The first kayaks were made by hunters who covered wooden frames with seal skins and used their boats to pursue ocean prey. In my boat building practice I follow traditional designs and techniques from Greenland while using modern materials for the skin. Joined together by pegs and lashing, the wooden frame contains no glue or metal fasteners. Nylon fabric is stretched tightly over the frame, sewn together by hand, then coated with polyurethane to create a translucent, waterproof skin. Instead of following a general pattern, each boat is designed specifically to fit the body and intentions of its paddler. Weighing in at 30 - 40 lbs these boats are light, efficient and extremely seaworthy craft.
Copyright 2010 Mary Kate Wheeler, All Rights Reserved