Canoe

Papa Noel built a custom ("kastom" or traditional) canoe.  Traditional canoes in Vanuatu are dugout canoes.  Wood used varies, but Noel used whitewood.  Breadfruit tree wood is also used.  Vanuatu has so many islands with so many individual cultures, I'm sure dozens of other kinds of woods are used too.  Noel made this one entirely with hand tools.

A simple handmade paddle is used.  The outrigger is also whitewood.  The blue stuff on the canoe is a glue of some kind, added to seal up any cracks or holes.  Noel might paint it, which would considerably extend its life, but paint is expensive.

Nailed along the top edges of the canoe is a 3-4" tall by maybe 1/2" wide piece of thin wood.  This is a different wood, called burao.  Notice how thin it is and how many nails are in it (latter photos).  I am amazed it doesn't split.  But that's why they use it.

I tried canoeing and found it harder to steer than US style canoes.  I think the outrigger was throwing me off.  I'm sure with practice I'll get better at it.

The first fiberglass boat with an outboard motor only came to Moso island in 2008.  Until then, everyone used boats like this, of varying size.

Noel and his canoe.  He turned it upside down so it wouldn't get filled up with rain.

The three of us turned it over.  It is light enough that it can be handled easily enough by one person, but three is easier.

He used surplus wire and rope he had on hand.  I counted 5 different kinds.  But it was all strong and skilfully tied.

Monique (age 10) for scale.  This is a single-person canoe.  She's not sitting in it correctly though.  You sit at the other end, with the outrigger to the right.

The platform is useful for holding a fishing net, boxes, food, etc.

Traditional canoes make great places for babies to learn to walk, under grandma's supervision.

Having a blast in an old half of a life raft container, re-purposed as a three-boy boat.