I've given traditional builds a good long thought... And it keeps teasing the back of my mind. As luck would have it, we cut down two large black locust trees in our side yard last year. The saplings coming up from the trunks might make for good ribs, if I can deal with the thorns. Still have a good ten foot section of the three foot ish diameter log sitting in the yard, too... If I can get it cut up and split, I might be able to use it on the cheap.

Would need to pick up a book on the subject... Still haven't figured out how one goes about bending the ribs to the proper hull shape, besides eyeing it. Definitely gives more interior room for fear, not having to deal woth the plywood formers.

Finally meshed schedules with a local instructor. Had a good time out on the lake practicing sculling laybacks. Very enjoyable! Tried actually rolling, but my mind/body couldn't quite figure it out before I grew tired and cold. Gonna be practicing those laybacks, though.

Also found a local pool (an hour away) starts up informal rolling classes in January. I'll be looking into it.