On-The-Water Kayaking Classes

Introduction To Coastal Kayaking

Nick has taught classes at the WoodenBoat School for decades. Now is your opportunity to learn sea kayaking in beautiful Maine
Schoodic Sea Kayak Retreat

Join Nick and Gerry with other enthusiastic sea kayakers in some of the most beautiful kayaking venues in the world

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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 "Survival of the Wooden Canoe (Feature Documentary)".

Ted Moores and The Survival of the Wooden Canoe

Nobody has had more influence on the growth of wood strip canoes than Ted Moores of Bear Mountain Boats.

Preview image for the video "Learning from Mistakes: Kayak Building Challenges and Triumphs".

Overcoming Challenges in Kayak Building

Nick builds a commemorative kayak, demonstrating that craftsmanship is about balancing beauty, functionality, and personal meaning. Through careful wood selection, technical skill, and creative problem-solving, he creates a meaningful memorial for a client, emphasizing that perfection lies not in flawlessness, but in purpose and connection.

Preview image for the video "Stripping the Solo microBootlegger".

Stripping a Solo Micro Bootlegger Kayak (Time-Lapse)

A time-lapse of installing cedar strips on the Solo microBootlegger kayak. Throughout the process, Nick explains his techniques and the tools he uses, offering viewers a detailed look at the cedar strip building process.

Preview image for the video "Staining the Recess - microBootlegger Sport - E30".

Staining a Kayak Coaming Recess: Tips and Techniques - E30

Nick, a wooden kayak builder, prepares to stain the coaming recess components for a client’s kayak.

Preview image for the video "Building My Dream Kayak - Design/Build of a Hi-Performance Mahogany/Carbon/Epoxy Sea Kayak".

Building "Runner": A 17ft Sea Kayak for Downwind Paddling and Surfing

This video documents the design process and construction of a custom sea kayak, named "Runner," by renowned boat designer and builder Nick Schade.

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