About Nessmuking
Nessmuking.com's philosophy is simple:
- to provide up-to-date information about lightweight canoe and kayak travel,
- while advancing wilderness protection through growing paddlesport participation.
Most of us are unlikely to take great multi-month expeditions to far flung locations across the world, but by practicing simple, lightweight, low-impact methods, we can find more enjoyment during our travels and adventures, whether they are canoe trips to the Boundary Waters, kayak trips along the coast of Maine, backpacking trips in the mountains of Colorado, or weekend bike tours in your backyard. And by adventuring simply, we can enjoy these outings more comfortably and more safely.
About Nessmuking.com Funding
Nessmuking.com is completely funded and paid for by you, the readers.
Simply click on this link to donate.
Consider a donation to help pay for web hosting fees and other assorted expenses. A Pay Pal account is set up where you can easily and safely donate over the web. Or if you're sort on cash, please, consider donating photos or articles to help Nessmuking.com continue to bring you this content. Thank you for your support in helping to continue to bring timely up-to-date information about lightweight canoe and kayak travel.
Nessmuking's Authors
Bryan Hansel: Publisher and Primary Author
Bryan started Nessmuking.com as a way to spread knowledge about the techniques and benefits of lightweight canoe and kayak travel. The site has grown beyond his wildest expectations, and he's thankful for all the support the visitors and readers have given over the past few years.
Bryan is a photographer, writer, wilderness first responder and kayaking guide living in Grand Marais, the doorway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Email Bryan.
Pedro Almeida
Predro Almeida describes how to make rope handles for your kayak. About Predro: I'm 37, married, and have a great little 4 year old boy who will hopefully be a future sea kayaker. I'm a Firefighter/EMT in one of the busiest areas of Miami-Dade county where I work with an awesome crew. Before that, I was a Physical Therapist (I'm still licensed) and before that I was a US Marine (Force Recon). I'm relatively new to sea kayaking, but I'm no stranger to the sea. I spent lots of time on and in the ocean as I was growing up; my father always owned a boat. I also spent lots of time on and in the water as a Recon Marine. Before I built my Cape Ann Expedition, I hadn't paddled a narrow kayak before. I do own another kayak; it's a wide, short, plastic Hydra that is designed to be paddled or sailed. It's not the most efficient thing to paddle, but when the breeze is blowing, it can be a blast to sail. I've also occasionally paddled canoes. My other hobbies are Hang Gliding and Woodworking.
Charles Campbell
Charles Campbell built and sails his own canoe: the Wigeon on which he built his own Easy Aluminum Fittings For a Sailing Canoe. He also reviews System Three Metlweld.
Bill Collet
Bill Collet is an experienced canoeist living on the mighty Mississippi in Iowa. He write about his trip on the Namekagon, St. Croix, and the Mississippi.
Richard "Doc" Gams
Richard "Doc" Gams writes, "After a year of paddling, I still feel I can call myself "beginner". I've been paddling and camping and survived a class II run down the Middle Yough. I'm transitioning to retirement - half time at work for another year, then calling it quits. I'm 72 years old this October." He writes about is 2007 BWCA in Last Day in Paradise.
"Eskimo" Tom Gerd
“Eskimo” Tom Gerds was adopted in Bethel Alaska and grew up in Wisconsin and Minnesota. He designs and builds wood boats at his home in Elk River Minnesota. He is an avid paddler and all season camper. You can learn more about his custom designs and building services at Finewoodwatercraft.com. For Nessmuking, he's written Nessmuking and Stitch and Glue Boat Building.
Richard F. Hayes
As befits a Newfoundlander, Richard Hayes lives for the time spent on the waters that wash the spectacularly beautiful shores of the world's 16th largest island. He and his wife Chris Mousseau have enjoyed canoeing together for over thirty years, and started sea-kayaking about seven years ago. With over 9,650 kilometers of coastline to explore (not to mention the 7,800 kms.+along the Labrador coast, and the gazillion lakes, ponds and rivers in the island's interior!), he reckons they live in the perfect place to put the VOLKSKAYAKs and paddles they build through their paces. He also makes The Simplest of Seats
Aaron Miller
Aaron Miller knows about composite use in canoe and kayak construction, and he's willing to share his knowledge.
Jay Morrison
This year, Jay Morrison is attempting to become the first person to paddle solo across Canada from the Atlantic to the Arctic Ocean in a single year. Read about his adventure at The Great Canadian Canoe Quest. The canoe he is paddling was built with lightweight techniques.
Robert N Pruden
Robert Pruden is an adventurer, poet, and storyteller. He lives in Canada and loves to paddle around, over, and through ice. Two of his adventures were on the Saskatchewan Part One and Saskatchewan Part Two.
Glen Smith
Glen Smith is an often contributor to the Kayak Forum and Administrator at the Bear Mountain Canoe Forum. He also enjoys designing kayaks. ()
Shipp Webb
Shipp Webb writes about his 2006 solo Boundary Waters adventure in an article called Up a Lazy River.