Paddles and seat back rests are accessories commonly purchased as commercial products to complete one’s kayak. I decided to construct my own.

I can build three kayaks in 2-1/2 minutes! Well, maybe if you watch my 2 minute and 20 second timelapse video.

There it is… This “oval of clamps” photo is proof I’m on the back end of the curve. The kayaks really look like kayaks now.

We’re really building boats! Work was completed on the interior of decks and hulls, allowing the pairs to be bonded together - forever taking the shape of kayaks.

Watch a parade, sand the kayaks, watch another parade, mix and apply some epoxy, catch a third parade, more sanding… sleep.

Winter has arrived in south Louisiana as evidenced by this icicle dangling from a hose bib. The cool weather halts epoxy work as it won’t cure.

Divine providence has provided an opportunity to resume building kayaks.

The “big wait” is what much of 2021 turned into. Spring 2021 brought lots of rain to south Louisiana.

It is a relief… to be finished with cutting out the panels. I anticipated it would be challenging but it took much longer than I expected.

Measure twice…cut once! We begin the careful process of cutting the components for the kayaks from plywood sheets.

I’ve been dreaming of owning a fast, light kayak for years…decades really. I got the bug shortly after moving to Sarasota on Florida’s Gulf coast in 2000.

I’m not the only builder who has documented their stitch-n-glue kayak project.