There are two major types of wooden kayaks: those you buy, and those you make for yourself. A lot of people have found that they enjoy time spent working on their own wooden kayak. If you're one of those people, then you should definitely check online for how-to guides and other information about how to build your own kayak. If you're worried that you won't be able to find accurate information online, then you can check for books that have been written on subject.

There are a few things that you should consider about a home made kayak, as well. In fact, if you have time to build your own kayak, then there are plenty of great reasons to do so.

The first reason is simply cost. If you've been shopping around for high quality kayaks, you'll know that most of them are very expensive, especially if they are made out of fiberglass instead of just plastic. By building your own kayak, you'll be able to make one that you want - and you'll only have to pay for wood you use while you're building it.

It was during a March evening in 2002 that I received word that my grandfather was dying. I drove four and a half hours to Ironwood, Michigan in a snowstorm to say goodbye. I was able to see my grandpa and he was able to recognize me and acknowledge that I was there.

The next morning, he was gone. The doctors said that they were not sure how he had survived for so long. He had many health conditions and a lot of pain that he hadn’t really shown on outside. Yet, he had visited my grandmother every day in nursing home where she had moved just a few months before. The staff marveled at fact that my grandpa could even make it up stairs each day. But, he did it. He was always there to help someone else.

I stayed in town where my grandfather had been born, lived and now passed on. The funeral was scheduled for just a couple of days later. I thought a lot about my grandfather during this time. He had inspired me to be an athlete and coach. I remember him showing me pictures and ribbons that he had won as a hurdler in track and field. But his real love was baseball. He was a great first baseman who played for a while with Union City Greyhounds farm team and even had a try out for St. Louis Cardinals. Rumor has it that he left baseball to come back for my grandmother. He continued to play ball in his home town. When times were tough and jobs were scarce, my grandfather was offered a job at mine... if he would also play on company’s baseball team.

Two days passed and preparations for funeral were made. I spent a lot of time at my aunt’s house with rest of my family. Late in morning, there was a knock on door. An older gentleman stood outside and carried a small object under one arm. My aunt answered door and had a short conversation with man. He then handed her object, said goodbye and walked off.