Skin-On-Frame Kayak Workshop
Cost: $1295
Class limit: 4
Workshop dates: September 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, October 4-5
Design and build your own Skin-on-frame sea kayak over the course of 5 weekends. Learn the essentials of boat design, wood bending, knot work and joinery. Custom build your boat for your size, experience, and intended use. Our simple method of construction relies mostly on hand tools, and is accessible to people of all ages. No previous experience with woodworking is necessary. Our small class size makes for a very personalized experience.
Skin boats have evolved and been put to the test over thousands of years of heavy use on some of the most dangerous seas in the world. Originally the boats used sealskin and walrus hide, our modern alternative is a durable ballistic nylon that withstands heavy impact and abrasion. A 100% solids Polyurethane coating is applied to the skin for waterproofing and added strength.
The Baidarka is millenia old design from the natives of Aleutian Islands in the Bering Sea. It is possibly the most sea worthy human powered boat in History. This design evolved from a need to hunt distant game in the middle of one of the most brutal seas in the world. A specialized bow and stern help make this boat able to move beyond it’s own theoretical top speed.
These boats are very quiet in the water, and do not frighten off marine creatures as easily as a stiff fiberglass or plywood kayak. The frame is able to flex and absorb tremendous impact blows and heavy seas. These boats are light enough for one person to easily load onto a car.
First we will go over the basics of boat design and evolution. The first step of construction is building your bow and stern pieces. Then you lay out the shape of the hull fitting Gunwales our desired beam, cut out your deck beams, and finish your deck structure. Once the deck is complete we install the keel and a center mold and lay out stringers to get the exact hull shape we want. Wood slats are then steamed and bent to the shape of the stringers and fitted into notches in the gunwales. Then we set to work lashing every joint on the boat with knotwork as old as the hills. Next comes fitting and sewing the Skin, and finally applying the waterproof urethane coating. And then of course playing in the water.
To Register:
e-mail: berkeleyboathouse@gmail.com
call: 510-703-1142
checks are payable to:Waterside Workshops
82 Bolivar Dr.
Berkeley, CA 94710