The dream of canoeing started for me when I was just a kid. After working a few summer jobs, my brother and I had enough money to buy an 18-foot fiberglass canoe. One of my many adventures included a trip down the Des-Moines River from the source in Minnesota to Fort Dodge, Iowa. Even after weathering a tornado less than 1⁄2 mile from our camp I was hooked on canoeing.

I can clearly remember sitting in the boat with my dad, drawing plans for a wooden boat when I was 12 years old. I dreamt of the day when I could build my own. My dreams spawned a reality in 1986, when I built my first redwood strip canoe. During the building process I realized that I was doing what I loved most. Designing and constructing wood strip canoes. Ever since then, it has become a passion for me.

The adventure of exploring new places and enjoying the world’s nature is something that I have loved since I was a kid. Being able to maneuver through a powerful river or a serene lake in a wood strip canoe is indescribable. If you’ve ever banged around in a metal canoe you’ll immediately notice the quietness of a wood strip canoe. My admiration for the outdoors and natural materials is evident in the care that I put into constructing every wood strip canoe.

The Canoes
Custom canoes to fit your adventure.

Blog
My adventures and canoe builds.

Contact
Want to know more? Just contact me here.

Interviews with John Van Hal

Here are a couple video interviews I was fortunate enough to participate in. Really enjoyed talking shop with these fellas. Find out more about my process and my thoughts on canoe building in these interviews. Enjoy!

The Canoes

All canoes are fully warranted against any craftsmanship failure for one year. If you are unsatisfied with your canoe upon completion, prior to pick-up, all funds will be refunded. Free Delivery within a 70 mile radius of Mooresville, IN 46158. Call for other options.

Van Hal canoes carry a one year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. If any canoe is proved defective we will replace, or repair at our discretion, the defective part or the whole product at no charge to you. To obtain warranty service, you must return the canoe to our shop at your expense.