Wow, I really like INSAYN's idea... I keep going back to that. I know my wife would feel comfortable with the SOT style. I think I used an 11ft OK in Costa Rica at one point, and it was comfy and stable and tracked straight enough while paddling up stream.
Best way to get Mom, Dad and Kiddo out on the water?
- Thread starter LaOutbackTrail
- Start date
These SOT (sit on top) style kayaks are contageously fun. Took a few guys out one by one to the local lake after they kept hearing of and seeing all the pics of my outings (solo and with family). One buddy now has 3 kayaks, another has 2, anther has 1, and he just got his other friend into a tandem.
We have quite the floatilla on the local waters out here.
Not only are they great for family use, they are a blast in the ocean.
Can go in water that some boats can't even go. :victory:
We have quite the floatilla on the local waters out here.
Not only are they great for family use, they are a blast in the ocean.
Can go in water that some boats can't even go. :victory:
For paddleing around with the kiddo and my wife I picked up a Folbot Greenland II.
I have other boats as well but these are some of the reasons I chose this boat:
17' long holds a ton of gear
Amazingly stable
I can switch to a very capable 1-man setup in a couple minutes
Fits the 3 of us easily
Best part...It breaks down in to 2 bags (5-10 mins) so I can toss it in the Blast Shelter or in the canopy on the back of the truck for long trips and security when not in use
We love this thing!
I have other boats as well but these are some of the reasons I chose this boat:
17' long holds a ton of gear
Amazingly stable
I can switch to a very capable 1-man setup in a couple minutes
Fits the 3 of us easily
Best part...It breaks down in to 2 bags (5-10 mins) so I can toss it in the Blast Shelter or in the canopy on the back of the truck for long trips and security when not in use
We love this thing!
But... but... that thing costs almost double what I paid for my truck!!!
Beautiful boat though!
Beautiful boat though!
My daughter has been flatwater canoeing at ~2 years old.... but waterways infested with alligators.:ylsmoke:
She did have a life jacket appropriate to her size and weight, and most importantly, one that keeps the head above water.
Yes, I am using a kayak paddle in a canoe. It just works better for me!
She did have a life jacket appropriate to her size and weight, and most importantly, one that keeps the head above water.
Yes, I am using a kayak paddle in a canoe. It just works better for me!
We got in to kayaking in late 2008 so my kids were already well past the age of when they learned to swim. Daughter was 12 and son was 8. They have been in power boats occasionally since about 5 yrs old.
One thing that really helps with the young kids and water is to get them use to PFD'S (life jackets) really early in life and parents to lead by example. Kids need reassurance that these goofy looking floaty devices are serious business, and life saving. My kids are funny in how use to PFD's they are. They could be swimming and playing in the lake from shore, and after a few hours they get busy playing in the sand nowhere near water completely forgetting that they even have their PFD's still on .
Back to the kayaking with little ones. As long as you the parent are comfortable with stability of the vessel, and not in waters that could be hazardous like fast flowing, white cap infused, or dangerously cold, then any child that can sit still and have a properly fitting PFD on should not miss the opportunity to hit the water with you.
Back to the original question, I think you're asking too much of one boat. Although, the Mad River canoe is pretty close to hitting it. It *will* do everything, just as an XR650L can do everything. Very good analogy. If you stick with the one-boat thing, that's a great way to go.
To stick with that idea, I really dislike SOT's, and many other of these recreational boats. They're a lot like an XL125. Too slow to go on the highway at all, and they pretty much suck in single track too. Fine for plonking around, and great for beginners, but you'll outgrow them pretty fast if you're serious about this at all. Don't get me wrong, better than nothing, and can be fun to use in certain situations. They are friendly, and allow some people to get out who wouldn't otherwise be able to. But if you actually want to run rapids, or actually go on a trip, they're completely useless.
My parents bought some 10 foot kayaks from Costco, and my goodness do they suck. They're so slow, and they are darn near impossible to paddle straight, and I'm a very experienced paddler. Frankly if I had to go somewhere on water, I think I'd rather swim.
My cousin bought a 12 foot kayak from a real boat store, and it's better. Nicely outfitted, and tracks straight as an arrow. But it's still slowish. The hull was designed for stability and straight tracking.
I've got a Dimension R5 kayak, an old design, but man, what a great boat. It really does everything. If you packed ultra-light, you could use it for a 1 week camping trip. I can sustain about 7kph IIRC all day long. And I've shot class 3 rapids on it. Too long to "play", but it can shoot rapids well.
We bought a Swift Temagami kevlar canoe last year. Really nice boat. 17.5 feet long, only 54 lbs, slightly wide for stability and cargo. Quick on the water, but not a racing canoe. Not suitable for whitewater at all though. I mean... *you could*, but it's fragile.
This is the family boat. It's HUGE, but light enough to throw over your head.
My wife and I did the Baron Canyon run last year, 14km round trip at a leisurely pace in about 4 hours, including a couple portages, 1 hour lunch stop, and 30 minutes sheltering from a storm. You are just not going to be able to do that on a SOT.
