Re: [Paddlewise] Kayaks for kids

From: Rob Dee <plz_at_swbell.net>
Date: Fri, 01 Dec 2000 23:06:17 -0600
On 12/1/00 Dave Williams asked:

"Does anyone know of a kayak that's suitable for a small 5 year old?
What
about a small, short paddle"?

Dear Dave,

I saw a mom and small son that I would guess to be in the 6 to 8 year
old range having a heck of a good time on Town Lake a few months back.
The mom was standing in waist high water and had a tether line attached
to a "Poco" by Ocean Kayak. She would let him go out about 15 ft. or so
and haul him back. The little guy was having the time of his life and as
I put in and paddled out I gave him a thumbs up and got back the biggest
grin I have seen in ages!

If you go to:  www.padd;ing.net/Reviews/Kayaks.phtml
You can see reviews of several smaller kayaks some of which are suitable
for the age group that you asked about. Check out what is said about the
Poco it sounds like just the one.

When I take my great nieces and nephews out ( ages 4 to 9 ) on my Hobie
Pursuit SOT.... you would think I had re-invented the word
adventure...They love it!

As to paddles if you can not find one at a kayak shop or outfitter try a
swim shop or outdoor shop that sells inflatables and water toys I have
seen  kiddy paddles in places like that. For the larger kids I have
shortened one of my cheap, light, old paddles with a hacksaw, filed the
edges smooth and re-drilled the holes for the button thingies. ( please
excuse the technospeak ) It works just fine for just thrashing about in
shallow water...as long as they can move forward they are thrilled.

Have fun!

Rob Dee
Austin, Texas


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Received on Fri Dec 01 2000 - 23:35:21 PST

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