Howdy Folks

Was chatting with Mark Starr on the subject and he mentioned that maybe the bulletin board would be a good place to air this one out.

I'm about to start construction of two smaller ( 12' & 13' ) skin kayaks for the grandchildren. Actually, I've already started and in chating with Mark about rib placement and deck beams and so on, I mentioned that I was going to stick with the kids "Anthropometric - Measurements" in deciding the width of both boats. Along with this, I was going to add some removable sponsons, more or less as training wheels until they get some water under their belts. ( so to speak )

Mark thought that, and has I believe implimented, the method of widening the boats to possibly 20 or more inches. I had come up with a beam of 18, which is about an inch above their average. The kids are non-paddlers, from 6 - 9 and weigh in from 50 to 70 lbs.

Mark mentioned the idea of asking folks that may bave smaller paddlers or taught others small children to paddler what they felt would be best. So, here it is:

What do you think, or know, is the best method to help the younger folks learn to paddle and balance themselves??

Would be nice to hear what the general thinking of the folks out here would be. But.... Please be quick about it... I'm just sitting here shaking, trying to keep from working until I hear.

Rehd