Have you dreamed about crafting your very own canoe paddle? At Urban Boatbuilders, we can make that dream become a reality through a Make Your Own Paddle Workshop. 

Upcoming classes!  

• September 26 & 30


• October 24 & 28


• December 5 & 9

Schedule:

Day 1 - Two and a half  hours (6:30 - 9:00 pm) on a Tuesday evening

Day 2 - Six hours on a Saturday or Sunday (9:00 am - 3:00 pm)

On the first night, Urban Boatbuilders instructors will introduce you to the process of making a paddle. You will choose your own design from traditional paddles Beavertail, Ottertail or Voyageur, and you'll choose which types of wood to use. By the end of the evening you will have glued together a paddle blank.

On Saturday, with the help of an instructor, you will custom fit the paddle length and grip to your personal specifications.  You will shape the paddle, first using a bandsaw, then with traditional toolsa spokeshave and a draw knifethe same way artisans have been making paddles for centuries. At the close of the workshop the instructor will demonstrate how to finish the paddle using linseed oils and spar varnishes (due to time constraints, participants will finish their paddles at home).

Visit here to learn more.

Urban Boatbuilders partners with local middle schools, high schools and youth-serving agencies to deliver academically enhanced boatbuilding instruction. Engaging students in the boatbuilding process through Urban Boatbuilders is a proven strategy for youth to learn, practice, and apply academic concepts in a challenging and innovative hands-on environment that complements classroom learning. Boatbuilding projects also help youth develop 21st Century, Social Emotional, and Leadership Skills that lead to a finished boat and immense pride.