Jason Self
Using Alaskan yellow and red cedars, Maligiaq Johnson Padilla assembles the frame of his Greenland kayak.
Jason Self
Mind's Eye/True North Boats owner Marc Daniels steams pieces of hard oak in order to bend them to make the ribs of the kayak.
Jason Self
After assembling the frame and adding in the ribs, Mike Shimelpfening shapes the keel.
Jason Self
Maligiaq and crew hard at work in the Mind's Eye Manufactory workshop.
Jason Self
Brooke Cena installing the chines in the final stages of framing.
Jason Self
Maligiaq measuring the driftwood masik, or thigh brace for the kayak cockpit.
Jason Self
Maligiaq oiling the frame in the final step before skinning the kayaks.
Jason Self
Ryan Bridges wraps the frame and sews the ballistic nylon to create the skin of the boat.
Jason Self
Left to right: Mike Shimelpfening, Stan Beyer and Ryan Bridges nearing completion of the skinning process.
Jason Self
Marc Daniels adds a custom touch to his kayak to commemorate the occasion.
Jason Self
Stan Beyer contemplates his last few inches of sewing.
Jason Self
Marc Daniels, Brooke Cena and Ryan Bridges in various stages of the building process.
Jason Self
Brooke Cena and Mike Shimelpfening take to the water for their maiden voyage.
Jason Self
Like a fish to water, the boats want to be wet, even though the are works of art worthy of a gallery wall. Mike Shimelpfening paddles in the distance at Trinidad Bay.
Jason Self
In Greenland kayaking, rolling is the first safety skill taught. Maligiaq provides instruction to Brooke Cena in Trinidad Bay.
Jason Self
Kayaks built specifically to the users size are incredibly easy for learning to roll. Brooke Cena nails her first hand roll in her second hour of kayaking as Maligiaq provides instruction.
Jason Self
Maligiaq and Brooke celebrate her first successful hand roll.
Jason Self
When the work is done, it's time to play. Maligiaq demonstrates the skills that made him a nine time Greenland International Qajaq world champion, performing several different rolls in rough water and wind.
Jason Self
Maligiaq in his element, punching out through the storm surf in the boat he just built in Trinidad harbor.
Jason Self
Maligiaq demonstrates the stability and rough water capabilities of the Greenland kayak.
8/20
Jason Self
Ryan Bridges wraps the frame and sews the ballistic nylon to create the skin of the boat.
