Steve,

Very good for you! (and Calder!)

Here's some random advice (take it for what it's worth = $0.00):

• Anthropometric sizing works pretty well for kids, too. The paddle can be about as tall as he can reach, or an armspan plus one cubit (usually about the same). 60" seemed to fit Andrew Doornink and McKinley Rodriguez fairly well, but that wasn't figuring in any growing room. I think 2.5" was about right for width for them. As Bobby said, you can always cut a bigger paddle down. 72" x 2.75" might be an excellent starting point. Start with about 13-14" for the loom; again, you can always go wider.

• Tell Calder to keep his head down, and concentrate on rolling the kayak up first

• Tying the bow and stern of the kayak to the ends of the pool (while allowing free rolling rotation) might help you make the most of a small pool.

• Nose plugs, or better yet, a diving mask, can help combat frustrating sinuses full of water, and underwater disorientation. (I see the mask on the pool deck--Calder is a tougher guy than me!)

• Good for you both for some quality family time!!