K’noozing or ‘Yaking?

[gotta run]

I thought about the O.T. forum for this but it is related to geocaching, so…

Here’s our dilemma. Four people: two adults, two kids. Young kids, don’t expect them to help much in paddling.

Canoe, or kayak?

One big…something…or two two-seaters?

We’ve tried both now, without the kids, but I have no inspiration as to what would work better. The store folks tend to agree with whatever argument I come up with either way.

Those experienced in this area, I’d appreciate your input.

On the Left Side of the Road...

[RSplash40]

I’d vote pontoon boat, but if I had to pick one of those I’d say canoe and put the youngins low in the middle. Thats the way I rode with my parents until I was old enough to paddle.

[Captain and Mate]

Tandem kayaks can be a chore to paddle if one person is just riding, although they are probably more stable than a canoe. We don’t have a lot of canoe experience, but that sounds like a better option than kayaks for your situation. On the other hand, the kids will grow into helping with the paddles as they get more experience in the boats. We’ve had our niece (7th grade) out in our tandem kayak and she paddles pretty well.

[Trekkin and Birdin]

We did what Mike said, put the kids in the middle of the canoe….but that’s mostly cause Trekkin’ doesn’t like kayaks!

We own two canoes and one kayak. The beater canoe gets used regularly by our sons and/or their girlfriends, which was the idea all along.

[gotta run]

@Captain and Mate wrote:

Tandem kayaks can be a chore to paddle if one person is just riding, although they are probably more stable than a canoe.

Hmmmm… I can see the stability being an issue with kids…

On the Left Side of the Road...

[gotta run]

@Trekkin’ and Birdin’ wrote:

We did what Mike said, put the kids in the middle of the canoe…..

I’m guessing everybody gets wet in the middle quite frequently, but you have to just plan ahead.

On the Left Side of the Road...

[Trekkin and Birdin]

Our boys never really cared about that part of it. If you do get a canoe (or a kayak) see if you can “test paddle” ones you’re considering with the kids as you plan to travel.

I spent a whole afternoon trying out kayaks before I picked the one I have.

[Grandma & Grandpa]

We’ve done a lot of short and weeklong trips with our kids, and the children of our paddling partners. Some have been as young as 7. We use both canoes and kayaks. Our kids are now in their mid- to late-20’s. We’ve had a lot of days on the water.

Seldom have any of the kids been duffers in sitting in the middle of a canoe. We’ll typically put them in the front, but with the full understanding they we in the back will be providing most of the horsepower. Keys to making this work are appropriate expectations, shorter and lighter paddles, comfortable life jackets that properly fit, and regular stops and diversions – swims, snack breaks, frog hunting, etc. Poor weather can be a problem for kids, but if they are paddling they’ll stay warmer, occupied, and less whiny than if they are just sitting.

Kids like single kayaks, for awhile. The footrests usually will not pull back far enough for their short legs. Paddles often have shafts too large in diameter for their smaller hands. Rec kayaks, while stable and easy to get out of if there’s problems, aren’t sleek and some really plow through the water. Their width, and heighth with a light child in them, can present paddling challenges, requiring a longer (thus heavier) paddle in order to reach the water. And there is no partner to help out, and kayak paddler is mostly on their own. We usually use canoes for multi-day trips, and pull an empty kayak or two. They become more of a water toy, or for short fishing excursions.

We have towed a kayak with a tired kid in it with our canoe. The kid thought it was a neat ride, but it was pretty tough on us!

We own kayaks, and have used kayaks a lot with kids at our summer Adventure Camp. We like kayaks, but we know they are not always ideal for children.

We are not fans of tandem kayaks. Mostly heavy, boxy, hard to steer, etc.

Geocaching content: We’ve used both canoes and kayaks for water-based caches.

cYa, G&G – Chris & Jim

[CodeJunkie]

While I haven’t cached (yet) in a canoe, we have taken the kids canoeing. We have a long (17′) wide (37″) canoe and it works great for the kids as long as you’re in the clear. We ran into some interesting scenarios trying to canoe the local Mecan River where tight turns / bends made it almost impossible. A long canoe / kayak can be good on a calm lake or something like the Fox River, but it’s a pain in the smaller creeks and backwaters. I think the key is to get the kids involved and let them paddle a bit, splash a bit, and have fun. The other key – know where you’re planning to use the craft most and then use that in your decision.

[gotta run]

Bump.

Thanks for all the tips. We have now tried a tandem kayak (ok, but has a mind of its own), borrowed the Big Blue Canoe from my brother in law (navigates better but less stable), and I bought a single-seat kayak (now we’re talking!) after Mrs. gotta run decided she doesn’t like water so much after all. 😆

Each has its strengths. Your insight based on experience is appreciated.

On the Left Side of the Road...

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