Wooden kayaks

A handmade wooden kayak: classic beauty and modern technology on the water

A quality kayak not only requires quality construction with first-class materials, but must also be based on a well-studied and well-tested design.

A hallmark of Nautilus wooden kayaks is the integration of technological and practical materials and accessories into their construction.

For the latter, I can confess that among my favorite designers are Guillemot Kayaks y Björn Thomasson. There are more, of course, but for me these, with their different styles, offer really attractive handling in the water and lines. Both also offer such a variety of models to choose from that it would be difficult not to find a kayak that suits the particular need or expectation of any paddler.

Sandwich structure

Nautilus wooden kayaks are, constructively speaking, a sandwich structure consisting of two thin, high-strength outer layers (fiberglass) glued to a light wood core, achieving a strong, light and very rigid hull.

High quality wood

I work with paulownia wood (very light wood) and red cedar (darker wood), due to its low weight, high flexibility and beauty, combining both woods to achieve beautiful aesthetics. Although the wood of our kayak will never be exposed to the outside, it does not rot in contact with water. I use top quality wood with a total absence of knots and defects.

Carbon fiber bathtub and watertight hatches

The symbiosis between classic joinery construction and modern materials, such as carbon tubs and rubber hatch covers, etc., makes our kayaks functional, comfortable, safe and strong, as well as providing a highly recognizable aesthetic.

What do clients say?

"Life is harmony, balance and rhythm, three essentials that the kayak that Roberto has made for me meets. When I sail, I feel how the wood caresses me. I feel extraordinary when I sail and play with the sea in this unique boat".

Carmen Morillo

"I had the opportunity to participate in the Spanish championship with a Nautilus kayak, in which I was champion in my category. The Nautilus wooden kayak has the advantage that it is a rigid kayak, it does not deform with the ripples of the water and due to its construction, it has very little weight, something very important for speed. The sensations are magnificent, apart from its beauty, which makes you feel proud to have a work of art in your hands. Thanks Rober for giving me that opportunity!"

Paz

"I wanted a kayak for touring, but one that was also fast and able to navigate long journeys in all possible conditions of a sea kayak. I contacted Roberto Yañez, explained my concerns regarding the kayak I wanted and... We did it!!!!! To this day, I sail the SEAS, I have learned to Eskimo, and we have been CHAMPIONS of ANDALUCIA in our first regatta. You can't ask for more. PS: Kayaking is a beauty."

Sandra Muñoz

"Wooden Kayaks have always caught my attention for their "retro" aesthetic, but I didn't consider having one. Until I tried Roberto's Night Heron. It was love at first scoop... To this day, I am the happy owner of two wooden kayaks from my good friend and Master Roberto from Nautilus Kayaks. The first was a "recreational" Surfski, which I enjoy in the summer since I don't have to put on a cover or have to bail out when re-boarding. In addition, it surfs as well as one of fiber, pure pleasure... The second one is a traditional, "Frej L" model by Bjorn Thomasson and I haven't found anything that I'm not satisfied with yet. Every day I am more delighted with my "Nautilus"... And yes, they are also works of art that I never tire of contemplating".

Diego Tárraga

All our wooden kayaks are of the highest quality, exclusive and personalized.

The delivery time of a wooden kayak is the most difficult to define. Unlike Greenlandic paddles, with which the delivery time can be adjusted and calculated very well, in the case of a wooden kayak it is much more complex.

During the construction phase of a wooden kayak, there are several factors that affect and can significantly vary the execution time, such as the ambient temperature and the complexity of working with a natural material such as wood.

Each wooden Nautilus kayak is built with state-of-the-art materials, using countless hours of quality cabinet-making manual labor.

It should be taken into consideration that it is not a job that can be built online (8 or 10 hours of work a day). Some days we will only be able to work on your wooden kayak for an hour or two, applying a coat of resin for example.

The handmade construction of a wooden kayak is a meticulous and 90% manual job, which requires and demands a lot of concentration and lack of haste.

When we work on a wooden kayak…
”time stops… it doesn't exist”.

For this reason, I ask my clients for patience, I involve them and make them participate at all times in the manufacturing process of their wooden kayak. They accompany me on this fantastic adventure until the day of their delivery.

The wait and patience are certainly worth the wait.

The final price of our wooden kayaks varies depending on the model, finish and accessories that are added. A base price would be from €3,500 (VAT included).