Grey Owl Sagamore (Varnished)

Grey Owl Sagamore Varnished Canoe Paddle

The Grey Owl Sagamore is a traditional solid-cherry canoe paddle designed for touring on lakes, lochs and deeper rivers. Its long, relatively narrow blade allows the working area to be placed fully beneath the surface, making it particularly well suited to smooth, controlled strokes in water where the blade is unlikely to contact the bottom.

Handcrafted from solid cherry, the Sagamore combines the natural responsiveness of wood with a refined blade shape intended for distance paddling. Its cambered blade and finely shaped edges support a clean entry and controlled movement through the water, making the paddle rewarding to use with traditional paddling techniques.

This is a paddle we would recommend to canoeists who value rhythm, control and an efficient touring stroke rather than the immediate power of a short, wide blade. It is particularly at home during longer paddling days, where its slender profile encourages a relaxed and consistent cadence.

Comfortable Traditional Design

The solid-cherry football-style grip sits naturally in the palm and allows the hand to move comfortably when performing steering and corrective strokes. Its oval shaft provides clear blade orientation, helping you control the paddle without needing to look down at the blade.

As each Sagamore is handcrafted from natural solid cherry, variations in grain and appearance make every paddle slightly different.

Protective Varnished Finish

The Sagamore is finished with a high-gloss exterior polyurethane varnish containing a UV block. This seals the surface of the cherry wood and provides a durable protective layer against regular exposure to water and sunlight.

Compared with the oiled version, the varnished Sagamore requires less frequent routine maintenance and is a practical choice for paddlers who want the character of a handcrafted wooden paddle with a more protective sealed finish.

The gloss finish also gives the cherry a smooth surface and brings out the natural colour and grain of the wood. As with any wooden paddle, it should still be dried after use and stored away from prolonged heat, moisture and direct sunlight.

Designed for Deeper Water

The Sagamore’s long blade works best when it can be fully submerged. It is therefore particularly suited to deeper lakes, lochs and rivers rather than very shallow, rocky waterways, where a shorter-bladed paddle may be easier to place and less vulnerable to contact with the bottom.

A concealed cast-epoxy insert reinforces the blade tip without interrupting the clean appearance of the solid-cherry blade. It provides additional protection at a vulnerable point, although the Sagamore’s finely shaped blade edges should still be treated carefully around rocks, gravel and hard banks.

Who Is the Grey Owl Sagamore For?

The Sagamore is an excellent choice for:

• Long-distance lake, loch and deep-river touring
• Paddlers who favour traditional canoe strokes
• Solo or tandem canoeists seeking a refined wooden paddle
• Canoeists who prefer a smooth and controlled stroke
• Paddlers who appreciate solid-cherry construction
• Those wanting a lower-maintenance alternative to an oiled wooden paddle

For frequent paddling in shallow, rocky or fast-moving water, a shorter, wider or more heavily reinforced paddle may be a more practical choice.

Features

• Handcrafted solid-cherry construction
• Long, narrow blade for deep-water touring
• Solid-cherry football-style grip
• Oval solid-cherry shaft
• Cambered blade cross-section
• Fine blade edges
• Concealed cast-epoxy tip insert
• High-gloss exterior polyurethane finish
• UV-blocking finish
• Available in a range of paddle lengths
• Made in Canada

Specifications

Grip: Solid cherry, football style

Shaft: Solid cherry, oval

Shaft dimensions: 1 1/8 × 1 1/16 inches

Blade: Solid cherry

Blade cross-section: Cambered

Tip material and style: Cast epoxy, concealed insert

Finish: High-gloss exterior polyurethane with UV block

Care Advice

Rinse away dirt or salt after use and allow the paddle to dry before storage. Avoid leaving it exposed to prolonged direct sunlight, excessive heat or standing water.

Regularly inspect the varnish for deep scratches, chips or worn areas that could expose the wood beneath. Damaged areas should be repaired with a compatible exterior polyurethane finish to help prevent water from entering the wood.

Size Chart