We found Paradise!

A Hawaiian wa'a (canoe) with an ama (outrigger)

January has been a very busy month around here! Work progresses on canoes in the shop, but we also took a break and found paradise. What's paradise you ask? It's a place where you can paddle every day of every month of the year!

Colleen and I took off for a quick vacation to Hawaii. What a beautiful and serene place (at least when you're not in Honolulu). We saw many canoes there. Just a little different style than we're used to here. Can you believe, ancient peoples actually crossed the oceans in these vessels?!

The Polynesian studies students at Brigham Young University will be sailing this wa'a in the waters off of Oahu as their final project!

Today in the shop I'm working on some colour matching for a Bob's Special. It has several new ribs and many new feet of planking that will stick out like a sore thumb if they're left natural. Analine dyes are a great way to blend a colour that will make the new wood look more like the old.

Bob's Special with it's brand new ribs and planking.

Samples of aniline dye are tested closely match the original ribs and planking, ensuring an accurate restoration.