In this 6-day class you will build your own Shearwater 16, 17, Sport, or Shearwater Double kayak from a Chesapeake Light Craft kit. Additional options include the Wood Duck 10, 12, 14, and Wood Duck Double, or a Kaholo 12'6 or 14' Stand Up Paddleboard.

Starting with pre-cut plywood parts, we will assemble the hull and deck of the kayak using copper wires and epoxy glue. We will then cut hatches, fiberglass the boat and install the cockpit coaming. During construction, we will discuss outfitting the boat with seats, footbraces, hatch fittings, and deck rigging. After the class, your boat will be ready to sand and paint or varnish.

One of the most popular kayaks CLC has ever offered, the Shearwater is an elegant, performance-oriented touring kayak. The "tumble home" sheer panel reduces windage and improves paddle clearance. The Shearwater features CLC's trademark cambered deck. The West Greenland style hard-chined hull has naturally easy and controllable handling for the skilled paddler and comfortable stability for the newer paddlers. The hull shape ensures good tracking even in windy and rough conditions.

Compact, easy-to-launch boats just seem to get used the most. In a tenth of the time it takes to launch a heavy boat on a trailer or drag the big canoe down the lawn, you can slide one of these little kayaks into the water and be on your way. Keep your Wood Duck on top of the car, ready to toss into all the interesting creeks in your county. CLC commissioned Eric to draw and prototype the Wood Duck line to our specifications. Eric had a huge hit with his Shearwater kayak designs, also designed for CLC as fast sea kayaks. We think he has another huge hit on his hands with these fun, good-looking recreational kayaks that anyone from age 8 to age 80 can enjoy on the water. 

The clean lines of the Shearwater make it one of the "sexiest" kayaks on the market, while the recreational Wood Duck line offers comfort, stability, and excellent performance in a visually pleasing form.

With their uncanny speed, the Kaholo 12-6 and Kaholo 14 have found a following among racers.  The 14 is better for larger paddlers (or those who might carry along dogs or small kids).  The 12-6 is more compact, better for smaller-statured paddlers, and it fits in several increasingly popular racing classes.

We regret that it is not possible to build the "Hybrid" versions of the Shearwater, Wood Duck, or Kaholo in this class.  There's simply not enough time in a week to strip-plank a deck.

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. By using the stitch-and-glue method, each student will build a kayak without the complication of frames, molds, or a strongback.