Page 160 - 2022-08-01 Paddling Magazine

KAYAKING

WOODEN KAYAKS

MOST WOODEN KAYAKS are the kayak is typically covered in protective limitless creative possibilities of wood.
products of do-it-yourself home build- layers of fiberglass and resin, and fin- Even better, it’s among the lightest
ers and specialty workshops. These are ished with UV-resistant varnish. kayak materials available and wooden
not kayaks that you will find on the Strip-built wooden kayaks offer un- kayaks perform with the same speed,
shelves of big-box retailers or even your limited design freedom but demand efficiency and durability as advanced
local paddling shop. more patience from DIY builders. Pre- composite kayaks.
Fortunately, you don’t need to be a vious experience working with wood is The low cost for a DIY wooden kayak
master woodworker to build your own helpful since this construction method is equally attractive. Build it yourself
wooden kayak. Two common construc- involves binding many thin wood strips and you’ll have a composite-quality
tion styles are available as plans or com- together around temporary frames. boat at a less-than-polyethylene price.
plete kits: Nothing beats the natural beauty and
Stitch-and-glue wood- +
en kayaks are faster to –
assemble and don’t re- PROS CONS
quire any previous
woodworking experi- • Wooden kayaks are significantly lighter than fiber- • Building a wooden kayak is time-intensive. Plan
ence. First-time builders glass composites, with hull strength comparable to on upwards of 100 hours for a stitch-and-glue
can achieve showroom
aramid or carbon composite kayaks
touring kayak, longer for strip-built designs
PHOTOS: VIRGINIA MARSHALL results by stitching pre- • Kayaks made of wood are unique, robust and • Not handy with clamps and epoxy? Get someone
cut pieces of plywood
else to build your wooden kayak for you, and it
look amazing
together with wire, and
can cost even more than a composite boat
• Composite-quality kayak at a much lower price
then gluing the seams
for DIY builders
with epoxy resin. Once
assembled, the wooden • The feeling of paddling a kayak you built with
your own hands
Paddle on…

Genna Dauphinee paddling Lendal CadenceX

Lendal paddles made in USA

www.lendalna.com

16
160
0
877-496-3584 P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E E
G
A
Z
IN
A
D
D
P
A
G
M
L
IN