Segla Gear – Ikigai
Ikigai Greenland Paddle – Segla Gear
Use code – BDSEGLA10 at checkout for 10% off any items.
My review of the Ikigai paddle from Segla Gear, before we start off, I do have to say that I am sponsored by Segla Gear. Although I did pursue the sponsorship after using the Ikigai paddle for my Patagonia expedition.
About the paddle
- 635g
- 220 or 225 cm
- Kevlar edge protection
- Toray 3d carbon fiber with Etha-lite foam core
First Impressions: Switching to a Greenland Paddle
Paddling with a greenland paddle for the first time is a surreal experience, it needs an adjustment from a standard paddling technique. At first this is hard to figure out but it took about 20 min of constant paddling to figure it out. You almost need to put the blade in the water, then pull back on it, compared to a euro blade where you do it a one simultaneous motion.
Buoyancy
One of the features I noticed instantly is the buoyancy of the paddle. You can really feel it trying to pop back out of the water which greatly helps with energy efficiency. It also makes it extremely easy to brace on the blades and surprisingly comfortable for kayaking in rough conditions – by the end of the trip I was more confident in rough weather with the ikigai compared to the euro paddles.
Build quality
The build quality is also something I noticed immediately, the way it joins together so smoothly and still has no movement while in use is exceptional. The worst feature on a split kayak paddle is if it has play between the 2 pieces. The Ikigai had 0 play. Ideally you wouldn’t be bashing a lovely carbon fiber paddle along rocks or concrete etc. but it felt if you did there would be very minimal damage and highly unlikely to snap.
Who Is the Ikigai Paddle For?
This paddle is perfect for anybody really, it is amazing for big, long expedition days or even for somebody that just wants to paddle along a calm lake for the afternoon and not be sore the day after. It is the perfect all-round paddle in my eyes. Powerful and confidence inspiring for the rough weather days while also being super light and easy on the shoulders. I highly recommend this paddle.
Brody is an expedition athlete and adventure content creator based in Wānaka, New Zealand. With six years guiding in Fiordland and multi‑week missions across Patagonia, Stewart Island, and soon Antarctica, he specializes in cold‑water, remote‑environment expeditions. Through Remote Horizons, he shares real‑world gear insights, expedition planning advice, and storytelling from some of the wildest coastlines on the planet.