Students will spend a day shaping a traditional beavertail canoe paddle that will be ready to take home for finish. To make sure you are able to complete the paddle, blanks will have the profile precut. Most work will be with hand tools. Some woodworking experience would be helpful, but not necessary. This class is recommended for people aged 14+; under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian. To make sure the whole day is utilized please bring a bag lunch, snacks and a water bottle.

For solo paddling, a paddle length 9” shorter than your height is traditional. When registering for class, please indicate how long you would like your paddle, and the blank will be customized for each student.

All materials and tools will be provided.

$175/member, $200/non-member

Participants are welcome to bring food, drinks, and snacks for the day. Museum admission is included in the workshop fee. (Please note that paddle completion takes about 8 hours.)

Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Registered participants must meet in the ADKX Visitor Center at 9:00 AM.

Cancellation Policy: If the Adirondack Experience is required to cancel the event due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, customers will receive a full refund. There will be no refunds for no-shows.

About the Artist:

Michael Gorman is a wooden boat builder who specializes in restoration and preservation of historic vessels. Interpreting history and culture through maritime artifacts is the most fulfilling aspect of his professional life. Gorman is a native of Oswego, NY and attended college at SUNY Cortland. He is a graduate of The New England School of Architectural Woodworking in East Hampton, Mass. and the Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design in Arundel, Maine. For the past 14 years, Michael has worked as a boatbuilder for such institutions as Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Schooner Catherine M. Lee, Gig Harbor History Museum, Coastal Heritage Alliance, Portland Yacht Services and San Francisco Maritime National Park. Michael has lead teams that have won awards for Tugboat Restoration of the Year for Delaware and Maryland Historical Trust’s project excellence award for the restoration of Edna E. Lockwood.