There is no reason why you can't use the strip-built method with foam instead of wood. However, there probably is little benefit to using foam instead of wood. Wood is lighter than foam of the same strength. You can get foams which are lighter than wood so you can make a lighter weight boat, but you will need to be careful about the strength.

If your goal is lightweight and rugged, it is not a mistake to go with wood.

> Hi all

> I'm relatively new to kayaking but see that building my own kayak will be
> both a realization of a dream and also the only affordable way to own it.
> I participate in adventure races that incorporate paddling legs and am
> looking for plans for a surf-ski or fast single kayak to build using foam
> stripping (yes, I realize that I'll lose the beautiful look of the wood,
> but I am experienced with this method from sailing dinghy building and
> suspect I can make it very light as well). Any ideas are welcomed. Thank
> you.