Build your own kayak in a one-on-one or small-group environment.

Many kayak-building classes are taught to a fairly large group. Generally the classes meet for seven or eight days straight, and involve work days long enough to get you in the time-and-a-half range if it were a paying job. At the end of the week you leave with a boat.

To me this sounds exhausting. I don’t really want to work on a boat ten hours straight for days on end. I’m guessing you may not either. That’s why I’m offering a flexible class schedule for one person or very small groups. You’ll finish a kayak. But it may take a few months rather than a string of days.

We’ll start by measuring your body dimensions, then build a kayak that is sized to fit you exactly.

You’ll need a few simple tools — a Japanese saw, a spokeshave, a sharp knife, a chisel. I’ll supply other tools and materials.

We’ll build a replica of a traditional West Greenland hunting kayak, pictured below. This kayak was collected in 1834, and currently resides in the Danish National Museum in Copenhagen. The lines are captured in Harvey Golden’s magnificent book, Kayaks of Greenland.

It’s virtues: with a 20.5-inch beam it’s wide enough for most paddlers; the modest rocker will keep it going in a straight line; while the relatively flat bottom will provide a greater sense of stability. And, above all, it’s a sweet-looking vessel.

Cost is $1500. For more information, please use the Contact form so we can arrange a time to talk.