DORYAK CLASS for Indigenous people & people of color
The Thalweg is partnering with Fretwater Boatworks to host a 10-day wooden dory boatbuilding course designed specifically for Indigenous people and people of color with an interest in wooden boats. The course will offer eight participant spots reserved exclusively for Indigenous people and people of color. Scholarships will be available based on funding received through grants and community partners.
Course Details
Course: Building the Doryak (9' Whitewater Dory)
Dates:January 10–22, 2027
Location: Fretwater Boatworks, Flagstaff, Arizona
Class Size: 8 participants
Project: One 9' Doryak built collaboratively by the class
Cost: $100 sign up deposit. $1400 due January 1st - funding will be announced in December, and we hope to lower this final amount, but it depends on what we receive. Please plan to pay the full cost of the course.
The course begins with an evening meet-and-greet on Sunday, January 10, where participants will get to know one another, tour the shop, review the build plan, and begin lofting the boat. The following weekdays will consist of full workshop days from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:00–1:00 p.m. Participants will have the weekend (January 16–17) off. Depending on the stage of construction, some days may run later to complete time-sensitive processes such as fiberglassing or painting.
About the Doryak
The Doryak is a 9-foot, single-occupant whitewater dory designed for solo or small-group river trips. Agile, stable, and remarkably capable, it is equally at home in the Grand Canyon, on the Rogue, the San Juan, and other technical rivers throughout the West. Throughout the course, participants will work together to build one Doryak entirely by hand.
What You'll Learn
Over ten immersive days, participants will work alongside experienced boatbuilders while learning every stage of traditional wooden boatbuilding. Beginning with lofting the boat from a table of offsets, participants will progress through every phase of construction, gaining the practical skills and confidence needed to build a wooden boat of their own.
Skills covered throughout the course include:
Lofting and layout of the boat's lines and frames
Construction of the stem, transom, and structural framing
Panel cutting and joining, including scarfing techniques
Hull assembly without molds or strongbacks
Installation of gunwales, chines, and interior structure
Fiberglassing, fairing, and finishing techniques
Paint preparation and protective finishes
Hand and power tool use
Shop safety and layout accuracy
Boat maintenance, storage, and on-water repairs
The history and design of wooden river dories
Problem-solving in handcrafted arts
Teamwork, communication, and collaborative building
Beyond the technical skills, participants will build lasting friendships while working together to complete a handcrafted river boat. No prior woodworking or boatbuilding experience is required.
Tools & Gear
Participants are welcome to bring their favorite hand tools if they wish, although Fretwater Boatworks maintains a fully equipped shop with all of the tools necessary for the course.
Participants should bring:
Closed-toe shoes
Personal protective equipment
Eye protection will be available on-site.
Bringing your own hearing protection and dust mask or respirator is recommended.
One Boat, One Opportunity
Throughout the course, participants will collectively build one Doryak. At the conclusion of the class, the completed boat will be raffled among the participants, and one participant will have the opportunity to purchase the handcrafted Doryak for the cost of materials. Details about the raffle process will be shared during the course.
Scholarships
We have applied for some funding in hopes to make the cost of this class more accessible. We will not hear from funding sources until December. Please plan to pay the full cost of the course, with a $100 deposit when you sign up. Funding results will be announced in December, last payments are due by January 1st.