Re: [Paddlewise] suggestion for a first boat?

On Fri, Dec 2, 2011 at 7:05 AM, Kirk Olsen <kork4_at_cluemail.com> wrote:

> Okay I'm not tuned into the starter market.  I've gotten a request from
> a friend for a kid/car friendly starter boat.
>


Although maybe not exactly pertinent to the question here is what I do with
a new paddler. I have an 11-foot Loon with a completely open cockpit that
tracks pretty straight so I put newbie adults into that first with a cheap
paddle.

With children under ten the Loon is too directionally stable (they can't
make it turn) so I put them in one of the SOF boats with a GP. I used to
use the Mariner Coaster but since that's gone I now use the F-1. The
combination of light weight and good stability makes this a perfect boat
for kids. The GP is the lightest paddle I have (next to the Lightning which
I am not going to let a newbie use) and it has the least wind resistance.
Kids can easily handle the GP. It just comes naturally to them. I had an
8-year-old girl chasing ducks in the F-1 and the GP a couple of years ago.

There is no need to move the kids to any other boat. They could use the F-1
all their lives if they wanted. But adults are different. The next boat I
let them paddle is the Nimbus Telkwa which is stable but maneuverable and,
best of all, looks like a real expedition kayak. Big cockpit, good seating,
extremely stable.

Then I let adults try the Mariner Express without trying to explain the
moving seat. The Express has no rudder, is narrow enough to give new
paddlers the sense of performance without feeling "tippy". This is when I
start to teach them about edging and bracing.

After that they're on their own. They'll have paddled enough to be able to
choose a boat that fits what they want. And, of course, that won't be the
right boat but it will be a start. :D

I like the Loon for kids a lot. They're cheap to buy ($200 on craigslist
all over the place), comfortable to sit in, easy to paddle, and light
enough to put on top of a car.

Craig
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