I've never seen a tandem kayak that could run rapids either.
To stick with that idea, I really dislike SOT's, and many other of these recreational boats. They're a lot like an XL125. Too slow to go on the highway at all, and they pretty much suck in single track too. Fine for plonking around, and great for beginners, but you'll outgrow them pretty fast if you're serious about this at all. Don't get me wrong, better than nothing, and can be fun to use in certain situations. They are friendly, and allow some people to get out who wouldn't otherwise be able to. But if you actually want to run rapids, or actually go on a trip, they're completely useless.
My parents bought some 10 foot kayaks from Costco, and my goodness do they suck. They're so slow, and they are darn near impossible to paddle straight, and I'm a very experienced paddler. Frankly if I had to go somewhere on water, I think I'd rather swim.
My cousin bought a 12 foot kayak from a real boat store, and it's better. Nicely outfitted, and tracks straight as an arrow. But it's still slowish. The hull was designed for stability and straight tracking.
I've got a Dimension R5 kayak, an old design, but man, what a great boat. It really does everything. If you packed ultra-light, you could use it for a 1 week camping trip. I can sustain about 7kph IIRC all day long. And I've shot class 3 rapids on it. Too long to "play", but it can shoot rapids well.
We bought a Swift Temagami kevlar canoe last year. Really nice boat. 17.5 feet long, only 54 lbs, slightly wide for stability and cargo. Quick on the water, but not a racing canoe. Not suitable for whitewater at all though. I mean... *you could*, but it's fragile.
This is the family boat. It's HUGE, but light enough to throw over your head.
My wife and I did the Baron Canyon run last year, 14km round trip at a leisurely pace in about 4 hours, including a couple portages, 1 hour lunch stop, and 30 minutes sheltering from a storm. You are just not going to be able to do that on a SOT.
I've never seen a tandem kayak that could run rapids either.
We took her out on the water starting about 2 yrs old. Obvioulsy we started out with very short adventures on safe quiet water with the appropriate safety gear. Also we started her swimming about at about 7 months old (if I remember right?).
Now she's almost 3 1/2 and we can make trips that last many hours with out much hassle.
No whitewater for quite a few more years....but she sure talks about like she's ready to go!
Here she is at age 2 1/2 looking at the eagles on the Skagit River in WA
Now she's almost 3 1/2 and we can make trips that last many hours with out much hassle.
No whitewater for quite a few more years....but she sure talks about like she's ready to go!
Here she is at age 2 1/2 looking at the eagles on the Skagit River in WA
refried
Adventurer
The Topo-Duo is a classic tandem creeker thats been made for 15? or more years.
http://www.eskimo-kajaks.de/english/02_topoduo.html
Jackson Kayak has been making one for several years too (Dynamic Duo).
http://jacksonkayak.com/jk-kayaks/whitewater/dynamic-duo-series/
Huh, wild. Wouldn't be good on flat water though.
Might as well throw this out there since the thread is about families and canoes:
http://www.rapidmedia.com/index.php...ew=article&id=95:canoeroots-magazine&catid=46
I subscribed, nice 'Zine.
T.Low
Expedition Leader
I must say I'm not a fan of SOT's either. ..
I've never seen an R5 outside of Canada. It is a good all round boat. Similar to a Prijon Yukon.
The Prijon plastic 17' tandem can shoot the raft line on class III rapids, it's just not gonna go eddy hopping down a class IV. Don't make me get my buddies picture of him in his fiberglass tandem with his dog sitting in the fore cockpit (I couldn't get myself to type "dog paddling bow") down the Owyhee.
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Cute pic of your youngster sleeping in the canoe.
I respect your opinion on SOT kayaks, but what do you consider slow? I can maintain 3.5-4mph all day long with just me paddling, with two it's even easier. How fast does a person need to travel on the water to be considered fast or fun under human power?
You tip a canoe over in the ocean or in river current, then what?
I have no experience with a canoe, therefore I ask.
I agree there are some really crappy SOT kayaks out there that are not intended for much more than simple flat water recreation for a beginner. However, there are many options available in high quality tandem SOT kayaks.
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
Ocean Kayak Zest Two EXP
Malibu Pro2 Tandem
Cobra Tandem
Cobra Triple
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 130T
Hobie Kona
Hobie Odyssey
Hobie Mirage Oasis (Tandem with mirage drive)
Hobie Mirage Outfitter (Tandem with mirage drive)
Hobie Mirage i14T (Inflatable tandem with mirage drive)
The Hobie Mirage powered kayaks are a hoot and even faster, however spendy! I also have a Hobie Revolution (single seater), that I can get up to 6.5mph and can maintain 4.5-5mph for miles on end with just my feet.
Here's s'more pics of our Ocean Kayak tandem.
