Flax fibres and resin composite application workshop.
Due to the interest shown from manufacturing, research facilities and artistic sectors in our use of flax we have introduced a hands-on workshop for the materials and techniques/trials which enables users to assess the suitability and durability for their application. The course covers the nature and properties of flax fibres and oil. How to use and apply the resin.
Laminating with UV resin.
The course is normally a 1 to 1 session and lasts 2-3 hours.
Cost £55 per person, including materials, by arrangement to suit. Call 07815 967951.

	FLAXLAND GOES TO STUTTGART THE FLAXLAND CANOE WAS EXHIBITED AT THE STUTTGART COMPOSITES EUROPE SHOW IN SEPTEMBER 2011 ON THE COMPOSITES EVOLUTION STAND   AND UK - NEC BIRMINGHAM COMPOSITES ENGINEERING SHOW 9-10 NOVEMBER 2011

Kayaking and canoeing is a fantastic way of exploring and harmonising with the environment.

Traditionally such craft were covered with animal skins and latterly with tarred canvas and most recently petrochemical based technical fabrics.

Exciting new developments in natural fibres and resins have enabled the use of unique natural hull covering which increases the strength of the hull with minimum increase in weight.

New technologies in spinning and weaving have developed a flax fabric (linen) membrane to cover the frames. This fabric is then coated with a recently developed sustainable flax/linseed epoxidised resin which is cured with UV sunlight.

The frames (ribs) are cut from marine ply and the pre-cut stringers from sustainably sourced soft woods. Computer cut parts fit together without the need for any further cutting or the need of building jigs - a saving of both timber and expense.

The pre-marked stringers will slot into the frames then glued and pinned or alternatively tied with twine (the same method as used in Inuit boat building).

Pre production open canoe based on Iain Oughtred’s “Stickleback”

email: simon@flaxland.co.uk  (07815  967951)
www.flaxland.co.uk

Care and use of fabric covered craft.
Those who have become used to owning or paddling fibreglass and plastic type canoes will have to adapt to methods of use suitable for boats covered with natural materials.
One of the major advantages is the lightness of the craft which can easily be carried and placed to float in the water, do not scratch the bottom of the hull on rough ground and when getting out on a beach get out of the boat when afloat as opposed to letting it ground on pebbles or rocks.

Carry the canoe into water, rest the paddle towards the bow, hold the far gunwale at a point where the back rest meets it, place foot on front end of seat swing yourself in grabbing hold of back rest and lower into canoe

Always carry the boat do not drag it along the ground.
Fabric covered boats are not intended to shoot rapids and hit against rocks, care should be taken around rough jetties or timbers.

Coracle, currachs and skin boats when not in should be stored ashore hull side up, ideally under cover - this way they will dry and last for many years.

Responsible use of fabric covered boats.

The Coracle Society has issued general guidance relating to fabric-covered boats a copy of which can be supplied to potential buyers.
One should always be prepared and used to capsizing this type of craft.

The seat adds buoyancy to the boat but is important that you always wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket, in cold weather or waters the wearing of a dry suit is important to avoid the shock of falling into cold water.

“harmonizing with nature”

Flax Fibre Clad Boats

Grow your own boat!  

Irish curach - a traditional craft from the west coast of Ireland used for fishing, kelp gathering and inter island transport.

The pictured curach we built in 2007 from ash frame and larch, the cover is woven flax canvas waterproofed with tar-based paints.

Curach covered with a light Irish woven flax fabric, waterproofed with linseed oil based resin cured by sunlight.

Right - Our new canoe on it's first outing.

Above - Drying the net Nets were made from flax and hemp.

Traditional and contemporary coracles using flax fabrics

updated December 2011 - flaxland