: Alright so I have no experience in building anything. But.. I would
: love to try to build my own kayak. Where do I start? And what
: style would be the most simple for a beginner? I may be in way
: over my head but i need a project to keep me busy and this
: sounds like the perfect thing for me. Any help would be
: fantastic.

: Thanks to all that respond!
: Peace and love,
: Dani

When people ask me, "Can I build one?" I say,"Yes, you can. Building never crosses the mind of someone who can't"

But I would add GET INSPIRED! If you have desire and tenacity you will overcome any obstacle. Wood & Canvas, Skin on Frame, Stitch-n-Glue, or Stripper, find a boat design to love and do it!

I was building stripper canoes in the eighties when I saw the cover of George Putz's book "Wood and Canvas Kayak Building."

That cover picture MADE ME want to build a kayak!

And another thing. Something we never mention.

Here, it's before 7 am on the Fourth of July holiday, and I'm down in the kitchen screwing down the new wide pine floor I'm installing. I can't wait for 7:30 to start up my planer and dust collector to continue adding new boards, but I don't want to see how angry my neighbors might get if I start too early. Then my mother-in-law comes out of the bathroom and says, "You're up early!" She must think I'm nuts. And I think, "Why am I up this early?" That's easy. Because it's fun!

Because it's fun! When you're working on something you want to do, you have the right tools, you know what you want to achieve, and you're making progress, it's a blast!

BUT HERE'S the real secret no one talks about. YOU GET HIGH!

Ever hear runners talk about the high they get, when they're cruising along mile after mile.

Well making things gives you a high too. You focus on the work, you lose track of time, and you feel good.

That's why we do it. People here talk about being addicted to boat building. Of course they are!

Join the club. But don't tell anybody our dirty little secret!

All the best,
Rob

Happy Fourth of July

Bang! Bang!