SOT Kayaks for Kids

I've got some grandkids that I would like to introduce to kayaking and fishing via a SOT.  Last year I had some success getting two of the older ones (8yrs +) out in a 12' SOT, but tonight I saw some small 6.5' SOTs and began to wonder how well they might perform for the under 10-yr old crowd.

Does anyone have any experience with kids and smaller SOT kayaks?  Part of the attraction is that it would leave the larger boats available for adults (myself and one of the grandkids parents) so that adults could paddle close to the kids.  15+ years ago I introduced my kids to solo paddling on a lake with a 13' canoe, but my current situation is a sheltered bay off the Hood Canal where a small SOT seems to make more sense.

Looking for info,

Pine Cone

We had a 9yr old out on a 12ft at our HOW event and he had no problems paddling it. Plus it will be good even when they grow up. A 6.5' will have a limited time of use IMO.

Dino Abulencia
HOW-NWest

all my kids can paddle my minix well... I would anticipate the same in my trident 13.  I agree with Dino.

We had a 9yr old out on a 12ft at our HOW event and he had no problems paddling it. Plus it will be good even when they grow up. A 6.5' will have a limited time of use IMO.

Dino Abulencia
HOW-NWest

 I have to agree with Dino====go bigger.  You'll all like it better in the long run. And , as you  know, kids don't stay little long enough.

I started my kids out in little emotion spitfires.  They were like 8 foot long and just over $200 each, brand new.  This was perfect because it gave me the chance to see if they would really like it before investing in more expensive boats, plus if they damaged one, I wouldn't really care.

I recommend the small cheap boats for starting kids unless you already have extra boats lying around.

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Also of note, they are great for completely clueless adults too, as they hold around 250# and paddle easily, plus you don't have to worry about something expensive getting broken.

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I have a 7 year old son and I'm opting for a tandem (Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL) this year.  It's great for two adults, one adult and a kid, one adult and two kids, just two kids, or  set one of the seats in the middle and it becomes a single boat for an adult. 

Once my son becomes a proficient paddler in the tandem I already have a smaller solo paddling SOT he can use.   That should be just in time for my 3 1/2 year old daughter to join me in the tandem.

Brian

An OK Scrambler or Frenzy would be a great choice. Fits all the criteria already mentioned except for maybe pricing. Check out oceankayak.com for details.

Don't forget to look at other vendor sites, or stop in at SPORTCO, Outdoor Emporium, Sportsmans Warehouse or even West Marine. Should help you narrow your choices.

An OK Scrambler or Frenzy would be a great choice. Fits all the criteria already mentioned except for maybe pricing. Check out oceankayak.com for details.

That's what I'd recommend, too. I've got four kids, 7-16, and for the little ones a smaller boat is much easier for them to manouver. My 10 yr old can paddle my t-13, but doesn't have the reach or power to turn a longer boat, and it can be frustrating for him.  The scrambler would be my first choice, as its more versatile than the frenzy, more deck space for rod holders, and tracks much better. The frenzy is a fun little boat to play in the surf, but otherwise is like paddling an inner tube.

I use a Frenzy in the Chetco for trout fishing, gets around quite well in a small river. I also have used it in the salt as well, a little sluggish compared to the prowler, but she catches fish!
 I am looking for a second smaller boat for just that, maybe the scrambler is the one.
 My point is...any Yak can be used, even after they have "outgrown it".

My kids (both 9 y.o.) both paddle Emotion Sparky 6-ft. SOTs, and they love them. They are tiny and maneuverable and not intimidating and the kids do great in them. I think it's a great "first kayak" even though I know it won't be long until I need to move up to something bigger. I will say they don't track well at all, so big water or windy days can cause issues.

http://www.emotionkayaks.com/kayaks/sparky/

I bought this 10' Potomac Tidewater 100 at Dicks for $399 for my grandkids. It's got three flush mount rod holders and I've used it myself (I weighed 180) so it's good for quite a while.

At this month's HOW event the biggest rainbow was caught by a 12 year old on it! Check out that smile.


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Thanks for all the good suggestions.

I ended up getting a Lifetime Wave, a kids SOT, about 6 feet long, including paddle, at Sportsman's Warehouse for about $100.  It got its first use on the water today and was a success.


This is Cody's second solo kayak paddle, last year he tried my 12' SOT and it was a little hard for him because of the extra length and weight. 


As it turns out, it even fits in our hot tub.  I figure it is a good way to get them use to it.

I gotta say good move on the Lifetime Wave.  It is worth the money  .  This pic is of last weekend getting out on my Hobie Outback while the kids played with our Lifetime (upper-leftmost), a OK Scupper Pro (upper-leftish), a derelict lift raft washed on shore years ago (squarish orange thing), and our new to us Fluid Vaya kayak just flown over from the mainland courtesy of Next Adventure.

The Lifetime yak (also a NA purchase circa 2010) is faster and can float more weight.  The big kids can paddle it without swamping compared to the much more expensive and solid feeling Fluid Vaya.  Honestly both are great because we couldn't peel the kids off of them and now they have 2 to share.

As for fish caught that day - new rudder pin broke just as soon as I thought I was clear of the reef.  Upon my return attempt out to big blue the waves were breaking 6 ft in 8 seconds with 20 knot winds so I came back in to splash with the kids in 3ft of reef protected water.  Life really sucks when you gotta play life guard for da keiki, ya?!

Awesome! Love to see kids on little kayaks with big smiles on their faces! I can tell my kids love the freedom of paddling around - they feel like they own their destiny, I think... and that's what it's all about!