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Name: zigzagwanderer
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For those not familiar with Gearlab, they are a Taiwanese company whose designers/engineers are paddlers and outdoors enthusiasts who use the equipment they design and build. I corresponded with their sales representative, Ruby who could not have been more courteous or responsive. When I described my involvement with the ACS fund raising event, she agreed to send an Akiak paddle for me to use and review. This review, however, is for the Kuroshio paddle which I used during the event. As cooler temperatures approach south Florida, I will begin preparing for several, multi-day paddling/camping trips throughout Everglades National Park. At which time I will use the Akiak paddle solely and submit a follow-up review.
When I placed the order, I asked for the paddle package which included a paddle sack and deck bag. Both the sack and deck bag show great attention to details and are well constructed, practical items. The paddle sack is slightly padded around the blades and contains separate slots which prevent the paddles from rubbing against one another. The deck bag has a low profile that does not get in the way and its compartments have more than enough space for essentials such camera, sun screen, snacks, sunglasses, and water bottle. The deck bag, however, is not waterproof a feature I would've gladly paid a little extra for.
I choose the 229cm Kuroshio WL (wide loom) based on general sizing conventions for a 6'1" paddler found throughout the Internet. Although I find the 229cm paddle comfortable, I would go with a 225cm if I were to order another paddle. The wide loom is a wonderful idea and allowed my hands to easily clear the cockpit combing/gunnels of my Nigel Foster Shadow. The fit and finish of the paddle is excellent. The "T-Joint" in the ferule works as advertised and has absolutely no play whatsoever. The paddle has an attractive matte finish.
Being my first Greenland paddle there was a slight learning curve during initial outings, mainly finger/hand placement. I found during my first couple of day trips the paddle fluttered annoyingly if I didn’t set the paddle just right. Once I learned what I was doing wrong, the fluttering disappeared entirely and I began to truly enjoy the paddle. The blade s are very quiet with little to no disturbance along the trailing edge. As other reviewers have noted, the Kuroshio has a notable low swing weight which allowed me to paddle consistently throughout the day. I experienced little to no muscle fatigue or soreness during the trip. The Kuroshio is their shouldered paddle which I chose for ease of hand placement. I find the shoulders provide for a comfortable grip and automatic hand placement. There is no sliding or shifting of the paddle to one side or the other. The black silicone tips, which are sold separately, gave me peace of mind when having to "pole" across the numerous shoals encountered in the back bays and near shore waters of south Florida.
Overall, I couldn't be happier with the Kuroshio paddle and the customer service I received during the ordering process. I had originally intended to alternate the Kuroshio with a Werner paddle during the Florida Keys trip but wound up using the Kuroshio for practically the entire trip. I highly recommend the Kuroshio to anyone looking for a well-constructed, lightweight Greenland paddle that is extremely comfortable to use whether on day trips or extended paddles.