Profile

At a lower price than other Gearlab Greenland paddles, the Malik is a good solution for two piece Greenland paddles for kayaking schools/camps; however, it should be noted to your students that the hydrodynamics of the paddle is noticeably different than other Greenland paddles. The paddle is durable and can take a solid day of paddling. Most notably, I tested this paddle in Pacific City, Oregon in 22 foot break. It stood up to a gnarly pounding over the lip. That said, if price is the factor steering you towards this paddle, I would recommend a wooden paddle with Gearlab's new two piece ferrule adaptation. If price isnt as big of a concern, turn to the KQ paddle from Gearlab, an outstanding paddle which is far and above. For durability and price, I applaud this paddle. For paddle-ability, I would suggest the KQ over the Malik.

Extreme protection for your paddle, I love it! Will be switching to this paddle for my Kq. Much appreciation for this paddle bag! Zipper is very durable and easy to undo with gloves, clips are strong, padding is abundant. Could use a little more drainage perhaps but I haven't noticed any downfalls. Would recommend this bag over the old one if you are travelling with your paddles and worried about breaking while shipping/travelling. Well worth the (inexpensive) price to protect your paddles!

A simple yet solid paddle bag! It nicely protects the entirety of your paddle. I've flown around North America with this bag in my checked luggage and my paddles have yet to scratch or damage! The simplicity of it is very nice, and considerably inexpensive for such protection for your expensive paddles.

Best design of a dry bag! Incredibly durable and holds up to any weight that you put into the bag. The carrying handles are a fantastic design. I use and abuse these bags to no end and they continue to hold up. Will continue to buy more of these bags!

Works well to keep your spare Greenland paddle on your deck. Easily switched between boats. I appreciate it as an instructor since I can quickly store a paddle on the deck. I use it frequently for photography as it is a quiet way of storing my paddle, not to mention quick. My one complaint is that in swell, you can catch the end of your paddle in the water and the port will slip down off the side. It doesn't come off the boat, but it does allow your paddle to drag. Not a big issue if you don't paddle much in surf.

Greatly love this paddle! Have used it both instructing as well as tripping. My only complaint is that the button on the two-part no longer clicks out. I have observed this issue with both my paddle, as well as my students.

Super fun playboat! Love the outfitting in these boats. I'm a 5' 10" paddler and cram myself into this boat. Super easy to throw around. The front padding can be difficult to carve out but it is nice to have a solid spot for your feet. I would recommend this playboat.

Good introductory boat. Large cockpit makes it easily accessible, foam floats create buoyancy. Front float is uncovered so make sure to be diligent about the integrity of the foam over time. Easily customizable for fishing. As a wide and short boat, it turns slowly and does not have a fast max hull speed. Seat is reasonably comfortable. It tracks well through the water. Would recommend as an introductory boat.

I've put thousands of kilometers on this boat, both in expedition environments as well as day tripping, instructing, and in dynamic waters. Can not suggest this boat highly enough as a tripping kayak. It is beautifully light. Hatches stay on well even during beatdowns in surf. The day hatch tends to sweat a fair deal, so be careful what you store in this hatch. Have redone the hole in the bulkhead to accommodate for this. The pocket-hatch in front of the cockpit is great, stores a VHF radio very easily. Would highly recommend this boat.

As an instructor/guide, the Deck Pod allows me to easily keep my basic instructor kit in hand as I switch seamlessly between my different boats. I'm able to fit my paddle float, bilge pump, VHF radio, sunscreen, first aid kit, repair kit, spare whistle, and sponge in my Deck Pod. Durability is important to me, as it has proven to be for Gearlab as well. I haven't used it for a long period of time, but the design seems as though it will hold up to the rigor of daily paddling. I've used quite a few different designs of deck bags over the years, and the Deck Pod's layout suites me best. I can easily replace a paddle float with a water bottle and still be assured it stays in while paddling. I've put the Deck Pod through two days of surf kayaking without any worry of losing any piece of gear. Two things of note: the top mesh compartment doesn't fit my VHF (Standard Horizon HX870) so I choose to keep this on my person when I anticipate using it, thus assuring quick and ready access to it rather than zipped up in the Pod. I also look forward to seeing additional/extra tie-down clips for sale on the website; I'd like to put them on the perimeter lines of all my boats, allowing a more rapid switch between kayaks. All in all, the new Gearlab Deck Pod is a sturdy, well-designed deck bag, ideal for gear storage for recreational and professional use alike. I will definitely be picking up more Deck Pods for my instructors and look forward to putting more use on it!