Umiak UMIAK Umiaks are found throughout the entire range of Arctic habitation. They vary from place to place, some being round-bottomed, others flat. The umiak was the real workhorse of Arctic peoples. Often referred to as the “women’s boat,” umiaks ranged from 16’ to...
Glued Lapstrake Canoes GLUED LAPSTRAKE PLYWOOD CANOES The glued lapstrake plywood technique is quite common in rowing and sailing craft, but is not often used in canoes. That’s a shame, because it’s a great choice for these craft. The laps add stiffness to...
Qayapaq QAYAPAQ KAYAK The qayapaq is a latecomer to the traditional kayak lineup. Also called the North Alaska retrieval kayak, it was developed around the 1900s after firearms were introduced to the Arctic. The Qayapaq could be conveniently transported overland and...
Netsilikmeot Kayak NETSILIKMEOT KAYAK In September 2000, my shopmate Robert Morris, author of Building Skin-on-Frame Boats, and I travelled to the hamlet of Kugaaruk (formerly Pelly Bay) in central Nunavut to take part in an exchange of kayak-building skills with...
Inuvialuit Kayak INUVIALUIT KAYAK The Inuvialuit kayak is indigenous to the Mackenzie River Delta area of the Northwest Territories. My first was built as part of an arts initiative through Simon Fraser University. Another is on permanent display in the international...
