Kayak-Building Workshop
Build your own skin-on-frame kayak from June 10 through June 19 for display at the Second Annual Washington Island Canoe and Kayak Event.
Mark Rogers of Superior Kayaks has taught workshops for 20 years, producing over 400 student-built kayaks. Rogers studied under Sven Ulstrup, Europe’s most accomplished skin kayak builder. These high standards are used to create superior kayaks by each student.
Emmett Woods and Judy Kleinert, both Washington Island residents, have built kayaks with Rogers. Woods has attended two of Rogers’ workshops and says, “Mark shares his passion for kayak design, history, and crafting that can be found few places south of the Arctic Circle.”
Rogers will assist you in building an authentic Greenland kayak to your physical proportions and paddling requirements. Ancient building techniques can be learned with no prior woodworking skills. Your kayak will measure about three times your height and be as wide as your hips plus two fists. You will use simple hand tools and build your kayak of natural materials. Kleinert says, “I have never found the same experience in any other water craft like my form fitting kayak.”
Wooden frames are pegged and lashed together, then covered with either natural canvas or a 12 ounce nylon. This covering is stretched and sewn on by hand for a tight fit. Kleinert reports that in 20 years “I have never needed to repair the canvas, only to give it a new coat of paint”.
You will receive all finishing hardware and with one last talk on safety you will leave with a complete kayak awaiting final painting and curing time at home. A sea sock is also provided, custom sewn to your frame’s dimensions.
Fees include all materials, use of tools, instruction and choice of canvas or nylon. Nylon material adds $75 to the class fee. The Greenland Kayak Workshop fee is $1,400. Classes will be held at the Red Barn Park with a maximum class size of four students.
Learn more online at superiorkayaks.com or call 920-732-4602. To register, call Carol at 920-847-2546.
This West Greenland Kayak Building Workshop is part of the Second Annual Washington Island Canoe and Kayak Event to be held June 18-19-20, 2010. Also planned is a Marathon Race circumnavigating Washington Island (22 miles), Coastal Sea Kayak Symposium, Guided Eco-Tour, and Crossing Death’s Door Expedition. Elite racers to novice paddlers are welcome. Events of excitement, challenge and education. Learn from the best and enjoy the natural history of these waters. Retrace ancient water routes of Native Americans, Voyageurs, Explorers and generations of Island commercial fishermen and sailors.
Washington Island Canoe and Kayak Event registration: washingtonislandcanoeandkayakevent.com, Carol at 920-847-2546.
