Harvey Golden ’95 had no experience with paddling or woodworking when he built his first kayak in his father’s garage.

“The first kayak I built was the first one I’d  ever been in,” he says in a video interview.

In his handmade craft, Harvey explored the Columbia and Willamette Rivers of the Northwest and soon, as he says, “I was hooked.” Passion unleashed, Harvey has gone on to be not only a builder of historically impeccable kayaks, but an historian and a published author.  His first book, “Kayaks of Greenland” will be followed by similar works on the kayaks of Alaska and Canada, focusing on the seagoing vessels used by the Inuit and Aleut peoples of that region.

Currently, 50 of his magnificent boats are on display at The Lincoln Street Kayak and Canoe Museum, 5340 S.E. Lincoln St., Portland, Oregon. For information, call 503-234-0264.

Read the full story, enjoy a slide show and video at The Oregonian.