I have paddled thousands of kilometers on local rivers with strong currents so here is what I am thinking: I'd say take the kayaks and be careful around the dead falls: let your son have his independence. Land early to get around the dead falls...that stuff can be dangerous but if the river current is slow, this should not be a worry. Running over the dead falls is risky business (very tippy experience) which I have done before and have scratched the poop outta my kayaks. Make sure you have your rescue ropes handy, biners tied to both ends helps for quick connections. Life jackets a must for both of you. If you have time, get out and practice assisted rescues...they are relatively easy to do once you practice them. Shoals/rocks are no problem as long as you can read the surface of the water. Bumping rocks here and there will scratch but should not puncture. Take duct tape, big roll, works wonders for spot repairs that last months. If your kayaks do not have graphite coating on the bottom, now's the time...works wonders.

Robert N Pruden