canoe Paddle Making

A weekend course at our workshop in the Witherslack Valley, handcrafting your very own locally sourced Ash paddle from the Lake District. On this weekend you will learn how to select the ideal plank from the tree whilst considering its grain direction and character; you will then go on to choose a design and be encouraged to personalise your own paddle outline on your ash plank. Using traditional hand tools we will uncover the paddle from the wood. By the end of the workshop you will walk away with your own beautiful yet practical Ash paddle.

“The way of a canoe is the way of the wilderness, and of a freedom almost forgotten.” — Sigurd F. Olson

Paddles were and continue to be a big part of traditional travel. They are fine tuned to suit the desired movement on different waters such as lakes, rivers, rapids and oceans, but also customised to suit the person individually. To carve a paddle is a personal and rewarding experience not to mention romantic and empowering. It might be a gift for someone you love, to beautifully on a wall as a work of art or to be your old faithful by your side on countless canoe trips.

Ash wood when chosen right will provide a strong and sturdy paddle that will last and with the right flex, treat your body well too.

All teas, coffee, cordials and biscuits are provided to keep you going throughout the day. Bring your own pack lunch

Please let us know if there are any questions as to whether this workshop is for you.

Minimum age is 16 and must be accompanied by an adult.

Course instructor: Ffion Harris

Ffion Harris

Workshop Info

Workshop outline:

Provided on the workshop:

Choose paddle design

Select Ash plank

Cut out the paddle shape

Shape edges and draw tapers

Thin and shape the paddle

Balance

Sanding and raising the grain

Oiling the paddle and personalising (optional)

Provided on the workshop:

Tuition
An Ash plank
All the tools needed
hot and soft drinks
biscuits
Workshop space

Duration, Food and Drink:

Provided on the workshop:

Duration, Food and Drink:

· Saturday: 08.00 start. Lunch at 13.00. Finish workshop day at 17.00

Sunday: 08.00 start. Lunch at 13.00. finish workshop day at 17.00

Accommodation:

Duration, Food and Drink:

The Derby Arms
CARA’s a luxurious space in the Lake District - Houses for Rent in Witherslack, England, United Kingdom - Airbnb
Moss Howe Farm Campsite https://mosshowefarm.co.uk/Moss

Accommodation will need to be booked in advanced by you as it is separate to the price of the workshop; this campsite is at the same location as the workshop and will be ideal for staying at for the duration of your paddle making:

To bring:

Accommodation:

To bring:

Small Backpack
Notepad, pencils, rubber
Thin working gloves if new to carving
Water bottle
pack lunch
Torch and spare batteries
Small first aid kit, including plasters, and any personal medication
Wash kit and towel, biodegradable soap
Knife, fork and spoon
Mug, bowl & plate

Clothing:

Accommodation:

To bring:

Outdoor clothing and plenty of layers even in the summer to suit all weather from cold to hot, wet to dry.
Please wear walking boots for both protection in the workshop and walking in the surrounding area.
Swim suit for optional swimming in the surrounding area or a sauna at the Damson Dene if it is open

To The Root

canoe Paddle Making

“The way of a canoe is the way of the wilderness, and of a freedom almost forgotten.” — Sigurd F. Olson

Workshop Info

Workshop outline:

Provided on the workshop:

Provided on the workshop:

Provided on the workshop:

Provided on the workshop:

Provided on the workshop:

Duration, Food and Drink:

Provided on the workshop:

Duration, Food and Drink:

Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Duration, Food and Drink:

To bring:

Accommodation:

To bring:

Clothing:

Accommodation:

To bring:

Course Dates

canoe Paddle Making

“The way of a canoe is the way of the wilderness, and of a freedom almost forgotten.” — Sigurd F. Olson

Workshop Info

Workshop outline:

Provided on the workshop:

Provided on the workshop:

Provided on the workshop:

Provided on the workshop:

Provided on the workshop:

Duration, Food and Drink:

Provided on the workshop:

Duration, Food and Drink:

Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Duration, Food and Drink:

To bring:

Accommodation:

To bring:

Clothing:

Accommodation:

To bring:

Course Dates

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