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Sawyer Stories – Tales of Oar locks, Eddies, and The Feel Of Water

We make the world's best paddles and oars for SUP, kayaks, white water rafting, and canoes.

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The Feel Of Water

Sawyer Paddles and Oars - PNW March 15, 2018

A week ago, I was covered in sawdust, industrial-strength adhesives and varnishes, using power tools, wearing ear, eye, and breathing protection. Why? To understand the process by which hand-crafted oars for drift boats, rafts, kayaks, SUP’s, and canoes are made. …

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Smallmouth Bass Are A Big Deal

Sawyer Paddles and Oars - PNW March 2, 2020

Smallmouth Bass are a “Big Deal” in the recreational angling industry. Big enough that for more than the last 200 years, anglers have been pursuing them using varied techniques all across the United States as impacts to their native range increase. Like cold water species, demands on Smallmouth habitat and conservation are issues that anglers and fishing guides are paying big attention to. Once an Upper Midwest species that thrived in specific watersheds, you can find Smallmouth and anglers chasing them in places like California, Texas, Washington and referred to by many names – bronzeback, brown bass, brownie, smallie, bronze bass, and bareback bass.

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There are a fair number of well-known guides that pursue these fish with great interest, including Team Sawyer Ambassador Tim Landwehr at Tight Lines Fishing Company in Wisconsin. Guides like Tim and others in the Midwest have written books about Smallmouth, including “Smallmouth: Modern Methods, Tactics and Techniques” chronicling their passion. So, with the attention being paid to this species, anglers have followed a familiar model for protecting them, and raising awareness to ensure a future for their fisheries and the natural world.

One of the groups working to protect these fish is led by Mike Simon, Founding Member of the Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance. “We’re very excited about partnering with Sawyer Paddles & Oars. Funding for our projects is so important, and an opportunity like this doesn’t come around very often.” Mike says that the need and requests for conservation work grow each year. “This year’s projects include working with other organizations to continue supporting children’s programs. We are working with the newly forming Northern Wisconsin Smallmouth Alliance. We are helping to fund access to the Couderay River and to get special regs on the St. Croix and Namekogan Rivers (part of the National Scenic Riverways). We have also received a request to fund stocking of smallmouth bass in Little Falls Lake in the Willow River State Park. We’ve recently purchased new aluminum signs that will continue our program of posting “Free the Fighter” signs at landings around the state.”

There are groups of anglers following the example of Wisconsin, with members in Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan, where Mike Schultz of Schultz Outfitters guides clients and operates a fly shop. Mike and his team offer guided trips on six rivers in Southern Michigan and in exotic locations, but his “local” water, the Huron River, is the river his shop is on and is truly a gem of a Smallmouth stream. Flowing 125 miles from its origin in Oakland County, to the mouth at Lake Erie, the Huron is a varied and productive fishery. Schultz Outfitters is the only full time fly fishing guide service working the entire Huron River watershed. One of his signature fly patterns, the Swinging D, is a six-inch long foam head baitfish imitation that mimics a wounded meal for a hungry Smallmouth. I’ve got a few in my streamer box, and their massive profile is intimidating, but appealing to anglers too.

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So, why is a 53-year old paddle and oar company based in Oregon excited about a Midwest fish found in warm water? Well, for one, our founder Ralph Sawyer is a Michigander (so is the author) who made his name as a canoe racer on the Au Sable, the same places where anglers and guides like Tim and Mike have made their careers. And, we care about conservation; not just cold water species, but fish that our customers and Ambassadors advocate for. When I visited Tim and his crew at their shop and “guide house” in Wisconsin last summer, I found guides just as passionate and “real” as anywhere. Same boats, same stories, same Ping Pong table (ahem, we did beat the guys from SCOTF at a match) in a well-worn garage complete with grill, supplies, and fly-making materials scattered about.

