As often happens, one good answer asks a question that develops another answer. What could follow the well-regarded, unshouldered Kalleq paddle by Gearlab? The Ipik, a paddle with shared attributes and significant differences. Whereas the Kalleq transitions from a central round join to a clean and sharp-edged blade. The Ipik has a distinct shoulder transition, from an oval loom to the sharp blade. The result is a mid-section that is remarkably different, and blade tips that are virtually identical. So different, and yet so alike! (The Ipik is on the left and the Kalleq on the right)
To incorporate a continuous loom, the first puzzle was creating an oval section that could express a relaxed and easy shape that naturally fills the hand, and maintains a shoulder that suggests 'hold me here!' This was achieved with a continuous carbon-wrapping technology that offers a pleasing, ergonomic shape and benefits the shoulder shape and section.
This view of the loom reveals increased volume, and consistent loom depth.
Isolating the shoulder in these next two pictures, oriented for the blade face view, demonstrates again the benefit of carbon-wrapping as the shoulder modulates the journey between loom and blade. It is wider and clearly faceted where and when the fingers of your hand and the paddle join together.
Having turned both blades 90 degrees, the Ipik shoulder reveals a sharper edge sooner in the paddle length. By placing the interior crease of the first knuckle of the your fingers on this edge, and then sliding the index finger and wrapped thumb to the loom, you'll realize a blade entry that slices deep on the stroke, powers up on the differential flow pressure, and releases easily at the exit, all while keeping your hands relaxed and wrists neutral.
When Gearlab paddles first hit the market, we contacted Chungshih. He graciously sent us paddles to review. We sent him our detailed opinion. Years passed; we noticed that the paddles were steadily improving...
Then the Kalleq came out. Those sharp lenticular blades got our attention. Just prior to the pandemic, we asked Chungshih to come visit. And he did.
Meet Sarah Perry, the artist in the family, she is married to Cheri's son, Josh. We are fortunate to have a few artists in our collective families but she is the featured one for this blog post. Sarah is working very hard towards becoming an art teacher. On her long arduous path towards cultivating artistic talents in young folks she has created many beautiful pieces. We have encouraged her to share some of her prints with our Kayak Ways friends, we hope you enjoy them!
While most of folks think that I look graceful in a kayak, I am quite klutzy by nature!Turner will attest to this he is always commenting on that fact, “for someone who is so graceful when she rolls, you wouldn’t know it when she is out of her kayak.”It is true, I often do some dumb thing usually without much consequence, getting by with a bump or a bruise, a strain, or sprain, but not this time.
It was great to see so many folks at Willard Beach for our first Demo Day of 2021! We had a decent weather window; warm air temperatures tempered the chillier ocean. Cheri mentored paddlers as they dipped into some of their first rolls in our fleet of Tiderace and Rebel Kayaks.
Trying to sort out your first Roll?Need some help?Cheri and Liz have been busy creating a Cheat Sheet for the Standard Greenland Roll.It encompasses a basic key word for each step at the front of each row and a photo of corresponding step both on the land, AND in the water, the final box has a description of what is happening in each phase.Best of all its laminated so it is water ready! Just tuck it under your decklines for easy cheating! Cheat Sheets for the Standard Greenland Roll are $10.
Lots of you may know Liz Johnson, she is a Maine Sea Kayak Guide and Instructor, she organised the Greenland Gathering on Peaks Island in 2019 that was a huge success.She has worked as a guide and instructor for Maine Island Kayak Co.But did you know that besides kayaking and other outdoor interests she is a website designer?
Just over a year ago, we realized that 2020 would be like no other in anyone’s living memory. Adjusting to new rhythms and circumstances is par for the course. In the last couple of years, even before the virus struck, folks may have noticed that we have taken a break from traveling the world and teaching kayaking. Suddenly, everything around us came to an almost full stop.
Another composite Rebel innovation. With strong greenlandic roots, the Naja is for many that have been looking for a more intimate fit. Kayak Ways is honored to be part of the design team that has brought this little jewel into being. Johan Wirsen and the team at Rebel Kayaks deserve the credit for being open to this small idea and for developing its production. Excited!
