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Build Your Own Kayak
Location: Hayward Adult School, Hayward, California
Dates: Oct 6, 2008 - Nov 21, 2008
Students can choose from a number Chesapeake Light Craft kayaks to build during this two-month course. Seniors (55+) receive free tuition -- contact the school for more info.
Chesapeake Light Craft has been manufacturing stitch-and-glue kayak kits since 1993. CLC's many designs emphasize easy construction combined with good looks and uncompromised performance. Using the stitch-and-glue method, the student will build a kayak without the complication of frames, molds, or a strongback. The resulting hard-chine CLC kayak is very stable, maneuverable, and suited to both beginning paddlers and experienced kayakers.
In addition to building the boats, participants will learn the proper way to sand and paint or varnish the kayak. If a student is interested in special features on his or her boat (typically a compass, a bilge pump, a rudder, or retractable skeg), the instructor will provide tips and techniques so the work can be completed at home.
At the end of the course each student will take home a kayak plus a cargo of self-confidence which comes from having completed his or her own wooden boat. In addition, they'll have gained experience with wood/epoxy construction, reading plans, and kayak design fundamentals.
The course is aimed at the first-time builder, age 55+ -- a few younger students can be accepted. The building process is fast-paced but easy, and you'll be spending plenty of time in the shop.
The class begins October 6th, running Mon/Wed/Thur/Fri from 8am-4pm.
Kits need to be ordered from CLC at least 3 weeks prior to the start of class and students need to be registered with Hayward Adult School before placing the order. Kits will be shipped directly to the school.
In the 2007 class (shown above) at Hayward Adult School, students built Wood Duck Recreational Kayaks, Chesapeake Sea Kayaks, and a Sea Island Sport Sit-on-Top Kayak.
