Paddles, Spars, Oars, & More
Weekend Workshop
September 25–28, 2025 | 9 AM–5 PM
Cost: $569 non-member, $549 member
A crash course in how to make a square piece of wood round. This four-day course will walk you through the process of laying out and shaping spars, paddles, and oars. Students will receive demonstrations in both traditional and more contemporary building techniques while utilizing a number of hand and power tools. Students will have the choice of building a set of oars, a pair of paddles, or a small solid spar to take home, and will also get to build their own set of spar gauges to continue mastering the craft at home. Students in the class will also learn birdsmouth construction of a small mast that will be utilized as part of Northwest Maritime’s fleet.
Course Details:
- For Ages: 18+ (Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. The chaperone and youth together will count as one participant, so only one tuition fee will be charged—contact our Registrar to register as youth + chaperone.)
- Duration: Four days, 9 AM–5 PM each day (7 hours of class time, 1 hour for lunch)
- Cost: $569 non-member, $549 member
- Registration: Sign up online at nwmaritime.campbrainregistration.com
- Materials: Please wear clothing that can get a little dirty. You may be working outside some of the time, so be sure to dress for the weather. Please bring a water bottle, lunch, and your own PPE if you have it (ear protection, safety glasses, mask, and gloves). We have loaners if needed. Tools will be provided, though you are welcome to bring a few of your favourites.
