About
**This class will be held at BARN under the canopy in the back.**
Build your own sea kayak, using well-tested plans from Chesapeake Light Craft. This class was originally posted for teens 14-18, but it is now open to adults as well.
In this 10-session class, you will learn from an expert how to build a 14-, 16- or 17-foot kayak, depending on the model you choose. You will use the stitch-and-glue technique with epoxy to assemble the hull and deck, then finish the boat inside and out with fiberglass and epoxy resin, and install hardware and the seat. And finally, you will brush on marine varnish to help protect your boat from damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun. You will use power sanders and a variety of hand tools.
At the completion of the class, you can expect to take home a sea kayak that will give you years of pleasure as you explore the waters around Bainbridge Island and beyond.
Special details:
- Team or solo? You have the option of signing up to build a boat on your own (Solo Build). Or you can sign up with a teammate and together build one boat (Team Build).
- Choose your model. When you register, you will be asked to choose a model. The Chesapeake 14 is designed for paddlers who weigh 60 to 135 pounds. The Chesapeake 16LT (shown in the lower picture) is ideal for paddlers who weigh 100 to 160 pounds. And the Chesapeake 17LT (top picture) is for paddlers who weigh 160 to 220 pounds. Please review the company's kayak fit table, which shows cockpit dimensions, shoe sizes and other details, so that you select the best boat for you. Light-touring kayaks are more streamlined and nimble than standard kayaks but still have enough cargo space for backpacking-type gear if you want to head out for a few days.
- Materials fee. This fee covers kits and other supplies, such as marine varnish. Kits for the longer boats cost $100 more than for the 14-foot model, which is why you will see that up-charge when you select a model. The materials fee includes estimated shipping costs. But because those are rising rapidly, there may be an additional charge, If that is necessary, you will be notified and can then decide whether to proceed or get a full refund.
- Open Studio overlap. The Woodworking Studio offers 30 hours a week of Open Studio time for people to work on personal projects. To accommodate this two-week, all-day class, some class hours will overlap with Open Studio. The instructor will try to schedule use of key power tools while the class has exclusive use of the shop, but during Open Studio, students will need to take their turn for use of tools, just as other studio users do. Students will have use of two large canopies outside for assembling the kayaks.
- Additional days possible: This is the first time BARN has offered this class so we are not sure whether two weeks is enough time for students to complete the kayaks. If needed, we will schedule additional class time on Saturday and Sunday mornings in September.
Details:
- Participants must be 14 or older. Beginners are welcome.
- To make sure we have the kits in time for the class, registration will close Tuesday, June 15, at 9:00 AM. Refunds or credits will not be issued after this date.
- Tuition assistance is available. Click here to apply.
- If you are registering your youth, please put in the "First Name" field your first name then in parenthesis put the youth's first and last name (if different than yours). Please complete and return this minor permission form if BARN does not already have one on file for your child
- For a TEAM build please include both names, with the second name in parenthesis. All reminders will be sent to the email address you use to register.
- BARN will be practicing safety measures for the health and well-being of all participants, in accordance with state and CDC guidelines. Students and instructors will be required to wear masks, wash or sanitize hands frequently, maintain a distance of six feet between individuals, and stay home if they are sick. More details can be found here.
- Wear closed-toe shoes, avoid loose-fitting clothing and dangling jewelry, and tie back long hair. Please bring your own safety glasses, which you can purchase at a local hardware store or lumberyard. Glasses must be certified to ANSI Standard Z87 or the equivalent European Union Standard EN 166.
Instructor bio:
Robert Niclas' passion for artisan woodworking started when he was quite young. His father was an artist, musician and photographer but was employed by an oil company, so the family moved often. That exposed Robert to a great variety of art forms while they were living in the Middle East, visiting the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and other parts of Europe, and the Western States. Robert also traveled around the Far East while he was in the Navy for six years.
He met his wife, a New Zealander, while they were living in Sweden. After marrying ,they moved to New Zealand, where Robert attended Carrington Polytechnic and completed the Trade Certificate and Advanced Trade Certificate in Furniture Making. He went on to work in all fields of woodworking, including building and renovating houses, creating furniture, and carving and turning wood. He also spent 30 years building luxury yacht interiors.
Currently Robert operates his own shop at home, where he makes furniture, wood carvings, small craft (canoes, kayaks and row boats), and electric violins and cellos. See his work at robertniclas.com.