Among our lively discussions was creating a new Artisan Series SquareTop Oar featuring a well known warm-water species artist named Matt Stockton. Matt’s work has been featured on Simms products, fly shops, lodges, and stickers on probably most of Michigan’s guide boats. Like our Artisan Series artists, Matt is an angler who expresses his passion for fishing and conservation visually, and his work is striking and expressive. When I reached out to him for a partnership, he had already heard that Sawyer was interested and we progressed quickly in the design and production process. In March, Tim and Mike will launch his signature Smallmouth Oar at two of the biggest fly fishing shows in the country, the MidWest Fly Fishing Show and the Great Waters Fly Expo.

Their shops will be the exclusive source for pre-ordering until March 23rd, when this model will be available at Sawyer Station and at select Authorized Dealers across the country. Proceeds from the sales of this oar will benefit the conservation projects and work done by the Smallmouth Alliance groups across the country. We at Sawyer Paddles and Oars are excited to partner with passionate anglers, artists, and conservation groups working to protect places and species they care about. Through our collaborations, financial support is provided to fund their programs and goals. Join us in celebrating their work and “functional art” with the Artisan Series SquareTop Oar!

Eddy Out!

 

 

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A Day For Bristol Bay

Sawyer Paddles and Oars - PNW August 5, 2019

You may have heard of this world-famous sockeye salmon fishery or the Pebble Mine, one with it’s home and spawning grounds in a pristine, nutrient-rich ocean habitat. The other, an open-pit mine planned in it’s headwaters. If not, here’s what you need to know about the organizations and people behind the campaign.

Save Bristol Bay is a group of individuals, organizations and businesses dedicated to protecting Bristol Bay’s wild salmon, jobs and communities from the proposed Pebble mine.

“North America’s salmon powerhouse, Bristol Bay, Alaska, is threatened by the massive proposed gold and copper mine. Working closely with commercial fishermen, tribes, sportsmen and women, local businesses and many others across the country Trout Unlimited works to protect these iconic and productive rivers and the people they support.”

As a community and company of anglers and whitewater enthusiasts, we support fisheries conservation to protect salmonid and warm-water species for generations to come. If not for the fish, and cold, clean water – where would we be?

On Saturday, August 24th, 2019 we join with the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) and fishing guides, lodges, outfitters, and industry partners across the United States to support the “Day For Bristol Bay” campaign. With help on the ground in Alaska from Team Sawyer Ambassador Kate Crump, we are donating two sets of the Artisan Series “Sockeye” oar with artwork from Ed Anderson. One set for Alaska-based guides, and the other to AFFTA members in the lower 48 states who donate to support the campaign.

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From the AFFTA website:

“As an industry and fly fishing community, we have been fighting for over a decade to keep Pebble Mine from devastating Bristol Bay and the fisheries that sustain 14,000 jobs, a $1.5 billion dollar annual economic engine, native communities and a world-class destination to fly fish. On August 24th, the fly fishing community is coming together as one undeniable force in support of Bristol Bay.

We are asking all AFFTA members and industry professionals nationwide to join us for A Day for Bristol Bay on August 24th to raise much-needed funding for the Bristol Bay Defense Fund – the front-line group that is going toe-to-toe in D.C. with the foreign mining interests behind the mine. We urge you to participate!”

Eddy Out.

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Paddlesports Retailer 2019

Sawyer Paddles and Oars - PNW August 5, 2019

We’re back in Oklahoma City, OK for the third year of Paddlesports Retailer, the previous year being the first time with a “Demo Day” opportunity at nearby RiversportOKC. Oklahoma City, and whitewater you say? Indeed, as they say all rivers run to the sea and one comes right through town to feed the venue and its multiple track plus pool facility.

As with 2018, there are opportunities for retail buyers and outfitters to meet with Team Sawyer as Zac, Aaron, and Derek are here supporting the indoor and demo area aspects of the show. If you haven’t set an appointment for learning about our 2020 preseason paddle and oar program, please email info@paddlesandoars.com to learn more.

Set up is nearly complete, with a new and expanded display including new graphics.

