Doug Lyman

After retiring as a software entrepreneur, I searched for a new project that I could really sink my teeth into.  I am an avid kayaker and have been intrigued by the origins of kayaking, in particular, skin-on-frame kayaks pioneered by Arctic hunters.   Watching several videos online kindled my desire to build my own skin-on-frame kayak.  Ultimately, I purchased a video course and set of plans from Cape Falcon Kayak.  The appeal of this project was, for me, the enjoyment of the build process.  But also, there is a lot to say for having a completely sea-worthy kayak that is 14 feet in length but only weighs 30 pounds.  After completing another kayak as well as a couple of canoes for family, I became a licensed Cape Falcon builder.  I am passionate about the design, beauty,  and symetry of my builds.

Praise for Featherlight Kayak

I want to take a moment this morning to share the work of Doug Lyman of Salt Lake City, Utah. @featherlight.kayak Doug bought the plans for our F1 kayak design in 2025 and built that boat in 60 hours over the course of a couple weeks and then reached out to me to ask if he could build our designs for other people as well. I told him the same thing I tell everyone “build three boats first and send me pictures.”

A couple months later I got an email with more kayak and canoe pictures and after looking at his photos it was obvious that Doug is an excellent craftsman and I was happy to have him represent our brand in his local area.

Doug now has a website which you can find through his Instagram page with some of his first boats for sale at literally half the price which I would sell them new. Just looking at the photos I can’t see any difference between what Doug is doing and any boat that I would build so this might be a great opportunity for someone to get into a Cape Falcon Boat add a fraction of the normal cost IF the boats are the right size for you. (custom boats of course would be closer to our normal price). Doug’s Instagram is @featherlight.kayak and there’s a link from there to his website. Doug is also a great photographer and it’s fun to follow what he posts on his page. Excellent work Doug! 

Brian Schulz, Owner Cape Falcon Kayak