Greenland Paddling with the Gearlab Kalleq
A Greenland style paddle resembles a stick, flatter and wider toward the blade ends. This is an ancient style of paddle that has served the Aleut and Inuit kayakers well for more than a thousand years.
Gearlab has enhanced these traditional wood-carved paddles with precise engineering and high tech carbon fibre composite materials to create an unparalleled paddling experience.
As Melbourne’s Gearlab dealer, we supply Greenland paddles, specifically the premium Kalleq, plus a range of quality kayaking accessories, from our retail store at 37 Jetty Road, Sandringham and online.
Who is Gearlab?
Gearlab is a Taiwanese company - their staff are avid outdoor enthusiasts: kayakers, cyclists, hikers, rock climbers, surfers and paragliders. They are inspired by Taiwan’s incredible ocean-mountain-urban landscape trifecta.
Gearlab’s headquarters is set in the vibrant urban setting of Taipei, only a short distance from a variety of beautiful outdoor settings: rushing rivers, lush vegetation, craggy cliffs and an impressive set of national parks. As a subtropical island in the Pacific Ocean, Taiwan also boasts miles of magnificent ocean shoreline.
Greenland Paddles
Why choose a Greenland paddle over a Euro blade?
Many of our paddlers have reported that a Greenland paddle offers much less strain on their wrists, elbow and shoulder joints.
The long, slim shape of Greenland paddle blades require less force to pull/push through the water and offers less wind resistance. A properly performed Greenland paddle stroke uses core strength without straining arms and shoulders.
The symmetrical shape of Greenland blades offer greater control in the water and ease of performing paddle strokes.
Greenland style paddles are renowned for their ease of bracing and rolling.
The Kalleq is Gearlab’s premium paddle.
It is beautifully designed and meticulously constructed from seamless carbon-fibre. It is more durable and requires less maintenance than traditional wooden Greenland paddles. The tips can be replaced (various coloured tips available).
The Kalleq is available in three sizes to suit paddlers of different height (reach): 230cm, 220cm, 210cm. The length of your paddle will be determined by your arm span, width of your kayak and preferred paddling style.
See our listing for the Kalleq to determine which size is best for you.
Kalleq Greenland Paddle
Premium Kayak Accessories
Gearlab produce a range of quality kayaking accessories - paddle covers, deck bags / deck pods and dry bags.
Paddle Bag
The new paddle bag is fully padded to protect your beautiful carbon fibre paddle from scratches and bumps when you are travelling. Specifically designed for Greenland Paddles, it features a hard EVA shell to protect the paddle tip.
The length is adjustable to suit 2 piece paddles from 210 to 230cm, so that it doesn’t shift around.
Gearlab New Paddle Bag
Deck Pod
The Gearlab Deck Pod is a great tool for keeping your kayaking gear accessible and organised. There are handy slots for the paddle float and hand pump and even for a hydration system.
The interior features a roll-and-clip style dry bag inside the zipped compartment. the dry bag is a bright hi-vis yellow/green so it is easier to see and find your essential safety gear, snacks and other items you want to keep close at hand.
The strap and clip system holds fast, secure and it is quick to attach and remove. There is also a convenient carry handle.
Maintenance: To preserve the zip from salt water, rinse in fresh water after use.
Gearlab Deck Pod (paddle float & hand pump sold separately)
Kayak Dry Bags
This innovative convertible kayak dry bag is constructed to allow for the entire contents of the bag to remain dry, half dry storage and half quick access, or a convenient tote for gear that can get wet. This allows you to tote dry and wet gear, but keep them separate.
Three sizes are available: 10 litre, 14 litre and 18 litre (10L and 14L stocked).
Closure is a simple roll-top allowing quick access into the bag. The bright interior colour allows you to easily see and find the contents.
As well as the handle, there is also a convenient shoulder strap.
Maintenance: To clean, simply spray down the bag after use and hang to dry.
Gearlab Dry Bag showing different styles of use - interior and exterior bags