Arctic kayaks in the African desert. That's a good one.

All boat designs are based on local conditions and needs.

Have you considered researching local small craft? It might be better to honor local traditions and show your respect for any local boat builders by seeing if you might work with them and the kids. This would put the local kids on a path which might have a future working with local materials.

And you might find very interesting small boat designs you enjoyed building and expand your experience at the same time. And build respect from locals by valuing their traditions.

If there is no local small boat tradition it might be because local seas are too dangerous. That looks like a very exposed coastline.

I'd be concerned about having kids make kayaks and then let them learn about paddling on windswept seas on their own.

Just something to consider.

Rob