Straight answers to the questions I get most about SOLWYRX Paddle Gear: ordering SOTAR boats, sizes, build times, Sawyer oars and paddles, packrafts, shipping and repairs.
Disclosure: SOLWYRX Paddle Gear sells SOTAR, Sawyer and Go North Rafts gear, and I earn money when you buy it here. SOTAR also sponsors me as an athlete. Go North Rafts is a sponsor and partner of SOLWYRX. Specs are the manufacturer's unless I say I've used the gear myself.
Does SOLWYRX have a store I can visit?
No. SOLWYRX Paddle Gear is an online-only shop based in Dundee, Oregon. If you want to see something in person, email me. We can often meet up, including at Go North Rafts' shop in the Tualatin area, and you'll find me with a booth at Clackfest.
More: Email Jacob
Is SOLWYRX an authorized SOTAR dealer?
Yes. I'm an authorized SOTAR dealer and a SOTAR-sponsored athlete, so you get real SOTAR boats, honestly described, from someone who paddles them.
More: The SOLWYRX story
How do I order a SOTAR raft or kayak?
Three ways: buy an in-stock or demo boat (demo boats are 20% off retail, whatever their condition), order a pre-designed boat from the shop, or email me for a fully custom build. For custom boats I help you design and outfit it, price it, confirm it with SOTAR and send an invoice. SOTAR builds it and ships it.
More: How to order a custom SOTAR
How long does a SOTAR take to arrive?
Presets are built to order by SOTAR. SOTAR's published estimate for made-to-order boats is 6–12 weeks to complete, plus about 5–12 working days in transit (SOTAR's shipping policy). I'll confirm the estimate for your boat when I place the order. For fully custom boats, I'll get you a current estimate from SOTAR when we put the order together. In-stock and demo boats are ready now.
More: Shop SOTAR
What size raft works for R1 and R2?
In my experience, eleven feet is the sweet spot for paddling both solo and two-up. Ten to eleven feet works best solo, and a 12-foot boat like the Ballista or Argo fits two people with overnight gear.
More: Merlin vs. Rogue
Which SOTAR Classic ST size should I get?
10 to 12 feet for R2 and small crews on technical water, 13 to 14 feet for an all-around paddle or oar boat, and 15 to 18 feet for big groups and multi-day expeditions.
More: Classic ST buyer's guide
What warranty comes with a SOTAR?
Per SOTAR: boats made from its 40 oz material (Classic ST, Strike, catarafts and SL kayaks) carry a 10-year limited warranty for recreational use (6 years on valves, 6 years for commercial use). The 35 oz Merlin and Rogue series, including the Rondel, carry 5 years. The warranty covers the original purchaser only.
More: SOTAR warranty terms
How long do Sawyer paddles and oars take?
Sawyer lists most made-to-order raft paddles at 2 to 4 weeks to build (the carbon race paddle at 2 to 3), and oars run on a similar schedule. Ordered through SOLWYRX, plan on 2 to 8 weeks from order to shipping, and I'll give you an estimate when I order.
More: Sawyer build times
How do Sawyer oars ship?
Oars ship flat-rate to the Portland airport (PDX), and then you or I pick them up from there.
More: Shop oars
Which packraft should I buy?
It depends on where you're going. Go North rates its packrafts for Class I to III. The Carver is the playful one for surfing waves and is best for somewhat skilled paddlers, while models like the Badger, Element, Stance, Glacier and Achelous fit different trips and loads. Your skills and training matter more than the boat.
More: Go North packrafts compared
Is the Build a SOTAR configurator an order form?
No. It's a play tool for exploring sizes and colors on the Classic ST. To order, pick a preset in the shop or email me for a custom build.
More: Build a SOTAR
Where can I get my raft or oars repaired?
For boats, All Inflatable Repair and SOTAR in Merlin both repair all sorts of inflatables. For Sawyer oars and paddles, Sawyer's DIY repair kits handle worn tips and gouges at home.
More: Gear Care 101 · All Inflatable Repair · Sawyer DIY kits
How do I pay for a SOTAR boat?
At checkout, either in full up front or with the payment plan option offered at checkout. Those are the only two options.
More: Policies
Can I return or cancel an order?
No. All sales are final, and Sawyer orders can't be cancelled once placed. If an item arrives damaged or wrong, or I can't ship it in the time I told you, email me and I'll make it right as the law requires. Warranty claims go through the manufacturer.
More: Policies
Do you offer a discount?
Sign up for emails on the home page and you'll get 10% off your first order of Sawyer or Go North gear.
More: Sign up on the home page
Still have a question? Email me. I'm not AI, and I answer every one.
Updated October 28, 2026 · By Jacob Linkhart, owner of SOLWYRX Paddle Gear · Spot a mistake? Email me and I'll fix it.
