Need advice: Good starter SOT for kids

My youngest daughter (Snoopyrod2) has taken an interest in kayaking.

When I got the Hobie, I "gave" the kids a inflatable Seveylor yak I had lying around.  Snoopyrod1 had little interest, but S2 jumped at the opportunity and I usually have her shadowing me around anytime I take the Hobie out.

It kills me to watch her wrestle that inflatable pig around out on the lake, and I usually end up towing her back to the beach - so, figured it was time to get her something more functional.

I aim to keep this on a reasonable budget - been looking at the little SOT's they have at like Sports Authority etc, but haven't been able to find many reviews on their stuff (Pelican Zest for one example)

Anyway S2 is 11 yrs old, goes about 5' 110lbs soaking wet - she's plenty strong for her size, but want to get something small light and maneuverable for her - suggestions?

If you're interested in a kayak from one of the more mainstream fishing kayak makers you might want to consider the OK venus (~$550), OK Frenzy (~$400) or Malibu Mini-X (~$500).  Unless you have reason to believe it's going to fall apart, I don't see any reason you wouldn't want to consider one of the lesser know brands for a kids starter kayak, especially if you can save a bunch of money.  Looking online, it looks like the Pelican Zest sells for just over $200.   

Brian

Ocean Kayak Kea!



However, IMO more important than the yak is the paddle.  Don't use regular adult sized paddles with kids.  It just takes too much work for them which takes the fun out of it for them.  Use a kids paddle like the Werner Sprite.

-Allen

That Kea looks just about perfect!

Any chance I'd be able to find one locally (Seattle)?  I checked REI but they aren't carrying it anymore.  Not sure who else might have one, Sports Emporium?

Maybe I can just drive up to Ocean Kayak and bang on the will call door....

SC

I forgot about the Kea. It's a real nice little boat, kind of like an OK Scrambler shrunk down to kid's size.

Joe's and Sports Authority both have them online for $359 with a cheap but kid sized paddle.  Maybe they have them in the stores as well or you can order it online and save on the shipping by having it delivered to your local store.  I know that REI does that sort of delivery option.

You may want to try Outdoor Emporium and Sportsman's warehouse as well.  I don't know for sure they carry the Kea, but it's worth the phone call.

And yes, you can drive up to Ocean Kayak ... they have a retail store up there in Ferndale.

-Allen

My 9 year-old daughter Yuvia paddles an Ocean Kayak Venus 11. She's about 4'10", and 80 lbs. The Venus isn't quite as small as the Kea, but it still fits her well, and gives her a lot more growing room. She's had a blast with it, especially when the wind chop comes up on the Columbia.



The Werner Sprite is a great paddle, which is what Yuvia's using. AT also has a straight shaft paddle in a 190cm length. I'm not sure about about where to find one in the Seattle area, but we have them in Hood River at Outdoorplay. Also might have a used one if you're interested in that.

Brian

I second and third the good werner or other paddle, the Ocean Kayak kids paddle is pretty heavy.  I got a earlier version of the Kea called the Poco, from a dusty attic for my 5 year old and it has been great.  One thing to member is the max weight is about 140 for the kids yaks, so they are limited if an adult wants to try them.

Ed, nice to see you chiming in here.  Cute kid you got there.  Starting him out right I see!!!

See you in April?

-Allen

See you in April?
-Allen

You making a trip to the islands eh? Going there to fish? The wife and I are planning a vacation to da islands around then too.... Maybe we could make a NWKA island getaway. Oops, if you wanted a quiet getaway you just got screwed!

Z

Late April with the gfriend.  Oahu and Maui this time.  Z, where you going?  When?

-Allen

That's nice the Kea can take a flush mount rod holder. Didn't notice that last night. It's one drawback to the Venus, it's a little shallow for a flush-mount, and the stern well is just a hair small for the crates I have. What's the well like on the Kea? Looks like a decent size from the picture.

Brian

Late April with the gfriend.  Oahu and Maui this time.  Z, where you going?  When?

-Allen

I'm so the freakin' threadjacker.. sorry spoonchucker . Maui. Also in April but not nailed down yet.

Z