Do you dream of adventure? Grab some rum, some waders and channel your inner Shackleton: it’s coracle time.
Small, rounded boats that float on the water rather than in it, coracles are lightweight, perfect for carrying on your back. Traditionally popular with fishermen, they were commonly found in Wales, the West Country and Scotland, particularly on the River Spey.
Animal hide would have been used but the preferred choice now is calico or canvas over a basket weave frame with an outer coating of tar.
To make a coracle you will need
● Calico or canvas measuring 75in long x 70in wide
● Green ash or willow laths measuring about 8ft long
● Softwood, such as pine, measuring 2ft x 1ft for the seat
● A broom handle with a piece of plyboard added to make a paddle
● Strong curved needle and thread
● Wood glue
● Staple gun
● Galvanised nails
● Tar paint
Method
1. Mark out two semi-circles on the ground with a straight edge on either side measuring a foot. Stake the willow laths firmly around the circumference 8cm apart. Create a basket weave around the bottom 4in deep
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2. Add the seat by drilling holes and posting through a lath each side. Push the seat down and build the weave up another 6in
3. Bend the willow laths over from left to right then top to bottom, securing each rib as they cross with rope
4. Cut off the excess willow, pull the calico around the structure and sew on
5. Cover in 3 coats of tar paint
For more information on outdoors education, visit thewildoutdoors.org
