Newfoundland (bear paw) snowshoes

[Iron Brew]

Any of our resident Newfoundlanders want to give a lesson on building these? I'd like to make some with the nephews.

I cant find instructions on line or on youtube.

Thanks

IB

[600twin]

I have a set i can take a pic of tomorrow if needed.

[Iron Brew]

Please. And if you could tell me the materials...

Thanks

[600twin]

I have two sets here, an adult large and a kids size.
I can't tell exactly the size of the steel used as they are covered in rubber but i believe the adult are 1/2" round and the kids are 3/8". I watched the "Here and Now" special of the snowshoe man in Cornerbrook who has been making these for years and i remember you need a good steel or they will bend or break and be useless.
Once you have the steel you will need twine which you can buy here
https://www.mercersmarine.com/sagro/...il&product=389

You may want to try a flat needle for pulling the twine tight
https://www.mercersmarine.com/sagro/...l&product=3655

You will also need an innertube for wrapping and the boot part. I have seen the twine used to hold your boot on but i like the rubber better.

So here are a few pics. First are the Adult


Length


Width



You put your foot in sideways then spin it in the snowshoe until it is pointing to the front. I don't wear rolled jeans either i just took off my rubber boots.




Kids size









Mercers Marine is where i bought mine as it is only 25 mins from my house. The adult cost 69.99 but this was a couple of years ago.
Mercers marine will also ship worldwide and anyone on the counter will know what you would be needing as they are very knowledgeable staff and good prices as well.
Here is a similar type they sell.
https://www.mercersmarine.com/sagro/...l&product=9385

[Iron Brew]

Thank you. I'm under the impression the frame is made from steel cable, so that should be fairly easy to deal with.

[600twin]

The ones i saw being made were made from steel rod heated then framed around a simple jig then were welded together. The one i have the rubber is wrapped tight so i cannot pull it back to check but they are quite flexible.


Here is the video of the Snowshoe man Jack Carey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQahP2rFpms
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0Pux3VcnUY

part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZDibm2xIf0