Kayak Crafting with Johan Wirsen: Building the Ilaga

Send us Fan MailIn this installment of The Dubcast with Dubside, Dubside jets off to Sweden to sit down with Johan Wirsen, the visionary behind the Ilaga—the original Tahe Greenland kayak. Discover how a serendipitous encounter with an old skin-on-frame kayak in a barn sparked Johan’s lifelong passion, leading him to pursue formal boatbuilding training in Gothenburg. In the interview, Johan dives deep into his design philosophy and the intricate challenges of transforming initial sketches into a finished product—from lofting and building a plug to navigating the complexities of commercial production. Tune in for an inspiring look at innovation, craftsmanship, and the art of kayak design.