Anatomy of a Cape Falcon Kayak
The strongest species of white oak, Oregon White Oak is the best steam bending wood available. The oak ribs support a framework of clear Red Cedar. Both woods are extremely rot resistant and together they form a frame that is the perfect balance of strength and lightweight.
We wrap the frame in 9oz ballistic nylon, and saturate it with a catalyzed 100% solids two-part polyurethane, the ONLY polyurethane in existence that is specifically designed for skin-boats. Durable and abrasion resistant, both materials remain flexible which is key to surviving hard impacts with less-than-friendly surfaces.
Unlike most of the other skin kayaks, our white oak coaming features a beefy lip that will hold your spray skirt no matter how extreme the conditions. Fastening it with bronze ring nails means less wood is removed and more strength is retained.
Backbands have always been a pet peeve of mine in kayaks. Often bulky, garish, and covered with buckles and adjustments that break the first time you expose them to sand or salt water, most backbends really suck. This simple, attractive Snap Dragon backband is a notable exception and comes standard with all my designs.
Where I paddle, landing to adjust foot braces is often not an option. These wilderness systems slide-lock foot braces allow the paddle to adjust foot position from the cockpit. Such a smart design!
Deck lines are one of the most important parts of the kayak and the oil tanned latigo straps I use will last longer with exposure to salt water and UV rays than nylon rope or bungee cord. Unlike bungee, you can lock an item down beneath a strap-and-toggle system and it will stay on deck even through a surf launch. Every single line on the kayak is strong enough to carry, rescue, or tow, because that's how it should be.
HDPE rub strips protect the keel at key points of wear, so your skin will last as long as it possibly can.
