Name: Make Your Own Wooden Canoe Paddle May 7 & 9
Start: 2026-05-07T18:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-05-09T16:00:00-05:00
Location: Urban Boatbuilders

Make Your Own Wooden Canoe Paddle May 7 & 9

Craft your own paddle! Participants (18+) will create one laminated wooden canoe paddle each. No previous woodworking experience required.
About this Event

Day One: Thursday 6:30-8:30PM

On the first night, your instuctor will introduce you to the process of making a paddle. You will choose your own design from traditional paddles— Beavertail, Ottertail, Algonquin or Voyageur, and you’ll choose which types of wood to use. By the end of the evening you will have custom fit your paddle length and glued together a paddle blank.

Day Two: Saturday 8:30 AM-4:00PM

On Saturday, you will shape the paddle, first using a bandsaw and then with traditional tools—handplanes and a spokeshave—the same way artisans have been making paddles for centuries. At the close of the workshop the instructor will discuss how to finish your paddle using linseed oils or spar varnishes (due to time constraints, participants will finish their paddles at home).

IMPORTANT: This course does require (safe) use of power tools, sharp hand tools and standing for an extended time. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable but not loose clothing and closed-toed shoes. It is helpful to bring snacks and a water bottle (no alcohol). The shop is heated. All participants will sign a liability waiver prior to class.

Discount available for folks who self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), no questions asked. Enter the code BIPOC in the upper left corner "Enter Promo Code" after selecting your class.

***This class is paced and intended for adults. All participants must be 18 year of age or older. We may be able to accommodate a mixed-age group with a private class, please email [email protected].

Youth classes are structured and priced differently - please email [email protected].

Cancellation/Refund Policy:

We do not allow refunds. However, if for any reason you cannot make it to your paddle class, we can change your registration to a different class date. Please contact us at [email protected] or 651-644-9225 at least 7 days before your scheduled class date to request a date change.