: Really my nephew was interested in building a SOF canoe, he lost
: interest in the kayak... he wants his girlfriend to be able to
: go with him.
: I would be interested in the plans, the ones I have found all use
: willow ribs which I have never seen locally, Is this the same
: way you are building yours?
: Melissa

Hi Melissa,
You can still build with the plans you can find, you don't have to use willow for the ribs. Straight grained hardwood, oak, ash, etc will work just as well, maybe better.
If you don't want to work timber or want to use 'natural' materials, other species would do instead of willow. Hazel would work but it can go brittle or black from mold if it's left damp for long. Almost any woody plant/tree/bush with long straight shoots can be used for ribs as long as it bends cleanly. Light holly shoots work well if you can find them.

Hope this helps,
Mike Savage
South West Cork