3D printing is poised to change the world. We’ve seen that it is being used to print custom running shoes and even parts for bicycles. Now Jim Smith of Grass Roots Engineering is showing that 3D printing can be used to float away. He used a large-scaled 3D printer to produce 28 colorful ABS plastic sections that were then bolted together to create a 16.7 foot long kayak. Each section has brass threaded thermoplastic inserts, which allows the 2D and 3D sections to be screwed together. Silicon caulk was used to ensure that the kayak was watertight and ready to head out.
It took more than a thousand hours – or just over 42 days to produce this kayak, so it isn’t exactly a quick print and go – but it is still a sign of the times to come. Video after the jump
For those with rivers of gold the McLellan Jacobs – the America’s Cup boat builders – carbon fiber-hulled Kayak 1 might just be the best way to row downstream. It features teak and ash timber detailing that gives this kayak a true sense of style. Of course the owners won’t be able to take a guest for a spin in it, as it is a single person boat. But for those few who could likely afford it why would they really want to share the thrill.
Plenty of companies make canoe and kayak paddles, but this holiday season consider the paddles from Bending Branches of Osceola, Wis. Their products have been made in the USA since the company was founded nearly 30 years ago. Bending Branches worked to revolutionize the paddle industry by introducing composite tips to canoe paddles and the company has been designing and creating some of the most innovative paddles ever sense.
We’ve seen a few fold up watercraft this year, including the 
We’ve been hearing about ClimaCool technology a lot, and probably own a few garments with the fabric. Since it plays a big role in Olympic uniforms, adidas provided some information on how its constructed, tested, and the benefits of the wicking fabric. 
At the Olympic level, kayaks are often custom fitted to the athlete. The Australian Olympic Kayak team enlisted a Creaform 3D scanner and modeling from U.S.-based Geomatic. Modeling ensures a custom fit in the Kayak, and better controls for the slalom event. 