Kayak

Constructed an authentic Greenland-style racing kayak and matching paddle from scratch using ballistic nylon and balsa wood, leading to consecutive first-place wins at the Louisville Mayor’s Cup race. More details below.

Objective: To build an authentic Greenland-style racing kayak and matching paddle from scratch, using modern materials to replace traditional seal skin and achieving competitive performance.

Process:

• Material Innovation: Replaced traditional seal skin with ballistic nylon covered in epoxy, maintaining the kayak’s lightweight and durability while adhering to modern material standards.

• Traditional Techniques: Constructed the kayak without any metal or screws, using twine and wooden dowels for an assembly true to historical craftsmanship.

• Frame Construction: Designed and built a skeleton frame from balsa wood to support the structure while keeping the overall weight minimal.

• Dimensions and Weight: Achieved a final build length of 16 feet with a total weight of approximately 30 pounds, optimizing for speed and maneuverability.

• Paddle Crafting: Handcrafted a matching paddle specifically designed to complement the kayak’s performance characteristics.

Achievements: Utilized the custom-built kayak and paddle to win 1st place in the Louisville Mayor’s Cup race for two consecutive years, demonstrating the superior performance and craftsmanship of the kayak.