Daniel T'seleie
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 14/04) - Woodworking enthusiasts had a special treat last week when seven lucky individuals participated in the construction of a 17-foot canoe with master boat builder Ted Moores.

Tony Blonski smooths out the layer of epoxy on the canoe. Epoxy helps to strengthen the boat. - Daniel T'seleie/NNSL photo

Energy Wall & Building Products Ltd. allowed the class to use its workshop in Kam Lake.

Moores is world-renowned for his skill with wooden water craft.

When he isn't building quality boats while listening to classical music in his workshop in Peterborough, Ont., he is travelling the globe instructing eager participants on his trade.

He recently oversaw the construction of three boats in Belize that competed, and did quite well, in the La Ruta Maya Canoe Race.

Moores, who has authored the books CanoeCraft and KayakCraft, compares building a boat to writing. He feels the spirit behind the builder is more important than skill or training.

"I hate to correct people. If you correct people too much it's gonna blow the spirit right out of them," Moores says.

His philosophy is reflected in the depth of understanding the classes participants walked away with.

Most are white collar workers whose use of tools is restricted to fixing things around the house or building a fence.

But after the fact, everyone involved could tell you exactly what they had done and why.

There only seemed to be one complaint about the class.

"The only problem, for a German, is they are not serving beer here," joked Helmut Froehlich.

Originally from Germany, Froehlich lives in Lone Butte, B.C., and travelled to Yellowknife to attend the class.

The attraction for many people is that more is taught than just boat building.

Participants learn many woodworking tips and tricks, and develop their analytical thinking skills.

It's also about life skills, says Moores. Self sufficiency, and self esteem can be found through boat building.

With a finished canoe -- Moores says it wouldn't sell for less than $4,000 -- the participants in this workshop have something to feel good about.

If you missed the workshop don't worry too much.

"Yellowknife is a great place," Moores said. He is already thinking about returning sometime for another workshop.