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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Sea Kayaks for Kids
Posted By: John Montgomery
Date: Monday, 17 January 2005, at 12:50 p.m.
I have a seven year-old nephew who is dying to go out kayaking with me this coming summer. In years past, I’ve put him in the front of an old double and taken him on short (less than a mile) day trips to places where he could get out and play on the beach. Although he tried, he couldn’t really paddle since the gunnels of the boat were higher than his armpits! (Even though he was sitting on a boat cushion or two.)
Last summer, I put him in my WW boat and let him paddle along the beach in a couple feet of water while I walked along beside him. He liked this much better and it was fun to see how quickly he learned to control a planing-hulled boat. I also gave him a taste of what’s like to be on a river by tossing him for enders, tail stands, seal launches, etc. He liked this best of all!
This coming summer, I plan to take him on a short overnighter or two, again in the double sea kayak. I imagine we’ll also spend a number of days playing around in WW boats near the shore. In the long term, however, I’d really like to get him a real touring sea kayak that fits him, something he could use between the ages of ages of 8 and 12. What are my options?
I’ve seen photos of custom-built sea kayaks for kids, but I don’t have the space or tools to tackle a project like that. Are there any kid-sized plastic sea kayaks on the market that are not absolute tubs (i.e., rec boats)? Is a kayak designed for a petite woman the best I can do? Or has anyone seen a custom-built kid’s kayak for sale in PNW recently?
Also, what about paddles? I see that Werner makes one for kids. Are there other options? (Again, making a GP would be problematic.)
(And just so you know, he already has a wet suit and a PFD that fits him.)
Thanks, John
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