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Monday is the Demo Day at RiversportOKC, with three days of floor time to meet up and learn about Sawyer and our line of paddles and oars. See you there!

Eddy Out.

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The Shop, Part Six In The Series

Sawyer Paddles and Oars - PNW April 1, 2019

There’s a reason why specialty paddling shops thrive, where great customer service, product knowledge, up to date river conditions and special events make them a valued resource in the community. When you step into a great shop, you’ll find staff that have experience using the products they sell, continually have in stock, and likely used on the water recently. Makes sense, right? We believe that specialty retail shops are integral to our success, and yours on the water.

Meet Mike Donovan, Owner & Founder of Sunshine Sports in Billings, MT. Mike’s rafting career started many years ago, at 10 years old when he and two brothers won a raft in a local contest, and the rest is history.

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“I have rowed countless days with all the best selling brands of oars and at this point in the journey, I now row with the Sawyer SquareTop Dyno-X Shoal Cut oars. “I believe the innovation and performance of a Sawyer oar cannot be matched by any of the competing oar brands. Sawyer offers the greatest depth of oar models each offering different performance characteristics.” So we asked Mike how Sunshine staff makes the customer experience stand out.

“We use an interactive demonstration comparing the varying flex and whip of different shafts and blades really drives home the differences, and helps a customer choose between the many models.” At Sawyer, we call this “the unduplicated feel and progressive flex that only a tapered wood shaft delivers.” The added strength of a carbon fiber braid wrap and the over-sized “SquareTop” from the handle to the rope wrap provides a counter balanced feel without compromising flotation. Yes, a counter balanced oar that floats… flat on the water!

Mike stressed that his staff are pro’s at explaining the benefit of the comfort and forgiveness of rowing an oar with more uniform flex, and how a more balanced oar can reduce the fatigue of lifting an unbalanced oar 1000’s of times per day. That’s music to his customer’s ears, and we agree. Until next time, Eddy Out!

 

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A River Connection, Part Three In A Series

Sawyer Paddles and Oars - PNW March 11, 2019

A young man from east of the Mississippi, the largest river in the United States, travels west to experience the Wild & Scenic Rogue River in Oregon.

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Upcoming Events 2019

Sawyer Paddles and Oars - PNW November 13, 2018

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January 25th – Dolores River Boating Advocates 6th Annual Permit Party

Join our Southern US Territory Manager Aaron Stone in Dolores, Colorado on Friday, January 25th from 6-10 PM. Click here for tickets and more information to support responsible recreational use and balanced flow management while protecting the watershed for the health of the natural environment and livelihood of future generations. Silent auction for a set of Polecat Oars with Dynalite Blades!

March 2 – Blackfoot River Outfitters

Join us in Missoula, Montana for the 8th Annual Fly Fishing Gear Swap & Skwalapalooza event at BRO in Missoula, on Saturday, March 2nd. Watch the BRO website and Facebook pages for more details. We’ll have special pricing on new paddles and oars, and oar locks.

March 15 & 16 – TU Western Regional

Sawyer has supported Trout Unlimited‘s cold water conservation work with our special label Polecat oars, and will be expanding the ability to show your support with new products, launching in 2019. Join us in Olympia, WA at the Western Regional meeting to see what’s new and learn about TU’s work in Washington.

April 4 – 7th – Great Alaska Sportsman Show

We’re headed to Alaska for this big show, taking place in early April. Email derek@paddlesandoars.com for pre-orders.

April 5-7, Raftopia with DRE, Colorado

April 13, Utah WW Gear in SLC, UT

April 19 & 20 – Gold Hill, Oregon

It’s our annual Spring Consignment and New Product sale! We’ll have a great selection of new and used boats, boards, IK’s, canoes and river gear with store-wide discounts on a number of awesome products. 20% off all Paddles and Oars 20% off all Dry Boxes 15% off all Boats and Boards 15% off all Life Vest and Dry Bags Discounted Consignment Products. See you at Sawyer Station in Gold Hill. Kid friendly, 10 am to 6 pm each day.

