Paddle Stats:
Blade Length: 20”
Blade Width: 7.5”
Approximate Weight: 24 oz.
The Sam’s Special is named for the family member that lent us some of the first power tools used to get Sanborn Canoe Co. off the ground. Thanks Sam! This paddle combines the lines of a more traditional beavertail like the Wapasha with more modern proportions, giving you plenty of power for fighting big wind and currents. The rounded blade is smooth in the water, but the throat of the paddle terminates in a pair of angular shoulders, helping water to run off the blade before it can run up onto the shaft. The stunningly bookmatched walnut blade is reinforced with fiberglass on both front and back, and finished off with an epoxy rock guard for excellent wilderness durability.
The Sam’s Special is available in both straight and bent shaft options. Straight shafts are typically preferred for stern paddlers (the rear of the canoe) for more elegant steering strokes, whereas the 12° bent shaft option will typically be preferred by bow paddlers (the front of the canoe) who are looking to maximize forward propulsion.
Both options feature unvarnished grips. An oiled grip feels warmer and smoother in the hands and is less prone to cause blistering. On the bent shaft paddles is an asymmetrical palm grip; its forward lean helps ensure a secure grip while the soft curves still allow for comfortable rotation in the hand, easing the rotation needed for corrective strokes in the water. The straight shaft grip is symmetrical, and the soft curves make rotation for corrective and steering strokes effortless.
Customer Reviews 5 (4 Reviews) Write a Review
Sams special
I have special ordered 3 paddles so far and was a not as impressed with this one as the other two the striping was broken and not applied nicely looked like patch work other than that it looks great . You only notice when you look closely
Functional Art
This is a striking piece that is as comfortable and effective as it is beautiful. The oiled handle is excellent compared to my other shellaced paddles. It was also a little lighter compared to my beavertails of the same length which surprised me considering how sturdy it is. I also really enjoy the shoulder on the blade that prevents water from running back down the shaft and into the boat. Thank you for a great paddle and I won't hesitate to recommend you to fellow paddlers.
Sams special 7°
Sams special 7° Love this paddle! Can paddle all day at a fast cadence with a little fatigue. Takes about 10 strokes to get up to speed. Can still do all the finesse and control strokes with this blade. I did switch off and on to a wider paddle for extreme windy conditions during my last trip. 95% of my trips are solo in a 17 foot SRQ 17 foot tandem canoe With a 60 pound dog and another 60 pounds of gear. Have not had a chance to try it with two people in the canoe yet.I will probably pick up another one next year.
Sam's Special standard paddle
Wow, this is the standard and it's my lightest paddle. Like a birds wing or huge light feather. Water drips off blade before it reaches that shoulder designed for drip. Really can pull your weight. Not a huge blade so easier on your shoulders. Nice finesse paddle, but really, you could just pick up the pace with it, too. Beautiful, too. 5th Sanborn paddle. This and my bent Minnesota will be most used. I have 3 Canadian paddles, too. I like to change up my paddles.
