Whitewater solo canoe
Shaman
Built for technical rivers and rapids, the Shaman delivers precise control in moving water
A highly asymmetrical hull and generous rocker create quick, slalom-like maneuverability through eddies, waves, and tight lines.
Strategic reinforcements in a tough composite layup provide whitewater durability without unnecessary weight.
The Shaman is a whitewater canoe designed by Harold Deal around a highly asymmetrical hull. The bow and stern each play different roles on the river: the bow favors speed and carving turns, while the stern releases easily for spins and quick maneuvering. This split personality gives the boat a wide performance range — fast enough for downriver racing but responsive enough for slalom and playboating. Despite its capability, the Shaman was intentionally designed to feel predictable rather than radical, allowing paddlers to develop precide control as they learn to work with the river.
Whitewater solo canoe
Shaman
Built for technical rivers and rapids, the Shaman delivers precise control in moving water
A highly asymmetrical hull and generous rocker create quick, slalom-like maneuverability through eddies, waves, and tight lines.
Strategic reinforcements in a tough composite layup provide whitewater durability without unnecessary weight.
Hand made
Craft Woodwork
custom built
The Shaman is a whitewater canoe designed by Harold Deal around a highly asymmetrical hull. The bow and stern each play different roles on the river: the bow favors speed and carving turns, while the stern releases easily for spins and quick maneuvering. This split personality gives the boat a wide performance range — fast enough for downriver racing but responsive enough for slalom and playboating. Despite its capability, the Shaman was intentionally designed to feel predictable rather than radical, allowing paddlers to develop precide control as they learn to work with the river.
whitewater. playboat. slalom
Design Approach
Explore the design
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Designed with intent
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Designed & Built in New York
Rooted in the Finger Lakes paddling region.
By Paddlers for Paddlers
Designed by experts.
Refined in the Wild
Tested over years and miles.
Specifications
length
Total length: 13′2″
Hull Width
At gunwales: 26.5″
At 4″ waterline: 26″
Maximum: 28.5″
Hull depth
Bow: 21.5″
Center: 15″
Stern: 21″
rocker
Bow: 5″
Stern: 5.75″
capacity
Medium sized loads
water type(s)
Whitewater & moving water
Price
Whitewater composite layup: $3,595
Hand made
Craft Woodwork
custom built
Fit & use
Is the Shaman the right canoe for you?
The Shaman is purpose-built for whitewater. If most of your paddling happens on flatwater lakes or slow-moving rivers, a different solo canoe will usually be a better match.
Compared with the SRT, the Shaman leans toward playboating and technical river running. The SRT carries more gear, handles longer stretches of flatwater more comfortably, and is often a better fit for extended river trips.
If your goal is day paddling in rapids, catching eddies, and playing your way down the river, the Shaman is right at home.