Building on the fun

Teen MADDIE MILLSIP puts her heart, and a bit of muscle, into building what has become much more than just a kayak. From the Spring 2010 issue of Coast&Kayak Magazine. Read the entire magazine online.

by Maddie Millsip

Ever since my dad started building kayaks, I always found a way to tag along. There was something about putting together a bunch of pieces of wood to make a boat that intrigued me. I figured if my dad could do it, why can’t I? So whenever I went to the shop with my dad I kept putting the idea out that I wanted to build my own kayak. If I persisted enough, I knew that one day he’d let me build a kayak of my own.

After about a year, my dad agreed to let me build a kayak and ordered me a kit when I was thirteen years old. When the kit finally arrived, I was so excited about the contents in those cardboard boxes! I diligently began to work and was at the shop at least twice a week for the next ten months.

I cannot fully describe the feeling you get when you first paddle a kayak that you built yourself; it is like nothing else. As I paddled away from the shore for the first time, I had a grin on my face from ear to ear. I felt so empowered. This kayak is going to take me on adventures for many years to come.

When I look back, it’s easy to see that I received more than just a kayak. I gained focus, determination, patience and dedication. Most of all however, I got to spend valuable time with my dad. It brought us closer than anything else ever had. My kayak may not last forever, but the memories shared building and paddling my kayak with my dad will be memories that I will treasure for my entire lifetime. – Maddie

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