Those who paddle a canoe regularly affirm that traditional wood and canvas canoes represent the ultimate experience because only wood is so eye-pleasing, long-lasting and restorable even after generations of use. The most passionate paddlers will always appreciate a handmade canoe as being more valuable compared to a manufactured one, and that’s because a handmade product is typically constructed using the best wood for planking, decks, thwarts and seats, with great care and attention to details. A handmade canoe is also unique and can be customized according to the preferences of each buyer. While factories make identical copies of the same product, handcrafting canoe specialists make objects with unique features, built to last wherever you want to paddle, destined for expeditions, fishing trips, family outings and so on. Also, a handmade canoe can be created as a piece of art, serving as a decoration. When you buy a handmade canoe you do it because you know that the time invested...

If you have a cedar strip kayak or want to buy one secondhand, it is important to know how to properly examine the potential existing damage in order to decide whether the repair or the purchase are worth it. As with any other products you can find both a well built cedar strip kayak as well as not so well-built kayaks and especially if you are on a budget, you must make sure that you will not be required to make expensive repairs before throwing your kayak in the water. First, you should understand the difference between cosmetic and structural damage. A simple scratch or series of scrapes on the outer surface of a cedar strip kayak can be just that: a scratch, that is a non-structural blemish. If it is superficial, it will not impair the kayak`s function, so you should not worry about it. If you notice some localized sign of wear and tear that looks a bit deeper, you can easily test the resistance of the area by pressing it with your palms and compare it with the resistance you ...

When you decide to buy a canoe, you will have to decide on the material it is made from and some of the most popular are cedar and fiberglass. What is the difference? First, cedar canoes are typically crafted with beauty in mind, being seen as objects of desire, while fiberglass canoes are mass-produced, in most of the cases. These two materials seem to be very different, but when you get closer, you realize that there are significant similarities. Wooden canoes can actually incorporate the strength of fiberglass, without affecting their natural beauty, so they are the most resilient option. Cedar canoes are also the traditional option , their heritage dating back over 5,000 years. However, modern versions are more beautiful and easier to paddle. At least in part, they are built by hand, so they have that authenticity and nostalgia specific to the material they are made from. If you are looking for these qualities, a wood canoe is probably the right choice for you. On the other h...

Building a cedar strip canoe is an entire process, but if you choose the right builder, it will deal with the project from start to finish and, as a customer, you will be allowed to request customized features. There is a lot going into building a cedar strip canoe, from materials and tools to technical operations. Materials required include: cedar planking, hardwood (for the seats, gunnels, decks, etc.), epoxy resin and hardener, wood glue, masking and packing tape, staples, bolts, marine varnish, etc. Tools that are going to be used by the builder include a table saw or circular saw with a jig, a thin kerf saw blade, staple gun, paint scraper, random orbital sander, sandpaper (a lot of it!), drill, C-clamps and more. The process of building a cedar strip canoe requires technical knowledge and starts by selecting a design, based on what the boat will be used for (camping, tripping, decorating, etc.). Next, the builder will make the plans and free the construction platform, which...

There's something about a cedar strip canoe that just seems to fit in perfectly with the wilderness. Maybe it's the way they glide through the water so effortlessly, or perhaps it's the beautiful wood grain that is on display. Whatever the reason, these canoes have become one of the most popular choices for those who love spending time in nature. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of using cedar strip canoes in the wilderness, and show you why they are such a great choice! One of the best things about cedar strip canoes is that they are extremely lightweight. This makes them easy to transport, even if you have to portage them over long distances. They are also very durable, which means that they can withstand being used in rough conditions. And because they are made from wood, they provide a natural look that fits in perfectly with the surroundings. Another great benefit of using cedar strip canoes is that they are very stable. This is important when you are...

 J-stroke Handcrafts offers a unique, handmade custom canoe and kayak building experience that results in a lightweight, sturdy watercraft. Our cedar strip canoes and kayaks are "true" (a building term meaning straight-line construction and attention to detail), making them perfect for those who demand the highest quality and performance from their custom wooden canoe. We use only the finest materials available, so you can rest assured that your J-stroke Handcrafted canoe or kayak will last for years to come. Contact us today to get started on your very own handmade custom canoe or kayak!