Preview: John Lockwood – The Building Of Pygmy Boats
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December 19, 2013
Email this Video to a FriendJohn Lockwood’s life story, on the way to the founding of his company, Pygmy Boats, is as compelling as the kayaks he designs and builds.
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Comments, Thoughts or Suggestions?You can leave a comment or question for OCH and members below. Here are the comments so far…
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19 Responses So Far to “John Lockwood – The Building Of Pygmy Boats”
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jim kemp says:
Wonderful video. John’s gentle way of presenting just sucked me in. I am so proud to own one of his boats.
John Hooge says:
That was beautifully done and inspirational.
Daniel Green says:
John and Pygmy introduced me to the wooden boat community. I assembled a Queen Charlotte kit over 20 years ago – and still love the boat. I was also contacted by them to participate in an owner/builder display of Pygmys at the WoodenBoat show held that year in Newport. He assured me I’d enjoy it and I did. It was a terrific experience and I’ve been addicted ever since.
C Douglas Walling says:
Gee Whiz ,,,, I have a Heap of Love for Lee Moyer , and John Dowd , (Sp-?) it was 1985 when I first paddled a Aquatera 16′ “Chinook” ,,, what a wonderful and fulfilling experience that was ,,, a smile on your face , of accomplichment , and success .
I hope to meet John in April at P T ,,, WA .
It was really Good , that you John ,,, explain , to us ,,, what were your starting points , and your desires . A Big T Y ,,, for this Video ,,,
Much Love , and Happy Christmas ,,,, Douglas and Lang , S/V Calliste , Singapore .
Tim Huebner says:
OCH: well done! It’s a beautiful video and an inspirational story. The scenery is awesome. Can you comment on the locations? JL: Thank you for sharing your stories and providing background and history!
BRIAN SNOW says:
Beautiful video, gorgeous photography (thank you, Freya!)…..and I am really touched by John’s story. I just watched the video again, with my wife this time, and I was moved to tears. What an amazing life John has led!
David Jeffery says:
Anyone care to comment on construction or use or advantages of Inuit or Greenland style kayak paddles?
Laura Prendergast says:
Hey David! I work for Pygmy Boats and just saw your comment. John has found they are much easier on his aging body (especially shoulders). We do have a blog post with more information on greenland paddles here: http://www.pygmyboats.com/blog/greenland-paddles/
Steve Stone says:
Thanks for providing a link to that blog, Laura. This is very helpful.
David Jeffery says:
Thanks, Laura. My kayak is a recreational, bird-watcher, fisher-person type with a wide and open cockpit, so I have to conjure up for something to act as drip rings. But it’s a long winter to think about it.
Thomas Dalzell says:
That’s another thing. I started with WW boats in teh 70s, and 90 degree paddles. The efficient position is pretty vertical, so you get a lot of drips, unless you have something to protect you. But when the blades aren’t feathered, and they don’t have much volume, there is less water, and you aren’t really holding it above you, so you don’t get as wet.
Back in the day, we couldn’t get the rubber rings, and we couldn’t get them over fixed paddles if we had. We would just wrap electrical tape around the shaft to build up a collar.
Also easier on the body in some situations, is the non feathered blade, particularly in all wind directions other than headwinds. So that is another thing.
Of course these indigenous types aren’t entirely ancient wisdom, some of it is just the wood they could get in the arctic circle.
Ken Strangward says:
Thoroughly enjoyed sharing Johns experiences, good on him for his achievements.
Happy Christmas
Richard Maldonado says:
Thanks for the video. JL is a newly discovered hero. Really appreciating the “Schmee series”.
Jerry Rose says:
Very inspiring to any of us who THINK we have physical limitations.
Larry Cheek says:
This is both a beautiful video production and a trove of inspiration. Much appreciated.
The first boat I built was a Pygmy Arctic Tern 14 kit, back in 2001. I still have it, and it remains the best kayak I’ve ever paddled.
Laura Prendergast says:
:)
EeBee4 says:
Found out. It is a Murrelet 4PD.
EeBee4 says:
Can anyone tell me the kayak model JL is paddling here? Good film! Thanks-
Laura Prendergast says:
Yup! It’s a Murrelet 4PD Version 1: http://www.pygmyboats.com/boats/murrelet-4PD-kayak-kit.html