There was some great advice in the above thread. The canoe as an introduction to tandem whitewater paddling or two single kayaks would also work very well. Something to consider would be buying a couple of older plastic whitewater boats. With all the short new playboats out there you should be able to pick up an older larger (better for touring and general river runing easy to roll) kayak for under 300.00. It hardly seams worth building something you may well beat up on the rocks and change your mind about what you really want. The canoe is going to cost a bit more but you only need one and it is a very versital boat. Again I would look for used plastic (definitly not a Collman) with some rocker. Don't forget to add floation bags to any whitewater boat untill you have really figured out what you are doing and you need the space for gear much of which will be in dry bags and will serve the same function. The PFD is a given but you should also be wearing a helmet (it is very difficult to swim when you are unconcous) It also hurts to scrape your noggin along the bottom. Not to sound too gloomy here, find some buddies in your area who will show you a few things work your way up to more difficult water and have fun. If you do get single boats count on your son becoming a much better boater than you are and enjoy your self watching him. He will also want one of those hot new play boats before too long so don't spend too much on the first boat. Play hard, Steve