This product is made-to-order. See product options for lead time estimate. Bent shaft available in 48-54" lengths, Straight Shaft available in 52-60" lengths.
Named for the Gunflint Trail in Northern Minnesota, the Gunflint paddle is the most versatile and popular paddle offered by Sanborn Canoe Co, designed to tackle any of the narrow streams,winding rivers, and broad lakes that the area is known for. The large surface area of the paddle’s blade makes it easy to get your canoe moving with only a few strokes, and has loads of power on offer when the current or wind is against you. Because it keeps its width right to the bottom it maintains excellent power even in shallow-water conditions where a longer blade couldn’t be sufficiently submerged. Of our three modern designs, the Gunflint has the most power on tap compared to its smaller siblings, the Gillis and the Nessmuk.
Our paddles are also normally delivered with the grip unfinished. Ultimately this means you can finish the grip how you prefer; we recommend an oil finish, as it's extremely smooth, comfortable even after a full day of paddling, and it is simple and easy to maintain. It’s a bit more effort, but it’s well worth it. For an nominal fee, we can pre-oil the grip for you prior to shipping, but you'll still want to maintain the grip oil over its life. Click Here to learn more about caring for your paddle grip.
The Gunflint comes with an array of options allowing you a dedicated paddle that perfectly conforms to your needs. A 10° Bent-Shaft option offers maximum power and bite to propel your canoe even in strong headwinds and rapid currents, while a straight-shaft option allows for more deft ruddering-strokes and a more traditional look and feel. The Gunflint is also offered in three different durability choices: Standard, Wilderness, and Ultralight. The Standard option utilizes Cedar and Aspen with a fiberglass coating to offer a lightweight paddle that perfectly balances weight and durability without sacrificing affordability, making it our most popular choice. If you’re pushing off rocks or tackling tricky currents in narrow rivers or streams, step up to the Wilderness option. Walnut, Ash, and Cherry hardwoods supplement the standard features to offer a tougher paddle that handles almost anything you can throw at it while only adding a few ounces to the weight. But if your trips require long portages or all-day paddling endurance, consider the Ultralight option. The thinner blade is backed with carbon fiber, and the shaft thinned relative to the standard model, making an extremely comfortable, lightweight paddle that still feels like a feather even after hours of paddling. Because of the reduced weight, this paddle should only be touching air or water; no shoving off rocks with this option.
Lastly, you can only love a paddle that fits you perfectly. The Gunflint is offered in a range of lengths to suit any paddler. Click Here to learn how to find the paddle length that’s perfect for you.
Customer Reviews 5 (8 Reviews) Write a Review
Gunflint
This paddle was purchased for a departing employee. It made a perfect gift. This paddle will look great hanging on the wall and pulling through the water. The Sanborn Canoe crew does really beautiful work! It is very fine craftsmanship indeed.
6 stars
I have been paddling since I was a kid, over 40 years. I generally have used vending branches paddles of several different varieties. I decided to give the ultralight carbon Gunflint a try. I just spent a week in the boundary waters and could not be happier with his paddle. My one surprised paddles now feel like clubs compared to this paddle. Made in Minnesota to boot. You won’t regret it.
I have one!
And it's stunning. Liked it so much I had to try my hand at making my own. Great project for a covid winter. My Gunflint hangs on the wall of my living room. It's art!
Gunflint paddle
Beautiful work, light weight, havent had a chance to actually use it yet.
Minnesota Canoe Paddle
Wonderful craftsmanship, beautiful paddle!
Gunflint standard paddle
Beautiful look, and great feel in hand, the balance and lightness instill an eagerness to put art in motion.
10 years, 1000+ miles
Got a standard size for a 2,000 mile trip From Ohio to the Gulf of Mexico back in 2011. Pulled too hard on it shoving off one morning (About 900 miles in) and broke it. The guys got a Wilderness sent out to me right away while I was on the river. I put 1,100 miles on it that trip and hundreds more since, even in rocky shallow rivers, and it is still in fantastic shape and I love to show it off. You guys are the best.
Gunflint paddle
Superb craftsmanship. Sanborn paddles are worth every cent.