[masraum]

Originally Posted by look 171

Those are fun. No keel or little bit of it makes going straight a little difficult compared to a larger touring Kayak. I have an ocean kayak with a typical small keel so tracking it isn't too difficult. GEt those, they are fun and requires little effort to get them going. Going upstream? It can be done but the one shown in your post will be easier as you can whip it around, steer it and use the eddy to your advantage.

Good to know.

Originally Posted by gchappel

For a 7-10yo with no boating experience I would get a small 2man sit on top kayak. One adult and one child at least for the first couple times out. Then the kids can be together on one boat- as long as an adult is along on another boat.
This is assuming the kids feel comfortable on the water. Life preservers are a must- even in a pond. A 10 yo old that was not a strong swimmer and without a life preserver drowned in our lake a couple 100yds from our dock--- so stay safe.
This is how we paddled with our grandkids- 6 and 9 at the time. They are both on swim teams so can swim better than they can walk.
Fun times- go for it.
gary

2 man would be my preference, but not what's being offered. We absolutely always use PFD. If something happens to the boys (heaven forbid) we do our utmost to ensure that it wasn't on our watch. Safety absolutely first. If the boys were out paddling around, I'd probably be following them around in the canoe.
The boys do have a pool at home and at their other grandparent's place, so they spend a fair amount of time in water.

Originally Posted by billybek

We had a bunch of those between several families at the lake we go to in the summer.
The kids just loved them. Bumper boats, dragging their friends around, paddling out to the swim dock. Great exercise.
They do not paddle straight easily but some of the kids mastered them and could move them very efficiently.

Good to know.

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

With PFDs on flat water, absolutely! Anywhere with a current or strong wind to fight and I’d at least recommend serious supervision.

Cool, thx.