2018 New Years Video Newsletter

1/14/2018

Something new this time, a video newsletter to celebrate the completion of our new boat building/video studio.

We've got a lot going on in 2018, just finished remodeling an old 1907 victorian house.

Adding new videos to the Cape Falcon Kayak YouTube Channel every few weeks now.

Added a new feature the website called Student Builds where students who are willing to take the time to put up a blog on our platform can get free plans. This feature is retroactive, which means if you have enough photos from your build and want to make a blog, we will refund your plan purchase, just send us an email.

We are also offering a free Greenland paddle video and plans to any former students who are willing to add themselves to the student map of the world. This isn't marketing, we're not going to send you anything, I just think it would be incredibly cool to see all the boats on a map. Send me an email for the download code.

My health is still pretty rough, neuropathy, chest pain, difficulty breathing, can't really teach or paddle but I try to make the best of it. I'm hoping to make a lot of great kayaking and kayak building videos this year. Follow the site and the youtube channel!

Be Well, -Brian

8 Comments

Paul Conlon

1/15/2018 12:37:58 pm

Hi Brian,

I "discovered" the Cape Falcon website a few months ago. I can't begin to tell you how much I've enjoyed it. All of it. The tips on using a Greenland paddle, on the forward stroke, sculling, bracing, turning and even getting in and out of the kayak. I've enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the F1, the specs and the surfing photo's. And the detailed photo documentary of a skin on frame class. I've even enjoyed the sustainable building and farming updates. Thank you.

And although you have faced difficult health issues for over four years, and have not been able to do many of the things you love, including kayaking and the kayak build classes, you are still doing updates for us. Video updates no less!

I just wanted to mention that this whole Cape Falcon endeavor is truly remarkable. The way you mastered the Inuit Skin on Frame methods and then applied them to a modern kayak design is fantastic. And the way you used the Mariner Coaster as a starting point and then consistently improved on it, slowly evolving into the F1, was really a tremendous thing to do. The F1 is a work of art.

I am looking forward to the new video's that you are working on. I am looking forward to using the F1 in all seasons and in all sea conditions. But most of all, I am looking forward to the day when you will look back on these tough years and it will be nothing more than a vague memory. I believe that one day your health will improve just as dramatically and as quickly as it deteriorated.

In the meantime, you are the embodiment of the survival premise, most famously articulated by Charles Darwin, that survival does not depend on the strongest, or the fittest, by on those who are the most adaptable. You have adapted with grace and intelligence and determination.

You are an inspiration. Thank you.

Chuck Tucker

1/16/2018 04:10:13 pm

Hi Brian,
Greetings from Central Oregon! I always enjoy your updates. I took your class in June of 2009 with Mark Khulman and Patrick Farnihan. I learned a lot. The F-1 I built has several thousand miles on it now and has been claimed by my wife. She loves it! I have since gone on to build 7 other SOF boats. Three of those made it to Glacier Bay and did an 8 day (self-supported) trip to the Muir Glacier (north end of the east arm). The SOF kayaks performed perfectly. They were in their element!
Having built an used almost every type of kayak (kits, cedar strip, fiberglass and plastic); I have to admit SOF kayaks are the most fun and the best performers!!!!
We are sending our best wishes for your speedy recovery and quick return to all the things you love to do!
Regards, Chuck Tucker

Magnus Homestead

1/19/2018 11:56:45 pm

This new video format is truly wonderful Brian! I have always been a fan of your photos and your building projects. The knowledge that you are imparting is the kind that frees and empowers the creative soul of a person.

Kerry Parslow

1/26/2018 10:22:08 am

Brian,

So glad to see this update and to see you doing so well (in spite of it all) and in the new digs! I regularly check in with your posts (both the old archives and the newer ones). I'm one of those perseverant SOF evangelists who sends prospective converts to your sites all the time.

I hope you don't mind if I let my friends on various paddling forums know about your new products. There has been a lot more buzz lately, especially amongst us over-50 paddlers, about lightweight solo canoes. It's definitely a growing enthusiasm. I was in the UK last Spring and saw almost as many "pack" canoes as kayaks on their many winding canals and rivers. I'm thinking of building one myself so I'll be checking out your plans and videos.

On the continuing health issues, I'll reach out to my friends in the medical biz here in Pittsburgh (which is a massive center for health care and research) for any recommendations for communicative pathologists and specialists. By the way, if you ever do locate a provider who happens to be in this area (SW Pennsylvania) and need to come out here for tests or treatments, you (and Liz as well) are welcome to stay with me.

Hoping for a rewarding year for you!

K.

Bob SHAVER link

5/15/2018 10:02:43 pm

You have so much in your newsletter I'm not sure where things stand with your classes. Are you teaching them, what is the price and dates? I saw a kayak for sale in one place, and was wondering if you have other inventory to get rid of.

I know what you mean about chronic illness issues. I've had diabetes issues for a while, and about a year had a stroke. I went on a long backpack 4 months after the stroke, and this year I'll hike the Camino in Spain, and the John Muir Trail in August. I've always like canoeing, and now I'm looking for a boat light enough for me to put on a car. Let me know if classes, plans, videos, or boats are available. I hope we get to know each other. Bob

Eric Breidenbach

6/30/2018 08:44:24 am

Just found this site by accident and was both thrilled and saddened. I live in Olympia and have built a couple of stitch and glue kayaks. Just starting to get excited about building a SOF kayak. Was thrilled to find someone so skilled and so close and with such similar values to learn from. Very sad to learn of your medical challenges. Wishing you the best for healing and recovery. Will stay tuned to see how things progress, and will attempt to do this using the plans and videos.

Richard Gray

8/20/2018 08:40:50 pm

I found your site a month or so ago, and love it. My son, 45, and I bought an unfinished cedar strip and just finished it. At 18 1/2 feet, it's heavy! To heavy for this 74yo. I'm looking forward to the software canoe plans. I'd like to build one this winter.
Best of luck with your health issues. My wife was diagnosed with MS 15 years ago. It's been a challenge and life changing, but we try our best. We gave up tenting last year and bought a camper. Not ready to stop canoeing yet. The sail will help.

Kip Pheil

1/27/2019 04:48:17 pm

Though I fear cloning, if asked I will nominate you when that time comes. I'm always stunned by your creativity, ability to persevere, and sense of the awesome world most of us can't usually perceive.

2018 New Years Video Newsletter

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