"You know, there's never a time when I'm not fishing - just days when I can't do it in the water."
I have often told people that if it could be done, I would teach classes every other week. That would allow me time to make rods and still make new friends but most importantly, continue sharing the craft and art of handcrafting bamboo fly rods. I love seeing people as they discover the joy of making their first split-cane rod. Contact me if you would like to sign up for a class or perhaps put together a class for you, your friends or group.
Doug
Principles of handcrafting bamboo fly rods will be highly established as you make your own split-cane rod that incorporates heritage, tradition and craftsmanship. Learn how to select top quality Tonkin cane, heat treat, taper and assemble a one tip , two piece fly rod. You will leave with a hand-planed rod ready for finishing complete with all the components, a rod tube and rod sock. And if you choose, also sign up for the new class "Bamboo Fly Rod Finishing".
By special request from students in the process of making their own bamboo fly rod. Discover how to take a raw bamboo fly rod blank and transform it into a fully-finished, stream-ready rod. This class features hands-on demonstrations and will cover many options for completing a blank - various finishes, wrapping techniques, dipping methods and other details. However, due to curing time required, steps will be studied in a shortened format. Note: There will NOT be time to complete your rod in class. Blanks can be purchased with advance notice.
The next class at the John C. Campbell Folk School is scheduled for February 2007. It is currently filled, however, I encourage you register and ask to be placed on the wait list, the Folk School has been very supportive in accommodating students that do not find their way into the originally scheduled class.
Also, this year we offered a new class on Rod Design and Finishing. It is a weekend class that followed the rod making class, it has been scheduled again for February 2007. This year we will be having classes in February, March and August (we have added an additional class) so watch the website and by all means call the Folk School and request a catalog. Remember, the classes fill fast!
Registration for classes in 2007 is now open. Call the John C. Campbell Folk School at 1-800-FOLK-SCHOOL or visit their website at www.folkschool.org.