@thebob.com said:
You call them pretenders; I call them old school.
Likely a question of semantics, perception, opinion.
The vast majority of the boats pictured are certainly post wood/canvas, post aluminum. That’s old enough to qualify as “old school” to me.
If I wanted to get picky; I could say that your wood/canvas canoe is a “pretender”.
It isn’t made from a log, not made of birchbark, not made of reeds. It is not an Indian made, buffalo skin, bull boat. It is also not a 2 or 3 hundred year old Hawaiian outrigger, nor a Viking longship.
BOB
P.S. I own a Chestnut Pal from the 1960s. Is it a pretender? It only a little over 55 years old…
How about a repurposed Saudi whatever turned into a flower pot?
It’s pretty easy to define “old school” when it comes to whitewater boats - anything longer than 9’ and not made of high-density polyethylene. In other words, its not a Blackfly.
GBG there are a lot of wooden canoe builders. “Production” is a relative term. Each craft requires some 100 hours at least, and the profit margin( or not) means that shops are one or two person affairs.
WCHA has a list of builders… You have some in your area. Jeannie Bourquin and Alex Comb make wonderful brand new wood canvas canoes.
@eckilson said:
It’s pretty easy to define “old school” when it comes to whitewater boats - anything longer than 9’ and not made of high-density polyethylene. In other words, its not a Blackfly.
Someday I’m going to get myself one…
You may have to up your qualifying length Erik. Silver Birch brought their Rebel prototype to ALF. 11 feet plus if I remember.
Old School is definitely a perception of others. My group I paddle with nicknamed me “Old School”. They all paddle kayaks and I’m the only canoe (Rival). I gave up wool for neoprene wetsuit and a dry suit. Still “Old School”. I did purchase a Blackfly Option, still called “Old School”. The pipe tobacco I indulge in on river breaks doesn’t help, but mostly I think they call me that because AARP sent me a birthday card this month
Great pictures everyone.
