Great paddle so far. I purchased the Aukaneck paddle directly from Gearlab. The Aukaneck does what it is designed to do as storm paddle but is also excellent for practicing rolling. It is light and easy to use. I've recently taken it out in rougher conditions on Eklutna Lake, a glacial lake in South Central Alaska. The lake is about 8 miles long with higher winds typically in the long direction of the lake, as a result, the waves can build and are sometimes challenging. In those conditions, the Aukaneck provided more power, better bracing, and was more responsive than my primary paddle, the Akiak, also a Gearlab paddle. Both paddles have shoulders, which help guide paddle positioning, which I find useful. I'm surprised that I've been able to order and get products from Gearlab faster than other products ordered from the lower 48 states. Great service. Their paddles are expensive but worth every penny.
