Traditional Kayak
A fully functional kayak made from organic materials: wood, lashings, and cotton canvas. Built from plans for the F1 Cape Falcon Kayak, inspired by traditional Inuit kayak designs.
Process
As a study into kayak design elements, as a class we followed the F1 plans from Cape Falcon Kayaks. Inspired by traditional Inuit kayaks that were meant to include storage for long voyages, the F1 is also one of the most versatile designs - featuring a sharp hull capable of cutting through waves and rough waters, as well as a light and balanced design also perfectly at home in a still mountain lake. We used traditional and organic materials, creating the wooden frame with no metal fasteners whatsoever, only a system of pegs and lashings. The lashings were a waxed artificial sinew. Traditionally, animal skins would be used for the skin of the kayak, but for practicality we used a treated canvas, similar to what is in use in most modern backpacks. We used acid dyes for coloring, and then a resin based sealant to waterproof and seal the final boat. I dyed my kayak in the colors of a peach, with the cockpit serving as the "peach pit." The final result was very successful when we took our kayaks to a local mountain lake for testing!
