Daniel Train, Canadian Strip Plank Canoe (Student Awards 2019)

I have constructed a Canadian Strip-Plank Canoe, which features a decorative wood pattern along the sides. It has a bent black walnut bow and stern. My canoe is constructed with lightweight paulownia, then fibreglassed to increase its strength, and waterproof the timber. The distinctive geometric pattern along the hull is constructed with rock maple and black walnut, selected for their contrast of colour and grain. The walnut bow and stern were steam bent into shape and the inner nose was bevelled to increase the gluing the area for the planking strips at each end. The outer stems were used to cap the endgrain of the paulownia. The decks were made from a burl, which was stabilised with epoxy and plaited rope handles have been attached at each end. The gunwales are made of rock maple with walnut spacers for drainage. These have been accented with a strip of spotted gum. The canoe seats are constructed from woven leather with rock maple frames providing a colour contrast with the central walnut shoulder rest. The paddles have Tasmanian blackwood and Huon pine handles, the rock maple blades are laser engraved with Canadian animals. Year 12, Muirfield High School, NSW. Teacher: Wayne Keevers

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