In Oregon I paddle/peddle lakes, ponds, mighty Columbia River, Willamette River, bays, estuaries, and most fun ever is 1-2 miles off shore fishing in the cold and dangerous Pacific Ocean for Rock fish, Ling cod, Cabezon, and Flounder.
Click this pic for a video of us coming back into Depoe Bay harbor.
Undersized Ling cod. That sucker got my finger and poked two holes in it.
My monster cabezon of the day! Fish tacos!!! :chef:
I respect your opinion on SOT kayaks, but what do you consider slow? I can maintain 3.5-4mph all day long with just me paddling, with two it's even easier. How fast does a person need to travel on the water to be considered fast or fun under human power?
You tip a canoe over in the ocean or in river current, then what?
I have no experience with a canoe, therefore I ask.
I agree there are some really crappy SOT kayaks out there that are not intended for much more than simple flat water recreation for a beginner. However, there are many options available in high quality tandem SOT kayaks.
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
Ocean Kayak Zest Two EXP
Malibu Pro2 Tandem
Cobra Tandem
Cobra Triple
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 130T
Hobie Kona
Hobie Odyssey
Hobie Mirage Oasis (Tandem with mirage drive)
Hobie Mirage Outfitter (Tandem with mirage drive)
Hobie Mirage i14T (Inflatable tandem with mirage drive)
The Hobie Mirage powered kayaks are a hoot and even faster, however spendy! I also have a Hobie Revolution (single seater), that I can get up to 6.5mph and can maintain 4.5-5mph for miles on end with just my feet.
Here's s'more pics of our Ocean Kayak tandem.
In Oregon I paddle/peddle lakes, ponds, mighty Columbia River, Willamette River, bays, estuaries, and most fun ever is 1-2 miles off shore fishing in the cold and dangerous Pacific Ocean for Rock fish, Ling cod, Cabezon, and Flounder.
Click this pic for a video of us coming back into Depoe Bay harbor.
Undersized Ling cod. That sucker got my finger and poked two holes in it.
My monster cabezon of the day! Fish tacos!!! :chef:
Man, those are some ugly fish!
Well, it really depends what you want to do. I'm into tripping, which means... the faster the better. And keep in mind, my canoe's payload is 1100lbs, and I have the volume to do it. And still do 6-7mph.
How fast do you have to go? Well, how far do you want to go?
IIRC, we hit 8mph running from this storm, had to get out of the canyon to a place we could take shelter, left these other poor schlepps in our wake.
Well yeah, then you're in trouble. For flat water, you can rescue a canoe if there is another canoe. Process is to flip the one canoe upside down, and then lift it up cross-wise onto the other canoe to empty it. Flip it right side up, and slide it back into the water. But if you're alone, that's not an option. With a modern lightweight canoe and strong swimmers, you can get much of the water out lifting it over your head and rolling it over. Then climb in, and bail out the rest of the water.
Frankly, the better option is just don't go too far from shore. Which is why they don't use canoes much in the ocean, this is true.
In rapids... IMO, people who take canoes onto Class III or higher water, it's only because they are gluttons for punishment. Even with flotation bags, you can't roll up the way you can in a kayak. You have to swim to shore, which first of all assumes you CAN swim to shore.
If you tipped on a Class III rapid while loaded with camping gear, you have a pretty serious problem.
Expecially if you're alone.
I have never, ever, ever tipped a canoe on flat water unless I wanted to. I really don't understand that cliche about canoes. I've been paddling since I was 4.
That Hobie Mirage is pretty cool. I've seen propeller drives too. Makes a lot of sense to use our legs for propulsion.
Well, it really depends what you want to do. I'm into tripping, which means... the faster the better. And keep in mind, my canoe's payload is 1100lbs, and I have the volume to do it. And still do 6-7mph.
How fast do you have to go? Well, how far do you want to go?
IIRC, we hit 8mph running from this storm, had to get out of the canyon to a place we could take shelter, left these other poor schlepps in our wake.
Well yeah, then you're in trouble. For flat water, you can rescue a canoe if there is another canoe. Process is to flip the one canoe upside down, and then lift it up cross-wise onto the other canoe to empty it. Flip it right side up, and slide it back into the water. But if you're alone, that's not an option. With a modern lightweight canoe and strong swimmers, you can get much of the water out lifting it over your head and rolling it over. Then climb in, and bail out the rest of the water.
Frankly, the better option is just don't go too far from shore. Which is why they don't use canoes much in the ocean, this is true.
In rapids... IMO, people who take canoes onto Class III or higher water, it's only because they are gluttons for punishment.
Even with flotation bags, you can't roll up the way you can in a kayak. You have to swim to shore, which first of all assumes you CAN swim to shore.
If you tipped on a Class III rapid while loaded with camping gear, you have a pretty serious problem.
Expecially if you're alone.
I have never, ever, ever tipped a canoe on flat water unless I wanted to. I really don't understand that cliche about canoes. I've been paddling since I was 4.
That Hobie Mirage is pretty cool. I've seen propeller drives too. Makes a lot of sense to use our legs for propulsion.
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