Build Your Own Skin-on-Frame Kayak and Explore the Yukon in It (8 days)

Alaskan Life on the Yukon

Only a few people still master the traditional craft of building skin-on-frame kayaks. Ian Wright is one of them, and he cares deeply about keeping this knowledge alive. That's why he offers a workshop where you can build your own traditional kayak. For animal welfare reasons we don't use real animal hides, of course – but that's the only thing that will set your kayak apart from the original kayaks of the Indigenous peoples. You can carve your own paddles, too, and even make your own spray skirt. No special knowledge or skills are required, although two left hands might get in the way – what matters most is that you enjoy working with your hands.

The boats consist of a wooden skeleton, which is then covered with a urethane skin. All of the wood comes from the region and is felled or gathered by Ian himself. He prepares the wood for you so that you can finish the entire boat and a pair of paddles within 8 days. That said, these will definitely be long, busy days! But in return you'll end up with a completely unique, traditional and, above all, self-built kayak! The skin can either be turned milky with heat (like the originals), or you can leave it transparent so the delicate wooden frame inside the boat stays visible. Plus, you can then look down into the water beneath you while you paddle.

And when you later paddle down the Yukon with this gear, you'll notice that a boat like this makes an impression on the river people, whose only link to civilization is the river – and they'll welcome you with open arms. There's nothing better than sitting with these people around the campfire in the evening, listening to stories of days gone by. Paddling a boat like this makes you kindred spirits in their eyes, and you'll hear things they wouldn't tell other tourists.

The workshop is planned for Fairbanks, where we can use facilities of the community college. On request, it can also take place somewhere else. If you need tips on accommodation or meals, just let us know.

This offer covers the boatbuilding only. However, we recommend that everyone take the boat out afterwards for a good long run on Alaska's rivers. With or without a guide – just take a look at the river trips offered by murkl.com.

Of course you're asking yourselves: what do I do with my boat after the trip? You'll surely be so hooked that you'll want to come back and keep paddling. We'll gladly help you find a place to store it. You can of course also sell the boat, donate it to a good cause or have it shipped home. Whatever you decide, we'll find a solution and are happy to advise you.