Short answer: most made-to-order Sawyer raft paddles ship 2–4 weeks after the order goes in, plus shipping time to you. Sawyer's carbon race paddle is listed at 2–3 weeks.
Why it takes a few weeks
Sawyer makes most of their stuff to order. You design it or choose from a set of options, they make it, and they ship it out. That's how you end up with the exact length and setup you want instead of whatever's sitting on a shelf.
Sawyer raft paddle build times
| Paddle | Built to order, ships in |
|---|---|
| Freefall XD WW Raft Paddle (56–72 in) | 2–4 weeks |
| PRO STICK Raft Paddle | 2–4 weeks |
| Guide Styk PRO and Guide Styk | 2–4 weeks |
| Canyon X Guide Paddle | 2–4 weeks |
| Carbon Pro Raft Race Paddle | 2–3 weeks |
Build times from Sawyer's raft paddle listings, October 2026. Sawyer notes builds can take longer when demand is high or an item is out of stock.
Oars run on a similar schedule. Sawyer lists the Dyno X oar at 2–4 weeks.
Getting the right length
The right paddle length depends on your boat, where you sit and how you paddle. The Freefall XD, for example, comes in 2-inch steps from 56 to 72 inches. Tell me your boat and seat position and I'll help you pick before anything gets built.
From my own paddle
For my grad present this past June, my parents got me a 64-inch Freefall XD with my logo on it, and that thing is so awesome. I recently had a customer get one too. I've abused Sawyer gear for years, and it holds up. If there's a manufacturer defect, Sawyer warranties it for one year.
Quick answers
Can I get an exact length? Yes. That's the whole point of made-to-order.
Can it get to me faster? Sometimes. Email me before you order and I'll check current timing with Sawyer.
Is it worth the wait? If you paddle a lot, yes. A paddle built for your boat and your stroke lasts years. You can always get a cheap plastic paddle, but if you want high quality, Sawyer is the way to go.
