Kayak
Design in crisis 2020
Design and manufacture of a Kayak, between traditional know-how and synthetic materials
︎︎︎ Personal project carried out as part of research on food resilience and on the variation of cultural practices in the presence of a marine environment or a lake. The traditional kayak, or by extension any boat made of a wooden structure covered with a skin sees its existence in many different ethnic groups. And whatever they are, there is never a monopoly on any professionalism, it is customary for everyone to make their own kayak. And this is also a result of the simplicity of the processes implemented. Skin, wood and rope, three materials; a kayak.
There are an incredible number of shapes for kayaks, the process described here corresponds to what is called in Inuit Qajaq and in English "skin on frame". With which you can make canoes or kayaks, you can find all kinds of similar boats around the world, the most famous being those of the Inuit.
The model used to make the plans makes it possible to refrain from any bending process and to integrate a small amount of wood. I adapted plans I found on the internet. Making it usable at sea, in fairly murky water situations and able to withstand 110kg.
The main structure is the result of an assembly of plywood and ash battens which gives it lightness and resistance.
All of the battens are glued and tied (here with roasting wire). Very resistant traditional technique which allows flexibility to be retained.
The structure is then covered with pvc tarpaulin, stretched and sewn in blanket stitch.
