Here’s a couple questions everyone asks:

What kind of wood do you use?

Mostly cedar. It’s an ideal product for this type of work due to it’s density, straight grain, and light weight.  Different wood, used for accent color, vary based on the style and look you want.

How much does a cedar strip kayak or SUP weigh?

Surprisingly light! The custom cedar strip kayaks I build by hand weigh between 36 and 42 lbs. I can easily carry one from the roof of my car to the river. The weight varies depending upon the size, type of wood, and extra gear like bulkheads, seats, foot braces, etc.

Hand built cedar strip SUPs weigh between 25 and 32 lbs. depending upon size and nice-to-have features like built-in cup holders.

Why cedar strips?

I mill blanks of lumber into strips that are about 3/4 inch by 5/16 inch wide. Building a kayak, paddle board, or canoe out of thin strips allows for softer corners (“chines” in boat terms). In my opinion this makes for a better looking craft with soft lines and a smooth shape.

What keeps a cedar strip craft from rotting?

Cedar is a great material for kayaks, canoes, and SUPs.  It’s very resistant to rot. Plus each vessel is wrapped in a layer of fiberglass and coated in several layers of epoxy and marine grade spar varnish. This keeps water from penetrating the wood shell.

What type of maintenance does a cedar strip kayak, SUP or canoe need?

Once a year, I try to do a light sanding and a couple of coats of marine grade spar vanish on my little fleet.

If, over the previous year, I ran into a rock and my SUP is showing the weave of the fiberglass, I add a little epoxy resin and maybe a fiberglass patch to strengthen that area. There are several great how-to videos on Youtube. Or call me, and I’ll talk you through it. It’s not hard - just a little messy.

How long does it take you to build a cedar strip SUP or Kayak?

I tell people it takes about a year for a kayak or canoe. Half that time for a stand up paddle board.  I’ll put a priority on yours and get it done sooner.

Sourcing the right wood, milling the lumber into strips, routing a bead and cove on each strip, gluing up each strip, watching the glue harden, repeating this 100 times, trimming out, sanding, sanding, sanding, fiberglassing, applying multiple coats of epoxy resin, sanding, sanding, sanding, applying spar varnish as a UV protectant, sanding, applying more spar varnish, sanding, applying more spar varnish, sanding some more. Each of these steps takes time and often a 24 hour pause between each step.

Have you ever sunk?

Yep. I donated that SUP to a local high school shop class as a teachable moment.

How do I take possession of my kayak, SUP, or canoe?

You’re ready for adventure, travel and seeing new sights right? It’s one reason you commissioned a custom built kayak, SUP, or canoe. Come to Bend Oregon, enjoy the outdoor adventure capital of the Pacific Northwest, and load your new toy on your vehicle.  If you live somewhere really interesting, I’ll come to you.

How do I pay for my SUP, kayak, or canoe?

I require a 40% deposit with the balance due upon completion.

How do I order a custom SUP, kayak, or canoe?

It's easy. Text “Craft” (and maybe your first name) to 503.522.5001. I’ll call you back as soon as I’m done wiping varnish drips off of the paddle baord I’m building.