Nick grew up around canoes and kayaks. After beginning
a career as an engineer for the US Navy, he knew he wanted to get back
on the water himself. But as a recent graduate, he could not afford
the kind of boat he wanted. So he decided to design and build a kayak
using a technique he had seen used to create canoes: the “"strip-built"
method. This method was popular for canoe construction but was not commonly
adapted for kayaks. Nick and his brother worked together to develop
the processes needed to make kayaks using the “"strip-built"
method.
As his skill as a kayak paddler and boat builder evolved, Nick's
designs evolved to match his changing aims. The driving goal has been
to maximize the on-the-water performance while respecting the natural
materials used to create the boat. Out of these efforts Nick has created
the business Guillemot Kayaks, centered on designing high performance sea kayaks for
other craftsmen interested in building their own boats. He wrote The
Strip-Built Sea Kayak, an instruction book describing the strip-built
method, which has helped foster a revival in the construction of wooden
kayaks.
He specializes in high performance kayaks whose visual beauty is a reflection
of their ability to perform on the water. His technical background has influenced
his use of the latest computer modeling technology to engineer high performance
into his designs. Combined with an innate aesthetic sense, the resulting
boats are as beautiful as they are functional.
Nick’s studio is currently located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, where
he builds prototypes of new designs and makes a select number of custom-built
kayaks. He has taught kayak construction at Mystic
Seaport and the Connecticut
Valley School of Woodworking. His work has been exhibited at the American
Craft Museum, and one of his boats is in the permanent collection at
the
Museum of Modern Art.
Artistic Statement:
I started designing and building kayaks out of a simple desire
to have one. I had the idea that I could design and build a better boat
than I could buy. My efforts remain centered around that idea. A “"better" kayak
is efficient, seaworthy and responsive; it is also lightweight, strong
and durable. Function has always been the primary design criterion. Although
visual appearance is a strong secondary consideration, I understand that
the power of the ocean enforces design rules of simple grace. Awkward shapes
will not perform as well.
My aesthetic sense is founded on functionality but makes
room for a sense of whimsy. Natural materials have their own aesthetic
integrity without a need for distracting enhancements. But, if a material
limitation presents itself, I like having a little fun working around it.
My construction material of choice is wood because it is
lightweight, resilient, and naturally forms efficient shapes. Strength
is also a result of careful craftsmanship. The natural environment rewards
objects that are well put together. My design inspiration ranges from several
sources: the grace and beauty of the original kayaks built by the Inuits
of Greenland, the refined elegance of the “"baidarkas"
of the Aleut peoples of the Bering Sea, the mahogany runabouts of the last
century, as well as influences from the modern boats of the America's Cup.
The results are boats of distinctive beauty that perform to the highest
standards. The outward refinement is the manifestation of careful attention
to the details of how the boat will respond on the water.
Learn more about
custom built kayaks.
