A Bit About Wenonah Canoe
What truly sets We no nah Canoe apart is that their award-winning canoes are still built by hand. While the technology in their canoes is second to none, the fact that each canoe is handcrafted every step of the way is an absolute testament to Wenonah’s commitment to quality.
Wenonah Canoe was founded by Mike Cichanowski in 1968. Mike grew up loving the outdoors and the Mississippi River and was building his first wooden canoe at age 16. Today, this canoe hangs in the museum town of Winona.
The Canoe Making Process
Wenonah Canoe’s Factory is very similar to a Tetris game, created with many additions over the years as the company grew into what it is today. Different corridors, doors, sections and completely different buildings make up the entire factory.
When we first walked in, we could see where workers were taking pre-made fiberglass molds and layering Kevlar and resin into the molds to form the beginnings of a new canoe. This was carefully done in several stages at the factory.
Once the first layers of Kevlar have dried, carefully molded pieces of foam are added inside the Kevlar canoe to give it structure and firmness.
Wenonah Canoe Shape inserts into a new canoe.
Another take on the foam inserts.
These foam pieces are then covered with another layer of Kevlar and resin.
Once the final layer of Kevlar has been applied, a sheet of plastic is placed around the canoe and connected to a vacuum that sucks all the air out of the plastic and holds the layers of Kevlar and foam together for the drying process. final.
Kayaks
One thing I had no idea is that Wenonah also owns two different brands of kayaks that are sold all over the world. These brands include QCC Kayaks and Current Designs Kayaks, both makers of amazing kayaks.
The owner of Wenonah Canoe explains how kayaks are made.
Mike explained the kayak-building process.
While the Wenonah-made canoes were first-class, the kayaks were a work of art.
To me, kayaks seemed to focus more on aesthetics and style than canoes. They made me think of a shiny new Dodge Charger rolling off the assembly line and shining.
I have to admit, my only experience with kayaks has been the $500 composite plastic kayaks you’d see at any outdoor sporting goods store like REI (which currently sells current designer kayaks!).
The only difference between Kayak Brands and Wenonah’s Canoe Brand is that the store was built in one fell swoop and was more planned than the unique canoe facility. The kayaks are still made by hand, but the shop is much bigger and looks more modern (not a good or bad thing, just to point that out).
Today’s designed kayaks receive the finishing touches before completion.
Today’s designed kayaks receive the finishing touches before completion.
For his composite plastic kayaks, a process that involves incredible steel molds, a giant oven, and many fans can create a new kayak every 20 minutes.
The plastic kayaks are probably the most automated part of any Wenonah canoe or kayak. First, a powdered plastic is placed in a giant kayak mold. It is then lifted using a hoisting system and placed in a giant rotary kiln. This oven melts and agitates the plastic for 20 minutes.
The mold is then removed from the oven and rapidly cooled using a large row of fans. This prevents the kayak from shrinking.
C4 Waterman Paddle Boards
We were hoping for one last treat while visiting Wenonah. They also have a stand up paddle brand called C4 Waterman. Also known as SUP, stand up paddle boarding has become a huge thing all over the world in the last 5-7 years.
Even here in Minnesota, you can go out on almost any lake and see at least one SUP paddler.
The C4 brand has tons of different stand up paddle boards, from 1 person inflatables to inflatables that fit 7 or more standard foam core boards.
C4 Waterman was actually the first company to introduce the inflatable SUP, which they called the iSUP.
Personally, SUP has become one of my new favorite hobbies in recent years and I can’t wait to try a C4 board!
Wrapping Up a Great Day
After everything we saw, we had a great time on the Wenonah Canoe. Mike was amazing and his passion for all things paddling and the outdoors was evident throughout the day.
We will be taking a Wenonah Minnesota Two to the Boundary Waters canoe area here in northern Minnesota. Be sure to check out our trip updates, photos, and read about the different gear we’ll be using along the way.
Original Article is: we no nah canoe for sale
Author: Ayaz Khan
Ayaz is the owner of the Track and Tour and likes to spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors. A big believer in the healing power of nature, Ayaz feels at home amongst the trees and when not being all zen-like, you can often find him camping and climbing up things.
