Build a faux cedar kayak

The first issue of Coast&Kayak Magazine was dated May/June 1991, making this the ‘official’ 20th birthday magazine. To mark the occasion we’ve decided to give everyone a birthday gift of a free kayak with no strings attached (can’t fit a string in a magazine anyway).

Our dream was a cedar kayak, but in this world of laminates and veneer we decided it would be easier if we gave you a faux cedar strip finish. So on the next page is a complete faux cedar kayak kit. Simply cut out the square and follow the folds in sequence, then contort everything and flip it inside out without defacing it. Completion time is anywhere from three minutes to never depending on your particular skill level.

Should you require more than one kayak (as we’re sure everyone will), go to

www.coastandkayak.com and in the multimedia online version of this issue click here to bring up a printable version of the template. That would mean clicking this very spot, right here on this page! Click click click!

In addition, at this same location you can click to see a video of us constructing one of these kayaks. Click here click click click! It’s a family-friendly video – one finished kayak, no swearing. We’re quite proud of that.

You need not necessarily use the provided paper or pattern. Any square piece of paper will do. Just follow the same fold sequences, using the first two fold lines as a grid for subsequent folds. (Fold a 20’ x 20’ square of paper, get a full size kayak!)

We are also including detailed written instructions for those who continue to forsake our online edition. As a courtesy we decided not to print the instructions entirely in Spanish. Though we were tempted...

For those critical that the end result is only marginally like a kayak, watch for the Papyrus II in our 50th anniversary issue.

Instrucciones:

Fold in the numbered order, with the fold direction doubling over the dotted line so the dotted line can’t be seen when the fold is completed.

The first two folds are immediately unfolded. They provide a quarter grid that will be used to measure subsequent folds.

The third fold turns an outside quarter in to the center. Then unfold. The new fold line is used as guide for a smaller half-fold’s end point. The half-fold is then folded again on the previous fold line. The same sequence is followed on the opposite corner, completing folds 5 and 6. See photo 1. The paper is then flipped over. Repeat the same fold, unfold and half-fold sequence for the remaining two corners.

Fold once more from each side so the two ends meet in the middle. The hull bottom should be completely covered. See photo 2. Next fold in each corner at 90 degrees. Then fold in each corner again at an odd angle from each end to the middle. It gets a bit lumpy, but these folds are important as they’ll be key to how the whole thing hitches together when it’s flipped inside out. See photo 3 for how yours should look.

Next, reach in and locate the seam in the middle, pulling the edges out so you form a canoe (photo 4). You should see the cedar hull is on the inside and the top deck portions flush against what is currently the bottom. Essentially right now your kayak is inside out. To rectify this is a bit of a trick. You will have to invert the hull’s frame by pushing the sides out and away from the deck so the walls invert, the hull drops down and the deck stands upright on its own (here’s where the online video would be helpful. Admit it, the online version would help even if you are in complete denial and continue to stare at your half-finished kayak in defiance of the technology available to make your life simpler).

Once you master the ‘flip’ it’s done. And the flip isn’t that tough – it’s just a stretch to believe you won’t ruin the kayak when you push down on the sides (though you may crumple it a bit).

Assuming it isn’t now crumpled in a waste basket, your faux cedar strip kayak is now ready to use. May it provide many years of kayaking pleasure.

Safety disclaimer: Actual jelly bean capacity may vary. Use caution when setting on fire with a blow torch. Avoid starchy and fatty foods. Exercise daily. Lavado a mano, enjuagar cuidadosamente. Un pastor alemán me mordío en la pierna izquierda. Gracias!