Colorado Skin on Frame Kayaks

Skin on Frame Kayaks come from the land up North, or better yet, the ice up North.  The word 'Kayak' is even derived from the language of the Inuits, the inhabitants of the arctic north. These native people were fishermen, and they needed a way to get to the fish. Thus the creation of the skin on frame.
The first kayaks were built from wood that drifted ashore on the north arctic coast lines, constructed with stone and bone tools, and then skinned with the hide of marine mammals. The oldest artifact from one of these kayaks is nearly 4000 years old. With that much time in design and research no wonder skin on frame kayaks still captivate all onlookers; for they are amazing sea crafts.


As we construct them today we are able to choose from the finest wood and with the aid of power tools the process is more fun than it is work. For the skin, we use a ballistic nylon and a two part polyurethane; a little easier than hunting down seals and walruses and a little less frowned upon.

Skin on Frame Kayak Building Workshops 

Please sign up for our newsletter and be one of the first ones to know of an upcoming event.
- OR - 
Get 4 or more of your friends together and we will create a workshop just for you. 
- OR - 
Contact us for a private scheduled class that fits your schedule.
Want a beautiful kayak but don't have time to take the class?
Order a custom Skin on Frame Kayak!
Send us an email at and we will help you figure out what type of boat is best for you. Kayaks are around $2,650