watercraft
patience. purpose. aesthetics
Building a cedar-strip kayak is more than craftsmanship — it's a meditative journey from raw wood to something alive with purpose. Each strip added isn't just structure; it's a moment of care, slowly shaping something that reflects both patience and intent.
Why It’s Special
Once on the water, the kayak becomes something else entirely — quiet, graceful, and deeply personal. There’s a kind of freedom in paddling something you built with your own hands. It’s solitude at its best — a recharging escape that connects effort to ease.
Pictured: Floating the Colorado River, outside of Kremmling, CO, from Pumphouse to Rancho Del Rio with the Poudre Paddlers.
This video was filmed using an iPhone in a waterproof case, mounted to the kayak with a tripod. The editing and original music were created by Chris Holm — a talented musician, creative, and friend.
Despite what the video might suggest, I ran the rapids without a wet exit (bailing out of the cockpit underwater)!
Strongback
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A strongback is a plywood box beam that hold stations (plywood forms) on which the strips will be added to form the hull..
Aligning stations
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Placing test strips keeps the stations straight. These strips are removed once the hull is built up with enough permanent strips.
Adding strips
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Using carpenter’s hot glue to adhere strips to the stations (forms) keeps a clean surface. Stapes are typically used, but leave small holes that can be undesirable. The extra effort using hot glue keeps the deck and hull clean and attractive!
Stand-Up Paddleboard
Built for speed and stability, this 11'8" stand-up paddleboard was handcrafted from scratch — with a few personal touches added along the way. I customized the design by incorporating a full-width dry hatch, making it easy to store bulkier gear while out on the water. Pictured here on launch day with my friend Chris, the board combines form, function, and a whole lotta fun!
FAQs:
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While summer is ideal for building watercraft, winter often offers the quiet time needed for big, hands-on projects.
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The cedar strips I use are typically 3/16 of an inch thick — flexible enough to shape, but sturdy enough to hold form.
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While steam is a traditional way to bend wood, I use a heat gun to shape the thin cedar strips — it’s faster and avoids the downtime needed for drying.
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Cedar is rot resistant and is lightweight. Plus it is wrapped in fiberglass and epoxy for strength.
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A “fair surface” means the strips sit evenly, creating a smooth curve. I start by ripping long cedar boards with a table saw, then run each strip through a planer to remove saw marks and blemishes. Taking the time up front saves hours later — especially when it comes to sanding.
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Building a kayak or paddleboard from scratch is a slow, rewarding process. A sea kayak can take around 200 hours to complete. Paddleboards come together more quickly since only the outer surfaces are visible, so I don’t have to sand or glass the interior!