Introduction

Comprised of cellulose fibers in lignin matrix, wood is the oldest and all natural composite material. Exploited by our earliest ancestors for tools, shelter, and energy, it was the west coast First Nations who harnessed the most raw form of felled cedar trees in the form of dugout canoes. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, the culture of these people and the waters from the northern tip of Vancouver Island to the back of San Francisco Bay have been an influential aspect of my life. Project Cedrus is a culmination of my love for water and composites, named in honor of the resources and native people to the PNW.

Photo Courtesy Don Hitchcock. To learn more about the history of these vessels and people, check out his website: http://www.donsmaps.com/canoesnwc.html

For more information regarding Project Cedrus, a nearly 2 year endeavor where I set out to create a new and better composite hydrofoil, please read on. My intention and hope is to tell a story, which may read quite technical at times. But to improve upon existing technology, I had to get technical, and hoping you will enjoy learning about the process. A lot of thought and energy has gone into every detail of this product, and in a world of youtube videos and instagram posts, I felt this was the only method worthy of finally sharing this with the community.

I hope you enjoy!
Kyle Lobisser