Don't forget the tow rope
Posted by: underhills
on Mar-18-13 3:39 PM (EST)
My daughter was 7 when she got her Acadia Scout and loves it. I made a GP paddle for her since she will out grow it every 18 months or so. One important thing is to buy a tow rope. Kids get tired easily and a tow rope is a great way to continue the trip. On vacations my daughter just goes out and plays in the boat (with supervision) and has taught herself a rescue or two without even knowing it. I would also look at a wetsuit to extend the season or if you paddle anywhere in the north. We've bought ours off eBay very cheap. NRS also makes some great inexpensive paddling clothes for kids, that make great presents and they feel like a real paddler/adventurer, which they are compared to most kids. Have fun with it, my wife is the only person I would rather paddle with than my daughter. It is a new adventure for her every time we go out. Of course now she wants to learn to surf a kayak and she is 8 1/2 years old.