April 25-28th – Orvis Guide Rendezvous

We’re back to Missoula in late April for the ever-popular 33rd Annual Orvis event that draws guides and outfitters from across the country to Missoula. There’s a fly fishing film event, community day at Caras Park, and more. See the Orvis website to register and bring your professional water sports guide licenses to sign up for the Sawyer Pro Program. Make sure to order ahead and we’ll deliver your new oars to Missoula for a big savings!

April 26-28, Colorado TU Rendezvous

May 4, Eddyline Boat Swap, Moab UT

May 17-19, DRE Rendezvous, Buena Vista, CO

May 18 – Caddis Festival Craig, Montana

What can we say, Montana is a great place to be and the Missouri River is hallowed fly fishing water in the Western US. The Caddis Festival is a community-wide event that features artists, kids events, BBQ cook off, and more. Look for Big Red parked in front of Cross Currents Fly Shop on Main Street – can’t miss it! Guides and Outfitters, save your early season tips and pick up a new set of Squaretops!

May 30-June 2, Yampa River Festival, Steamboat Springs, CO

June 13-16, FIBARK River Festival, Salida CO

June 20-22, Gunnison River Festival

July 13, Town of Frisco Triathlon, Frisco CO

July 13-14th – Outside Experience, Chicago Illinois

We’re excited to attend one of the premier events in 2019, the Outside Experience Show in Chicago the weekend of July 13-14. Along with way, we’re stopping at water sports hot spots like Bismarck, ND & Madison, Wisconsin for product Demo Day’s with local shops. Watch for the Big Red Road Trip in your town!

August – Paddlesports Retailer, OKC

In August 2018, we joined the world’s best brands and retail shop owners & buyers in OKC, Oklahoma for the PSR event. With on-water demo opportunities at Riversport OKC and the man-made whitewater course (amazing, to say the least!) including live music we’re not alone in wanting August 2019 to hurry up and get here.

September 28th- Casting For Recovery

We’re on the road to Hamilton, MT to support the Casting for Recovery program that enriches the lives of women in all stages of breast cancer through outdoor retreats that transform their healing and create communities of support. There’s a set of Artisan Series Brown Trout SquareTop Shoal Cut oars up for auction to help fundraise for retreats. See you there!

 

 

 

 

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The Best Things are Worth Waiting For

Sawyer Paddles and Oars - PNW March 24, 2022

The outdoor industry is experiencing a watershed moment in market growth and expansion. The boating industry, a niche of the outdoor industry, has been hustling triple time to meet the ever growing customer demand. On top of increased demand, up river logjams like shipping slow downs and supply shortages are still plaguing fulfillment as the economy rebounds from shutdowns in the early pandemic days. Sawyer has not been immune to the challenges of recent complex global events have brought to putting products in the hands of loyal customers.

“Sawyer is producing the most amount of product that we have ever produced in the history of the company, ever,” notes owner/operator and CEO Zac Kauffman. “Orders have increased, the volume has increased, and it hasn’t stopped. We are building inventory and products around the clock, all the time and it’s just not enough to where we have tons of stock.”

A big question Sawyer is asking: How much of this surge in customer base will be retained in the long run? “We aren’t able to just flip a switch and increase our output to 400% more than what it was pre-pandemic. We have been hiring and training staff for two years, but we are still playing catchup.”

A big question customers are asking: “When is X item going to be in stock?” The answer is complex, and here’s why…

Sawyer is a manufacturer and not a warehouse so all our products require assembly time

Sawyer’s ability to create highly desirable, built-to-order customized paddles and oars is an extra obstacle to navigate in product delivery. One of the most iconic and specialized products Sawyer produces are oars carved and shaped on-site from ash and Douglas fir, in Southern Oregon at our manufacturing facility and headquarters. Assembly options for these oars like handle styles, blade shape and rope wrap specifications all require unique components that must first be in-stock before assembly can occur. Theoretically, if the options you choose are in stock (fingers crossed), then those components will still typically take several processes to come to completion. 

