Lessons really aren't necessary; Nick's book, this forum, and the notes, tips, etc. at the Newfound.com site will do fine. If you're a visual learner, Laughing Loon markets a 4-hour video showing the whole process of building one of their kayaks. The video is around $85. Newfound sells milled cove-and-bead strips if you have more money than time to invest in wood.

As to what kind of kayak - what do you plan to do mostly and where? Day trips on small lakes or 2-week expeditions on the Great Lakes? Nick's Great Auk is a roomy expedition boat and its simple lines make it one of the easier ones to build, so it was my choice.

Good luck.