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Alaska Chugach Aleut Kayaks:
Mitch Poling handcrafts and carves the frames from red and yellow cedar. They are built traditionally with lashings, no metal parts are used.
They are art and they are excellent sea kayaks. They offer a connection to
the sea and its environment that is truly special.
Mitch lived in the Chugach Aleut village of Chenega, Alaska in the 1940's. He learned to paddle in the traditional three man sealskin covered kayaks (baidarkas), and spent many hours in the boathouse where they were built.
In 2002 he measured the last remaining Chenega baidarka in the museum at Cordova, Alaska and built one for himself.
He now builds kayaks at the Nuchek Spirit Camp near Cordova, working with the Chugach people who are reviving their ancient
boatbuilding tradition.
Prices:
Uncovered frames $1800 -$2600 depending on size
Covered, ready to paddle $2400 - $3600 depending on size
Mitch Poling
360.379.1178
spoling@olympus.net
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