Keep looking Posted by: Photobug on Oct-07-12 12:15 PM (EST)
For a good deal on a used package on Craigslist. While you are looking at ~500 kayaks. Paddles, dolly and PFDs can add another $300 easily and those are for crumby paddles. While you want a big fat slow boat SOT to start with, you don't necessarily want cheap paddles. The alluminum shaft paddles you get for under $75 will make paddling miserable. I would suggest searching for a CL deal that includes a boat that fits your needs and includes PFDs, seat backs, kayak cart, and decent paddles. I would look at the accessories as much as the boat. The full touring kayak setup I bought for $575, came with a $475 paddle. I would never have spent that kind of money on a paddle but now that I own one, I can't imagine paddling with anything less. If you are going to buy new spend at least $100 on a fiberglass shaft paddle. Don't spend too much on a paddle for your son as at 6 he wont be so much help, at least my 7 year old nephew wasn't dragging the aluminum shafted rental paddle. Maybe a properly sized canoe paddle for him might be better.