kayak race skin boats

Just got word that there will be a kayak race around a course marked by buoys in Ft Ross Cove tomorrow at one PM. Kayaks have to built of traditional materials available to the Aleuts in the 1800's when they hunted otter for the Russians. In other words, animal skin and wood frame. Should be interesting if any of you are in the area.

that would be cool to go to but alas, work beckons.

Skin Boats ....  totally different picture in my mind 

What are they going to have like, three boats in the race?  Are the buoys made of skin also or perhaps moose bladders?

Wonder if animal skin boats would be more attractive to the landlord?

Bushy


ps my hat is off to those who build own boats I may try it myself in the next couple years after retiring.  Pity that obnoxious barking dog next door won't cover an entire kayak though.

I think a few more than three. I'll post more info if I get it. One boat seen by the guy who sets the course was almost translucent so bladder/intestine would be a good guess. My choice would be finely worked sea lion pelt.

12:30 not 1:00 for race start. Alaskan Native day at the Fort. Google Ft. Ross kayak race and the info comes up.

I think a few more than three. I'll post more info if I get it. One boat seen by the guy who sets the course was almost translucent so bladder/intestine would be a good guess. My choice would be finely worked sea lion pelt.

Please! make this a big sport, using Sea Lions for something.

Here are three pics that give a feel for the skin on frame yaks. A friend on the rescue Zodiac took these. Three yaks over turned and one taken to shore on the Zodiac. The "yellowish" yak with the upturned bow handled the water best of all. Gives a feel for the early 1800's otter hunts although I bet the Aleuts had remarkable balance compared to most modern kayakers.