Simple Strokes  (article from Sideroads of  Waterloo Wellington Fall 2008)

My paddle’s keen and bright

Flashing with silver

Follow the wild goose flight

Dip, dip and swing

Dip, dip and swing her back

Flashing with silver

Swift as the wild goose flies

Dip, dip and swing

Taking to the water isn’t a new recreational hobby, but it has gained popularity as a way to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.  No fax machines, no concrete jungles – instead of wi-fi, it’s a low-fi life on the water.

Away from the stresses of urban life, just a little out of the way, there is land that remains pristine – preserved in unspoiled slendour.  From a lake to a creek, there are calming qualities to be found on the open water.

Man is separated from land by only a pair of  boots, gravity keeps you out of the sky and from the water?  A hand-crafted Fermon canoe.

It’s the water that drew Fermon Martin to his hobby.  Growing up on Boomer Creek, he was always building rafts and had a love of boats.  Eight years ago, he decided to step up his childhood hobby and build canoes, kayaks and rowboats – all in the comfort of his Hawkesville home.

“In 2000, I wanted to build my own, and that’s what I did,” Martin said.  “I figured out how to build one, and have been ever since.”

“Almost anyone can build a canoe – I’ve supplied people with kits so people can build their own.” Martin said.

His hobby is purely for the fun of it.  To build a canoe it takes between 300 and 400 hours.  A rowboat ranges from 500 to 600 hours to be crafted.

“It’s a hobby for me,” he said.  “A sure labour of love.”

This hobby has expanded into a business – Fermon Canoes - which he started in 2004.

“I figured I should sell some, so my shop didn’t fill up.”  Martin commented

With the crafting of the vessels taking anywhere from 12 to 25 days, Martin only creates a few a year.

“It’s nothing huge: I build them to keep busy and because I love it,” he explained.

Each vessel is meticulously created, using cedar strips without nails, ribs or fillers to take away from the design.

“Each strip is cut from rough planks, some are wider than others,” Martin noted.

With a handcrafted vessel there is a lot more class than other canoes, kayaks and rowboats on the market.  There are the popular brands on the market, available at large chain stores throughout the region – but getting back to nature seems more relaxing and enticing with a hand-made, simple craft.

“My canoes are about 50 pounds, so they are a lot lighter than say a Coleman – which are up to 100 pounds,” Martin stated.  “Portaging would be a lot easier this way, with one of my canoes.”

Pride of ownership and pride of craftsmanship combine when you hit the water in one of Fermon’s creations.

“It is very unlike fiberglass; it’s smoother looking, softer and cleaner looking,” he said.

There is no worry about the water-worthiness of one of his canoes, kayaks or rowboats – after all, from start to finish, there is plenty attention to detail.  Before the boat leaves his shop, there is a fiberglass epoxy applied before about nine coats of varnish complete with ultraviolet protection.

“The varnish doesn’t break down the fiberglass, and each boat has laminate used inside and out,” listed Martin.  “These canoes are very maintenance free.”

It’s not just the boats he makes, but the paddles, cane seats and seat hangers as well. – the whole package.

Ash or cherry wood is used to create the paddles, which are available in all different lengths – each as unique as the people that buy them.

“Antique boats seem to be coming back’ wood seems to be coming back,” said Fermon.  “If you take care of it, it will last forever and can be passed down through the generations.”

Each of Fermon Martin’s vessels is a glimpse of the past, where life was simple – full of leisure that nature provides.  Taking to the water in one of his crafts is a way to reclaim that relaxing time.

For more information on his products, visit www.fermoncanoes.com