Our Children's Boat
John designed the GoldenEye 10' for his daughter's fifth birthday.  He re-proportioned this cute version of the GoldenEye, to be inherently more stable for children. We recommend that children be swimming well with a life jacket, before receiving their own craft. This motivates kids at swimming lessons, tremendously!

Figuring the Fit
In general, 5-9 year-olds paddle the GE-10'. However, height and weight are more important factors. Up to a height of about 48", this craft will suit a child. A taller child can enjoy the 10', but will be outgrowing the boat soon. Choosing a Osprey-13' might make more sense.

How to Start Kids Paddling
Keep early experiences in kayaks short and sweet. Freya rode with me in a solo kayak from infancy to age 5. She rode, tucked between my legs, loving arms around her--a great way to get acclimated to boats. A child can't move around much in a kayak. If an active 2 year-old is wide awake, take a quick 20-30 minute paddle. Only stay out as long as the child enjoys it, or they learn to resent the confinement. Habitually, we took toddler Freya out around nap time. She fell asleep with the lulling motion of the boat and we adults could paddle for 2 hours or more! Additionally, we always paddled near shore, and in fairly calm conditions.
Getting in Their Own Boat
Eventually, the little one isn't so little any more. The two-in-one-cockpit method gets too crowded. Avid water youngsters thrill to the idea of their own kayak. Start the new paddler out in calm, warm water. We tie two 15" boat floats on each side of GE-10's cockpit, lashing them around the hull, parallel to the deck. This makes the hull so stable, the kid can't tip the boat over unless they stand up. Tie a 20 foot line on the child's bow. Help them in the kayak (with a high quality life vest on, of course). Gently push them off shore. You hold the line. Describe forward and backpaddling, while you have them do it. Keep this first sessions short. When they can successfully paddle forwards and backwards, you get in your boat. Tie their bow line around your waist. Go for a gentle paddle. They can paddle beside you, in front, or take a break and let you tow them. Keep it fun. Stop when they get impatient or fatigued.

We usually ship "Medium" hardener with our kits.  You may order "Slow" (for hot climates) or "Fast" (for cold climates) upon request.  Read the System Three Epoxy Book to help select a hardener. If you would like a copy of the Epoxy Book click here to download.