Qayaq Evolution in Chevak

The introduction of outboard motors and skiffs into Yup’ik Eskimo life put an effective end to qayaq use and development for several generations. This is now changing under the pressure of economic and environmental concerns, increased cultural awareness and the emergence of new hunting and travel patterns.

We also examined any pictures we could find of the large square-sterned canoes used for freighting and travel in Alaska’s interior.These practical craft were virtually part of the landscape, and represent a very practical adaptation of mechanical power wedded to traditional craft.

Pingayak hopes to see qayaqs of this type coming into use, and there are factors that might make this happen. Builders down south may find this design of interest too for many of the same reasons.

This qayaq is light enough to car-top and will let a family or small group travel in safety and comfort. This would be a great camper craft or island-hopper for families with small kids. It will accommodate serious travelers or hunters/campers too.

This qayaq can be outfitted with spray skirts (w/built-in paddle jackets?) but even as an open boat the generous and deep cockpit offers protection and shelter from the elements.

Interested? We have a one-page plan set, fully dimensioned, with nine pages of construction notes for sale here.

Kayak way home

The smaller size and handiness of the new qayaq offers advantages for the seal hunter out on the sea ice, or the upriver moose hunter in the Yukon drainage. Many of the adults and Elders checking on our progress were decidedly enthusiastic about the hunting, camping and berry-picking potentials offered by the new craft,

Interestingly enough, some individuals were quite suspicious of the idea at first. Most of the reservations centered around the “wrongness” of applying mechanical power, which was seen as vaguely sacrilegious. This outbreak of cultural conservatism seemed to fade away as the boat took shape.

Eskimos are a very practical people who have a long history of adapting western goods and technologies to suit their own purposes, so in some ways, the appearance of this boat, which we suspect is the first of its’ kind, was probably waiting to happen sooner or later.

I was also told of at least one other adaptation in the use of power; the qayaq prompted recollections of Briggs & Stratton powered umiaks and skiffs that used an extended prop shaft over the transom for propulsion. Similar systems are used today in Louisiana and Indonesia among other places.)

The Motor Qayaq is the same length as the traditional model, but is deeper and wider. The square stern allows us to carry the beam almost all the way aft for extra volume and buoyancy. Added width (about 6-7 inches) contributes both added stability and room , Construction follows traditional lines with few exceptions. If you think of a very large and robust Klepper you won’t be far from a good sense of what this qayaq is about.


Almost all water travel on the Delta region is done by outboard skiff and large horsepower outboard motors. Fuel costs play a major role in Eskimo life and trip planning. A powered qayaq may offer advantages in fuel economy for such traditional activities as light travel and hunting and gathering. In addition a smaller, narrower boat may be able to use traditional “shortcuts”. These small sloughs and creeks offer opportunities for direct travel but are usually too narrow and shallow for the local skiffs. The main river routes are very winding and can easily double the distance a person needs to cover. This can be significant, because traveling long distances for resources is a reality of current day Eskimo life.

		After a few hours of river travel you enter the "zone". This is Aaron, Jonathan and Brendan. When these guys are cold, you're already frozen. It's always winter on the river.