Amarok in red

The yellow Inuit Amarok I wrote about has been sold some years ago. But when I saw a newer version with the longer cockpit I couldn't resist making a bid... The result is a beautiful Amarok in red:

The longer V-shaped cockpit makes entry a bit easier and the skeg mechanism is also more modern as compared to the older version. Of course this boat is well built by Inuit. The rubber lids are still usable but should be replaced soon. Unfortunately, the outer skeg cable appeared to be loose from the skeg box. An unexpected setback that however was easy to repair.

Broken Greenland paddles and the Kelleq

The past few years I used the Greenland paddles a lot alongside the Kinetic Wing paddle. Unfortunately in the winter of 2023 the small one broke during rolling excercises in the swimming pool. Apparently, the forces on the paddle are quite high when using it elongated with both hands on one side. 

About a year later, under the same conditions, the "powerblade" paddle also broke. I did not expect that as this paddle is thicker and more robust. So, I was quite dissappointed in the (lack of) strength of wooden Greenland paddles.

Looking for alternatives I came across some carbon paddles at the local kajak shop. I was very interested in the Greenland Ipik made by Gearlab Outdoors because it has a wide oval grip and clear "shoulders" between loom and blades:

However, it was only available in 219 cm so I left the shop with a 230 cm Kelleq by the same manufacturer. The Greenland Kelleq has a round shaft and no shoulders:

The blades have very thin edges and plastic end caps protect the tips:

I have made only a few trips with it. The shoulderless design feels a bit different but is easy to get used to. It certainly is the best Greenland paddle I have ever paddled with!