Build Your Own Northwoods Paddle - February 8, 2025
February 8, 2025
8am-5pm
This engaging class dives into the interesting history of traditional one piece canoe paddles throughout Minnesota and beyond. Learn about the different styles of paddles, their functions before designing and building your own!
Each member of the class will get to design and build their own single piece canoe paddle made out of local lumber. In addition to making your own paddle, each person will get to build their own simple paddle hanger that will allow them to hang their handcrafted paddle at home, office, cabin, or anywhere else they would like.
The class will outline various ways to protect and finish your paddle. A waterproof and smooth oil finish will be available during the course. Various fiberglass, and varnishing techniques will be explained, but not provided in the course.
Students are encouraged to bring a piece of their own special lumber to make a paddle out of if they have one - otherwise one will be provided by the folk school. If you choose this option, the starting board should ideally be around 1 ½” thick x 8” wide and 60” long
Tools students may bring if they have them, but not necessary:
Safely Glasses
Ear protection
Block Plane
Spokeshave
Pencil
Tape Measure
Random Orbit Sander
Schedule
Saturday morning
○ Determine shape, size, of paddle
○ Draw out design on board and cut out with bandsaw or jigsaw
○ Discuss brief history and important features of quality paddle
○ Begin shaping paddle
Saturday afternoon
○ Shape shaft, handle, blade to proper thicknesses
○ Discuss various finishing/reinforcing methods (some can be done in class (oil), others at home,( fiberglass, epoxy, varnish))
○ Create simple paddle hanger to hang paddle at home
Any wood for this works - hardwood preferably
4”x1” block - ash, cherry, walnut, maple, etc.
Oil finish
Tuition: $125
Materials: $20
This course is for adults 18+, or students 14+ with accompanying adult
Your Instructor
Zach Fritz found his love for all things canoeing and the outdoors when he went on his first canoe trip when he was four years old. Since then, he has paddled thousands of miles through some of the last remaining wild places left in North America. Zach is passionate about sharing his love for the outdoors, seeking adventure, and the importance of getting out of your comfort zone. When off the water, Zach has found a love for building his own canoe paddles, bird hunting with his dog Scout, or anything else that will get him outside! Zach is currently living in Madison, WI while his girlfriend pursues her PhD at the University of Wisconsin.