: Hey Rick,

: I've read lots of good ideas from those who have "identified" with
: you (me included) and responded to your post. But, if I may, here's one
: more thing to consider. Granted, she may be just maturing a little and
: taking more of an interest in spending time with the old man, but, before
: I committed to a particular design, I think I'd talk with her and explain
: some of the differences (and show her some pics) in the types of
: construction and materials in relation to the build time and get a feel
: for what she wants.

: If she's had the opportunity to "come along" but never accepted, or
: has not been interested . . . why now?? I'm sort of inclined to think she
: just may be fascinated by the beauty of the stripper that your building!
: If thats the case, I'd make sure that I didn't dampen her enthusiasm by
: building something else. Talk to her and let her have a say in what the
: two of you will build together. After all, its not going to take forever
: to build. And, as long as she can see the boat progressing, she'll stay
: interested. After all, it will be HER boat, right?

: For what its worth - when my wife and I bought the two plastic yaks, my
: daughter said, "cool". When I finished my wifes Guillemot she
: said, "WOW!! THATS AWESOME!! WHAT A PRETTY KAYAK! IMO, thats the
: difference that only a stripper can make. Now, when I finish my Guillemot
: L, I have to build another stripper (for her). Only I don't have the
: pleasure of building it with her as she is finishing up Grad school.

: Anyway, just my .02 worth. Let us know what you two decide.

: Happy Building.

: Charles.

My 16, at the time,son did what Charles said and we built Nick's standard G17 and paddled it together. Then we picked a Artic Tern to built next. I paddle the G17and I am in nervana, He in the Tern, that would be the advantage getting her into a fine kayak to see what she likes to paddle. The kayaks are different but excellant designs.There seem to be a lot of great new designs out there so if you could demo some it would be great.My two cents.
Don