TIPS FOR SHOPPING with Junior
“I’m the parent who always buys school clothing two sizes too big to stretch an extra year. That’s not the case when it come to outdoor equip- ment,” says David Hadden, a father of three and watersports director at Johnson Outdoors. “Whether it’s new soccer cleats, skis or a kayak, fit is so important to ensuring a good time with kids.” When buying a boat for your child,
tandem canoe for kids. Competing in the whitewater market, Pyranha makes the TG Lite and the Rebel, which fits pad- dlers 25 pounds and up. WaveSport, Dag- ger and others offer kayaks for those 60 pounds and up. All these products serve the small market of enthusiast parents, who’ll pay to outfit future champions with bantam versions of their own equip- ment, or institutions, including schools and clubs. At the same time, technology trickle-
down is enabling decent kids’ products to be offered at a lower price point. “Companies are identifying kids as a
robust market but most parents aren’t in- terested in higher-quality, higher-priced products that their kids are just going to grow out of, so the market has reacted,” says Kelly. One of MEC’s hottest sellers this year is a barebones kids’ sit-on-top that sells for $100. A small step up are true rec touring kayaks in the $300 range, like the Old Town Heron Jr., the Perception Prodigy XS or the Jackson Mini Tripper. The Vibe 80 by Pelican has filled the same niche (affordable, lightweight and inde- structible) in paddleboarding. Jackson Kayak’s success notwithstanding,
bringing kids designs to fruition isn’t seen as a moneymaker, according to Confluence sales rep Paul Brittain. It’s about playing the long game. “We’ve made a commitment that, short of losing money, kids’ boating stays a priority. It’s the right thing to do. This is our future, we should invest in it.” Manufacturers are betting their invest-
ment will pay off down the road. With kids-friendly boats now in every disci- pline, each type of paddling may soon have its Sage Donnelly. Tim Shuff is a former editor and regular contributor to Adventure Kayak magazine.
be sure to check freeboard height and width, especially in front of the cockpit. It’s critical both these features be sized appropriately so that the child can have control of the boat, he says. And nothing beats actually having a chance to test paddle before purchase. Obviously, gear weight is a con-
cern for tiny paddlers. A lightweight boat will give kids the independence to drag it to the water by themselves and lightweight paddles will let them paddle longer without getting tired. Don’t be swayed by adorably tiny paddles that barely reach the water— apply the same rules of thumb for sizing a paddle for your kids as you would for yourself. Buying gear to fit Junior today,
instead of letting him grow into it, does mean that you’ll need to upgrade—but not to worry. “Many good specialty paddle shops will offer a trade-up program for boats so young paddlers and families can exchange boats as the child grows to ensure proper fit and performance are achieved,” says Hadden. Safety gear and quick-dry clothes
are other important purchases. “PFD selection is very important. A proper fit is essential, for safety first and comfort secondarily,” Hadden adds. Make sure to buy a PFD that your child can do up themselves—that’s for safety but also so they don’t drive you crazy with repeated requests. Finally, remember that kids have
smaller muscles. Depending on the age of your child, look for a boat with a built-in tow system and carry a towing tether. “When my children get tired, I simply attach it and tow them back to the launch or campsite,” says Hadden. —KP
This article first appeared in the 2014 Paddling Buyer’s Guide.
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