsion. I had always expected the Greenland paddle to be great for bracing, technical strokes and rolling – and it is. But I am probably also a bit faster with the Akiak than my Werner on the forward stroke. Maybe my euro technique is poor (if is far from perfect) but I doubt it is that bad – I have certainly had no problems with speed or efficiency against others to date. Early days with the Akiak technique wise but Coach Garmin says I am sustaining speeds of between 8km/hr and 9km/hr when conditions are reasonable over distances (7km and 10km) including on a no-current inland water.

I focussed from the very start on getting the canted stroke working and whilst that added to the initial awkwardness it is paying off. Still more work needs to be done. The canted stroke does feel like it has the Greenland paddle working like a wing paddle and the paddle absolutely feels like it is ‘planted in mud’ to use someone else’s phrase. Judging from the feel of the paddle and the speeds on my GPS I am confident in saying that this little paddle has more grip (power) than I can utilise in my kayak. The paddle, when used with the canted stroke at speed forces good body rotation as it is simply too much strain on the shoulders to continue arm paddling for long. I also find my paddling cadence no faster than the euro. I hold the Akiak with quite a wide grip. Compared to my Euro stroke my Greenland stroke starts slightly less forward (otherwise I find it hard to get the right canting angle) and finishes a fair bit further back (which does not result in loss of efficiency like the Euro). I paddle at a variety of angles through a day but often use a reasonably high angle, close in stroke. My Greenland style thus far is slightly lower angle generally (I wouldn’t call it low angle) and I can keep it close in or move out like a wing paddle. I am very slightly faster it appears with it close compared to the wing style stroke. The euro does not seem to like my wing style stroke at all. All up the paddling experience has been nothing like what I expected from my research expecting that Greenland paddles are high cadence, gentle on the body, long distance paddles. Compared to the wooden greenland paddle I tried earlier the Gearlab paddle is more comfortable in the hand and seems to be a little more forgiving of paddling strokes (not as prone to ventilating). I don’t find any problem with any lack of grip on the carbon and I like the smoother feel of the composite finish in the water.

In terms of wear on the body, I haven’t done any long enough trips to test but to date after a 30km paddle there was no soreness to report. That trip involved some heavy direct headwinds for a stretch – never fun or fast but the paddle is easier to control than a euro in those conditions. I haven’t had much issue with fatigue with my Werner either so can’t really compare. The Gearlab paddle is heavier than the Werner but I don’t notice any greater swing weight (and paddling into a good wind it is certainly less weight in the air).

I am also very happy with the 210cm length and can’t see a need (or desire) for longer. Holding the paddle normally for a roll there is less support than the Werner (due to the less width out the end) but extending the paddle about 20cm-30cm (not a Pawlata) seems to give about the same support as the Werner. This is easily done in a fraction of a second underwater. I can still roll without any extension almost every time. Typical of any Greenland paddle fully extending the paddle (Pawlata style) gives a slow roll with so much support you just about can’t fail to come up.

Where the Werner Cyprus paddle has been a standout for me (it is overall a very, very good paddle) is the instant, predictable and secure bite the blade has in any conditions – particularly great in surfing or in confused seas. Still to test the Greenland paddle for this. I note Gearlab has the wider bladed ‘surfing’ Greenland paddle models for this however the Akiak may yet be sufficient for me in ‘conditions’ on the ocean – I’ll need to test to see.

In all I can’t fault Gearlab’s paddle or their service and a full five stars from me. Price is competitive relative to the Greenland paddle completion (including wood) and other quality paddles.

I am also in a stage of being in slight shock as to the potential of Greenland paddles generally but my rating of Gearlab does not include this factor, just their paddle quality and service.

In summary: • Get the canted stroke concept into your head as early as possible and work on it. • Don’t be afraid of going to shorter paddles, in line with euro lengths. • Don’t be mistaken to thinking this style of paddle is about high cadence, gentle paddling. You can do this but get the canted stroke right and there is more power in these paddles than you can likely use.

I just received my AKIAK paddle and opened the package, these are my first impressions. The AKIAK is a two piece, carbon fiber, shoulder-less, greenland style paddle. GearLab's web site and customer support was excellent through the ordering process and kept me informed with shipment progress.

My paddle has gloss white blades (other colors are available), the loom is satin black and shows off the carbon fiber weave, the tips are replaceable black polyamide plastic (other tip colors are available as well). Very beautiful paddle to behold. The finish and quality is excellent, no visible blemishes or other quality control issues.

I was struck by how precise the connection is between the two pieces, absolutely no wiggle or play in the joint. It came with some wax to help keep the joint functioning smoothly. Much tighter and more precise fit than my Lendahl or Bending Branches paddles. The spring loaded carbon fiber lock button fits flush with the paddle so it won't catch my hand during a sliding stroke or extended paddle roll.

The length of the loom works very well for me and the oval cross section is a good fit for my hands. The fine edge of the blades looks great for rolling and sculling. The weight of the paddle fits right in with my cedar GPs and its just a touch heavier that my redwood GP. Stiffness seems just right for good transfer of power. The plastics tips look very tough and can be changed if they get worn from rocky beach landings or if you just want to change colors. This a genius addition, kudos to GearLab.

I am looking forward to getting the paddle out on Lake Michigan and some rolling sessions in the pool to see how it performs. I will provide a follow up once I have spent some time with the paddle in a variety of conditions.

Thanks. MBO