I was looking for a wood project and had been kayaking for some time and decided that a wooden kayak would be just the thing. I got Nick's book which, in my opinion, is a must for strip built builders or those considering it. It motivated me to pursue a strip built approach and has many good techniques that are valuable. I am currently building a badarka type kayak , which I would NOT recommend for a first time builder, but do believe a strip built is the way to go. I have gotten some great help with this project from some other first time badarka builders but I can tell you they are better than I am and from other comments on this forum, you should build another type for at least one or twice before trying a badarka. I have heard more experienced builders on this forum say that after 3-4 kayaks they will build a badarka; I agree.
I am going to be very pleased when it finally is finished, but I wished I had started on a more simple design. Once the bow and tail is finished ( the most complex) everything else ( I think) will fall into place.
Alex Warren