Throughout history, canoes have been typically made of wood. An archaeologist recently discovered a 3000-year-old canoe in Lake Mendota (Wisconsin), carved from one piece of white oak. Nowadays, wood is not the only option anymore, but, although modern canoe-building methods and materials have taken over mainstream canoe-making, the old methods and materials are still very much used. Modern canoes can be made of many different materials, from aluminum to PVC and fiberglass. There are pros and cons for each canoe material. However, when it comes to handmade canoes , manufacturers typically stick to the traditional look, so their products are largely made of wood. Red cedar ( lat. Thuja plicata ) is the most popular type of wood used nowadays for building a canoe. It originates on the north Pacific coast of North America and is characterized by high dimensional stability.  Thanks to the oils contained in its cells, it is naturally protected against insects and fungi. Cedarwood ...

In the construction of canoes, manufacturers use different species of wood. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the physical properties and characteristics of exploitation. A wood that is flexible enough is also easy to handle and is usually durable and resistant to the aggressive influence of the environment. Hard species are more resistant to rotting, but they consume time for being processed and are heavy. But cedar is a unique wood. Almost unbeatable when it comes to durability, it is still very easy to process in different ways. It is flexible, lightweight, even and resistant to rotting. In addition, cedar is also very much appreciated for its beautiful aspect, which will not change as the years are passing by.   The material has a very low coefficient of compression compared to all other coniferous species and it is practically impossible to be deformed transversely and longitudinally and to have cracks. Canadian cedar holds fasteners well, but...

With their fluid shapes, boats, in general, look delightful. A boat is a source of beauty, especially if it is hand-built and made of wood, because – isn't that true! – nothing beats the authentic aspect of natural materials!  A boat is a pretentious and special thing, so many people think that building a kayak on their own is simply too difficult for them. It is true that such a project is resources and time-consuming, but the work itself is not that difficult, compared to other forms of boat building. This means that even a first-time kayak crafter will be able to build a pretty great boat, with just some modest skills. A cedar-strip kayak is a sandwich construction. Think about wood as the filling, and fiberglass as the bread. Considering that fiberglass covers all the gaps, it is not necessary for the wooden strips to be fitted exactly, which is very convenient for a novice builder. Nevertheless, the construction process of a solo cedar strip canoe will take some time and ...

Canoeing is an excellent sport that any beginner can learn. It is relatively simple to start and you will only need a few hours to be able row freely! Choose the right boat There are plenty of types of kayaking boats, from the long and narrow racing boats, to the smallest of freestyle boats. For most of the beginners a shorter custom wood canoe will provide better control and maneuverability . And it makes a lot of sense: the longer the boat is, the more water you have to dislodge to e able to move, which will require more rowing force. Always wear a buoyancy accessory Any kayak guide for beginners will teach you this. Buoyancy accessories are similar to life jackets, but allow you a longer range of movement around your arms and neck, which ensures the mobility you need for rowing. Dress appropriately for the water, not for the weather outside If it is hot outside, you may be tempted to wear shorts and t-shirt. However, you will have to take into account that even if it is 40 de...

If you are yet unfamiliar with this type of boats, knowing what to look for in a cedar strip kayak can be very useful . For one thing, you should have a clear idea about what you are actually going to use the kayak for. In this respect, a kayak which is used for fishing may be different from one which is especially designed for trips. There are kayaks which are created especially for fast rivers, and which are less recommended for fishing. There are basically two types of kayaks, namely sit-in kayaks and sit-on-top ones. Sit-in kayaks are the more traditional version. This model usually provides more space for storage. At the same time, they have a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to paddle than their sit-on-top counterpart. The hull type is another important detail in a kayak. This refers to the shape that the bottom of the boat has. We could speak of primary stability or secondary stability. There can be a flat hull, a rounded hull, etc. The beauty of a handmade ce...

Cedar strip handmade kayaks can be the best motivation for seeing some of the most beautiful places in the US, regardless of your exact level of experience. Among the top 3 places for canoeing enthusiasts, we could mention: 1.       The gorgeous Arizona lakes. There you can find impressive cliffs, and enjoy the grandeur of this splendid landscape. You can even camp there under the stars. Canyon Lake, for instance, has a lot of steep cliffs and despite its relatively small size, it is extremely beautiful. Watson Lake is another great Arizona lake to go canoeing with your friends. 2.       Rainbow River in Florida -there you can find beautiful cypress trees, shorebirds and turtles. The water is pretty warm and extremely clear. This river is home to a wide range of fish, plants and wildlife. The reason for its name lies in the fact that it has glowing nuances of green and turquoise, flickering in the warm sunlight. 3. ...

If your passion for cedar canoes is a new thing, you may be interested in finding out about where you can actually use your cedar strip handmade canoe . Despite the fact that canoeing certainly can be a lot of fun, taking precautions can help many unpleasant situations from occurring. In order to avoid accidents, it is best to go canoeing with an experienced canoeist, if you are a beginner. Wearing a life jacket may also be a good idea. Checking local regulations before embarking on your canoe adventure can also be very useful. The rules and regulations may depend on the area or the park you have opted for. In order to be able to go on canoeing trips, parks usually require special permits and some specific safety measures to be put into place. Cold waters can be particularly dangerous, so you should check the weather forecast before going on cedar canoe trips. There can also be ethical issues to take care of, in order to protect natural resources and express your respect towards th...