On-The-Water Kayaking Classes

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Nick Schade is a Registered Maine Guide and with over 40 years of kayaking experience he knows how to use a kayak and can teach you to do the same.

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Nick's Blog

Preview image for the video "Cleaning up Edges - Petrel Play SG - E24".

Sanding and Grinding Parts for Fiberglassing - Petrel Play SG - E24

Nick and Bill methodically prepare the deck, combing, and hull of the Petrel Play SG kit boat for additional fiberglass layups. They remove tape, round edges, address bubbles and imperfections, sand surfaces, and trim the skeg box, all while explaining the techniques and rationale behind each step. The focus is on meticulous preparation to ensure a strong, seamless bond for the upcoming fiberglass work.

Preview image for the video "Glassing the Deck - Petrel Play SG - E23".

Glassing the Deck: Challenges and Solutions - Petrel Play SG - E23

Nick and Bill work on fiberglassing the deck of a Petrel Play kayak kit, addressing challenges like staining touch-ups, containing epoxy messes, managing cloth tensions, and strategically cutting and patching to resolve bridging. They methodically apply filler coats, trims excess glass, and installs the deck combing.

Preview image for the video "Prepping a Kayak Deck for Fiberglass- Petrel Play SG - E22".

Perfecting the Deck: Sanding and Shaping for Fiberglass - Petrel Play SG - E22

Nick guides the viewer through preparing a kayak deck for fiberglass application. He meticulously rounds edges, adjusts joints, and scuffs surfaces, paying close attention to areas with stained wood. Tools like rasps, planes, and sanding blocks are used with care to avoid damaging the stain while creating a smooth transition for the fiberglass.

Precision Seam Taping - Petrel Play SG - E21

Nick and Bill continue building a Petrel Play sea kayak kit, focusing on applying fiberglass tape to the inside seams. They carefully prepare and saturate the tape with epoxy, then meticulously apply it to the seams, using a brush on a stick to reach tight spaces. The process is challenging but necessary, and they discuss alternative methods people have tried.

Preview image for the video "Joining Deck Petrel Play SG E20".

Mating the Deck and Hull - Petrel Play SG - E20

Nick and Bill demonstrate the process of joining a Petrel Play SG deck and hull, focusing cleaning the sheer line, and carefully joining the two components using tape and various techniques to maintain alignment and tension.