Description
This is a two day course aimed at providing tuition and support in the carving of a wooden paddle.
Options include Canadian style paddle choice of the Valkyrie Viking, Huscarl and Thane, SUP paddle Freya or Loki, and the Greenland kayak paddle.
At the beginning of the course participants are provided with a paddle blank and at the close they take away their finely fashioned paddle. The aim is, of course, to leave with a finished piece but this is dependant on the participants progress over the two days. To date no participant has left without a finished paddle.
Full course details, pricing and description available – Canadian Paddles here. Greenland Kayak Paddles here. SUP paddles here
Details on the paddle dimensions are required to allow the paddle blank to be prepared.
Variations required are:
- The Canadian style paddles focus on shaft length (£130)
- The Greenland paddle on shaft length, loom width and blade width. (£140)
- The SUP on style and overall length (£150)
Please feel free to call if you require guidance on any of these. UK. 07722018457
Please select the NA option in any menu that does not relate to you choice of paddle.
Alan Wolfe (verified owner) –
I did this course in June 2022. I was interested in making a paddle, just to see what it was like. I paddle sea kayaks and although I already use a greenland paddle I was interested in seeing what it might be like to make my own. I was a little hesitant before I signed up for the course because I’ve never used any of the tools involved before. And I also have zero woodworking experience either. But it was all completely fine and I needen’t have worried. John is a good teacher and explained everything that was needed for using the tools. Everything was done using manual tools: various planes, spoke-shaves, raspers, sand-paper etc. There were electrical sanders available if you felt you wanted, or needed them, to speed things up, but I much preferred the slower pace of the manual effort to make sure I didn’t go too far. I really enjoyed this course. I really liked working with the wood. John had prepared laminated blanks made up of different wood types, for each of us based on what our preferences were, and we worked away on shaping them down to the final product. The 2 days flew by. It was well worth the money. In fact for what I got out of it in terms of learning (as well as a paddle) it was probably undervalued. As I said, John is a good teacher and I had a really good time on the course. Not only would I recommend this course to people who might have an interest from a boating perspective, I’ve already recommended it to someone I know who has no intention whatsoever of ever getting in a boat, but who does like woodworking, because I think he might learn some new stuff also.
Lynda Byron (verified owner) –
Wow! What a fantastic experience. John is just brilliant at what he does. Not only is he a Master Craftsman, he is also a wonderful teacher. He showed us what to do, and left us to get on with it, keeping a watchful eye over us and stepping in with a question just before we made a mistake that couldn’t be reversed. He is patient, supportive and creates a lovely atmosphere in the group. I just can’t believe I made such a lovely paddle. Thanks John.
Andy (verified owner) –
Brilliant course , I made a beautiful paddle in 2 days. Learned loads and had lots of fun.
John is a lovely guy and so knowledgeable .
It’s great value and you get to bring home your trophy paddle when your done ! What more could you ask for ? now just have to book the canoe building course next 🛶🛶
Albert Boyd –
Excellent course. John’s knowledge, attention to detail and sense of humour made the weekend really enjoyable. I brought home a Greenland paddle that I’m very proud to have made.
I’d highly recommend the course.
Thanks John.
Stephen (verified owner) –
A really enjoyable two day course. John is an excellent tutor who I learnt a lot of new wood working skills from. To top it all I have a lovely Viking paddle which I made and will be in use on my next open boat trip.
John (verified owner) –
Great course. The paddle was glued and ready to work on after some Health & Safety advice. John was on-hand for any question and with his wealth of knowledge, was able to guide us through the various stages of the shaping and finishing. Highly recommnded course.
Pixie –
I’ve been making paddles for a while now . I got the chance to go up to John and make a Greenland paddle. He made it effortless and I came away with a really strong efficient beaut of a paddle. John is so knowledgeable and his skills are above and beyond. Thank you John
John McClean –
I once tried making a paddle myself; it was rubbish. A weekend under John’s tutelage and I came away with what is now my most frequently used paddle. Simple, no nonsense hands-on guidance from a real expert.
Valkyrie1 –
Everyone had a preconceived idea of what they wanted. I already had one of John’s paddles which I use everywhere but it had problems from use in ww so I decided to make my own. I make and teach basket-making and thought I’d fly it!! No way. John gives you a “blank” and the knowledge to make a paddle. As simple as that but harder!!. Everyone left with a functioning paddle and pride that they made it. Thanks John.
Emailed Review by Kathleen McCormick, Co. Meath. Added by Valkyrie
Glenn Biesty –
The paddle making cousre is a fantastic experience. Facilities are perfect. John has a very calming, laid back nature and helped make a beautiful Greenland Paddle which I’ve used every week since. Give it a go you’ll be glad you did!
Karl –
Fantastic course. John has everything ready on arrival and his skill, patience and experience in wood working is a fantastic help. Enjoyed every moment and best of all have a fantastic paddle as a memento.