Kauffman explains, “Sawyer walks a line of customization with our products. Our paddles and oars are handcrafted, not created in mass like pez dispensers. Shaping wood, making something by hand along with other assembly requires artistic nuance. There are many hands that touch all aspects of our paddles and oars during assembly. Even something that seems as simple as an MXS oar shaft requires a lot of hands.”

At the moment, fulfillment times on various Sawyer products range from 2 to 8 weeks. To break this down, it takes 2-4 weeks for your order to enter the queue. In other words there is a lag time for your order to be received, read and put through to the production floor. If assembly can be done the day it hits the production floor, the process starts to speed up. If the order is more complex like MXS oar shafts with custom patterns and counter balance, DyneLite PRO Oar Blades, Gilman Grips and Karmik re-connect gear labels (which must be fiber-glassed into the item), then the fulfillment process will take longer.

Though delayed product delivery is the new normal (throughout the outdoor industry and beyond), here’s a cheat sheet you can use to scout and negotiate product delays when ordering with Sawyer.

Plan ahead and get in the queue

With multi-week delivery times for the foreseeable future, it’s best to map out your gear budget and needs upwards of 8 weeks in advance. To ensure you will have the paddles and oars you need for commercial trips, fishing expeditions and private boating; order even earlier. Start to think of the process of ordering oars like the permit system. Get organized. Have all your information and dates ready and get in the queue way in advance. The earlier you place your order, the better your odds are of receiving the gear you need in time for the river trips you want to go on. The fulfillment process doesn’t start until you press the button and order.

Quick Ship

Sawyer Station in Gold Hill, Oregon is Sawyer’s brick and mortar flagship store. Housed at Sawyer Station is the Quick Ship order tool which ships customers turn-key items as quickly as possible, typically within 5-10 days. Staples like DyneLite Oar Blades, DuraMax Oar Blades, convertible oar rights, rubber oar stops are available here. Disclaimer: Products available through Quick Ship are always changing and based on the surplus that we are able to maintain in-house.

Simpler components

The more basic the order you place, the faster Sawyer can get it into your hands. When you call to consult staff or email about your order, ask what components are easiest to get in stock (i.e. Polecat and MXS Oar Shafts vs. SquareTops) and what oar options are the simplest to assemble. Remember, the more custom and specialized your order, the longer it will take to fulfill it.

Buy direct from a dealer o(a)r Sawyer Station

Dealers are stocked up, sometimes even more so than Sawyer home-base is. Although the exact product with all the customizations you want may not be available on any given retail floor, at a local dealer or at Sawyer Station, there are still plenty of great products that will more than get the job done. Maybe the full carbon wrap on the SquareTops isn’t in stock but a hybrid carbon and fiberglass shaft could be. Weigh the options and decide how big a difference these minor shifts are so that you can walk out with your oars in hand, same day. Use Sawyer’s Dealer Locator tool to help!

Be patient with sales representatives, paddle shops and dealers

The real key to obtaining your dream oar setup as quickly as possible is sweet talking your sales rep. Be as nice as you can to the front line staff fielding inquiries. They are doing the best they can to get you the goods you want. Plus, you never know when you’ll need all that banked river karma, so keep adding to the account!

We know how frustrating it can be waiting for a shiny set of custom Sawyer oars for your raft or drift boat. Sawyer has added extra shifts, we have crews working on the weekends, we’ve also increased our shipping capacity. Use the cheat sheet recommendations and trust that Sawyer is doing everything in our power to uphold our reputation for hand crafting the best paddles and oars, industry wide. After all, like they always say, the best things are worth waiting for.


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That will leave a mark…

Sawyer Paddles and Oars - PNW April 22, 2019

River trips bring out a lot of emotions and the experience can leave a mark for a long time, especially if you get a tattoo.

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