BUZZBAIT [BOATS]
KID’S STUFF W
hen it was time for Chris Hackard to intro- duce his six-year-old son, Jack, to kayak fishing,
Hackard knew he was in for a challenge. “That boy is stub- born as a mule,” he jokes, “if I show him something once, he wants to do it on his own.” Early on, Dad realized his son would need his own kayak. As vice president of paddlesports store Austin Canoe
and Kayak, Hackard has noticed a trend towards better kayaks for kids. “Companies are introducing bright col- or patterns and smaller, lighter boats that are perfect for kids,” he says. Hackard’s customers don’t always see it that way though. “Most parents buy a tandem kayak to keep the kids close,” he says. But it doesn’t take long before Ju- nior is ready to leave the nest. “Kids need independence,” Hackard explains, “they want to strike out on their own.” A new crop of kayaks has popped up with features that
are perfect for kids. In addition to being short and narrow enough for young paddlers, these new boats have other appealing features. “I’m really high on the Feelfree Lure 10,” Hackard says, “because it has a wheel in the keel that makes it easy to roll the boat to and from the water.” An important consideration when choosing a kid’s kay-
ak is skin-deep. “The boat has to be a color the kid likes,” Hackard says. For 2015, Jackson has introduced wild color combinations such as GI Jackson (black, brown and green) and Urban Cowgirl (pink and white) that any kid is bound to love.
at
B O A T S | T A C K L E | G E A R | CL O W N F IS H | C ON S E R V A T I ON | P R O FI LE | S E C R E T L I F E O F
NEW CROP OF BOATS ARE AIMED AT REELING IN YOUNG ANGLERS BY RIC BURNLEY
Manufacturers are also offering lighter versions
of popular models that kids will have an easier time paddling. Jackson’s Cuda LT is a thermoformed ver- sion of their rotomolded model that shaves 15 pounds off the waistline. James McBeath, marketing direc- tor
Jackson Kayak, explains that the company
started out making kayaks for kids, so adding kid friendly models to the fishing line was logical. “We think families will fish together if there is a boat for each member of the family.” Hackard recommends choosing a solid platform that
is free of bells and whistles. “Choose quality components that will enhance the kid’s experience on the water.” In addition to being appropriate for young pad-
dlers, these shorter, lighter kayaks make a great platform for Dad to use when Junior isn’t along. Woody Callaway, co-founder of Legacy Paddlesports, explains that their latest creation—a 10-foot Slayer Propel—is built for big boys but is short and light enough for kids to pedal, too. “The Slayer Propel 10 is not a kid’s boat,” Callaway explains, “but we wanted to make sure kids can pedal it.” Legacy’s engineers are currently working on accessories that will make the boat even more kid friendly. At ACK, Hackard admits to occasionally sneaking away
in his son’s boat. “You’ll appreciate having a kid-friendly boat in your fleet,” Hackard promises, “as long as you don’t mind paddling a bubble-gum-colored kayak.”
Feelfree Lure 10 Wheel in keel allows kids to move kayak to and from the launch.
Jackson Kayak Cruise Angler 10 Dad will appreciate the rock-solid stability, Junior likes the color.
Native Slayer Propel 10 Pedal drive goes forward and reverse, no driver’s license required.
20…KAYAK ANGLER
BOATS FOR KIDS
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