It was time for a portage of vast proportions. Rod Tait gathered up his Orca Canoe and Kayak business supplies, along with his passion of "paddling dreams into reality" and moved to Coquitlam. After spending more than 10 years in Port Moody, Tait is now opting for a small workshop on his residential property without the accessibility of on-site boat building.
For years, Tait's passion has been bringing to life the wishes of his customers. As a builder and designer of wooden boats, he's made his own vessels and taught others his craft. Using cedar strips, accented with a variety of exotic wood pieces, he's helped more than 25 people construct an assortment of kayaks, canoes, and small boats. He's taken immense pleasure hearing a customer exclaim in disbelief, "I never thought I could build my own boat!"
Tait's business will retain services to build new boats on order, and will continue to sell what can affectionately be called "kayak in a box" - a kit containing the all the pieces and plans for making a boat. Tait also hopes to continue being involved in community events like MEC's paddlefest that gives people a chance to showcase and experience wooden boats.
It's likely we haven't seen the last of Tait and his building skills. Although grateful to be able to set his own hours, when his young family grows he will likely once again be searching for a place to, "get back to teaching and allowing others to use (his) shop and expertise." Look for Tait at the Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival on Granville Island, Aug. 25-28, 2011. To find out more about Orca Canoe and Kayaks, please visit www.orcaboats.ca.
