Meet Bella: Youth Instructor & 30 Hour Boatbuilder

Bella joined Urban Boatbuilders in June 2024 and has since worked herself up to the Youth Instructor level! She will also be one of the talented builders tackling our 30 Hour Boat Build challenge on April 3-4th! Read below for her Builder Q&A!

What drew you to UBB?

I really wanted to learn more about the trades. I’m definitely still at a point where I’m still exploring my job options and figuring out what I want to do. And I also really enjoy the atmosphere of this place.

What’s your favorite UBB memory so far?

Overcoming starting a job and having no idea what I’m doing. I think it’s very easy to feel like everyone else knows what’s going on and you don’t, but that’s not the case…I had never used a handsaw…There were just little things that were new. I really enjoyed learning new things.

Favorite part of boatbuilding?

I really like the hands-on part of making the yokes and thwarts. Not necessarily just the art, but the spokeshaving and sanding and that kind of stuff.

What are you most excited for this upcoming 30-hour boat build?

I’m just really intrigued of how it’s gonna go! I’m kinda nervous, cause all of us are gonna feel the pressure, but I also think it's going to be really fun. We can only do our best, right? So I’m not trying to stress out about it too much. I’m very excited.

What’s your advice for those new to boatbuilding?

I would definitely say go for it, try it, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

You can watch Bella, in addition to apprentices, volunteers, staff, board and more, race to build a canoe in 30 hours at our shop or on Youtube! More details here!