kids kayak

Advice
#1

My twins girls are 6 years old. We have had them in canoes for most of their lives. I want to start them in their own kayaks this summer. I have looked at the Hobie Lanai and have been told it is kid friendly to learn in. Does anyone have any other suggestions as to a good beginner kayak for a 6 yer old…thanks alot



joe

#2

If you want sit-on-tops, look here:
http://www.sit-on-topkayaking.com/Articles/Instruction/KayakingKids.htm

#3

Perception Carolina 12
My kids started paddling a Perception Carolina 12 at age 5. Can’t reach the foot pegs at that age, but there is a lot of room to grow into it.



What i like about it is the speed, and it tracks fairly well.

#4

closely related thread here
http://www.paddling.net/message/showThread.html?fid=advice&tid=1281195

#5

Kids

– Last Updated: May-11-10 3:02 PM EST –

Ocean Kayak made(makes?) a great kids SOT, the Kea, but I've heard it was discontinued. You may still be able to find a couple.
http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/single_kayaks/kea.html

The next smallest would be the Venus 10.
http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/single_kayaks/venus_10.html

Perception makes the Acadia Scout.
http://www.perceptionkayaks.com/product/index/products/recreational/acadia/acadia_scout_10/

If they want to try whitewater, Jackson makes a full line of kids kayaks.
http://jacksonkayak.com/kids-kayaks/

The big problem with putting kids in adult kayaks is that the boats are proportionally way too wide (and deep, if sit-inside). The kids have to use a huge paddle and hold it up high just to reach the water, which is very tiring.
A kid-width boat will be much more comfortable for them to paddle.

#6

Take a look at this
I posted a similar topic earlier. I found this after some research. I haven’t purchased it yet but I’m considering it.



http://www.rei.com/product/801041

#7

Acadia scout
The Acadia scout is a very good kid’s sized boat. The only problem is that being proportional means it is narrow, which is good for paddling but can tip fairly easily, especially if it’s a beginner who is not familiar with kayaks.

#8

tipping
In my experience, kids who are comfortable in the water treat tipping like a game, especially if the parents have the same attitude. They’re also quick to develop good balance.

#9

Sit-ins?

– Last Updated: May-13-10 1:22 PM EST –

Some start their kids out in sit-ins, which can actually be expected to perform when kids have learned a bit. You could build 2 of these in wood-frame for $300 or so.

http://www.yostwerks.com/SeaFlea1.html