I also like to paddle much more in single kayak than in double.

But, if you plan to paddle with 12 year son, I would use double. Your son might get a little bored to paddle and maybe little tired, then you can still paddle the kayak easily. Singles can be ok if you do just short trips. Tandem should be small so the son can actually paddle.

: That makes me remember the one time I test paddled a double with my teenage
: son - two captains and no crew!

: Steve