Build a Wee Lassie Canoe
2025-09-16 08:30 - 17:30, 2025-09-17 08:30 - 17:30, 2025-09-18 08:30 - 17:30, 2025-09-19 08:30 - 17:30, 2025-09-20 08:30 - 17:30, 2025-09-22 08:30 - 17:30, 2025-09-23 08:30 - 17:30, 2025-09-24 08:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) and 21 more dates
The original Wee Lassie was a lapstrake-built open cedar canoe made in 1863 by J. Henry Rushton of Canton, NY. Rushton was one of the most famous canoe builders of his era. George Washington Sears, who wrote of his adventures under his pen name of Nessmuk as he recorded his paddling adventures throughout the Adirondacks, popularized these small, finely crafted canoes. Come spend 11 wonderful days with master instructor Larry Benjamin building your own Wee Lassie. You will be guided through every step of the building process. Leave with a beautiful, lightweight canoe that handles well in the water. Open to all level of student.

Paddle Making
2026-05-03 09:00 - 17:00
Come and create your own willow leaf shaped, traditional cherry wood canoe paddle or make a native double kayak/sit in the bottom canoe paddle. After some history and an explanation of the shapes, you will pick your blank and get started using only hand tools to create your paddle! The process will be demonstrated from beginning to end to ensure that you come away with a perfect paddle. Two different sizes will be available for canoe paddles – standard (29″ shaft) and long (32″ shaft). Kayak paddles are one size fits all (54″ shaft). This one-day class will give you a sense of accomplishment as you complete a paddle that will accompany you on the water. Students will need to specify their paddle choice at the time of registration. All materials are provided, material fees are included in the tuition of this class. Due to time constraints, students are encouraged to bring their own lunch.
