Thanks all! At the clinic there was a parent "hand-me-around session" and all the kids got out fitted for warmth and happiness. Seems this is an issue for all parents of young kids so everyone brought “everything” they own to share (the paddling community is filled with some really nice folks).
Lucky for all the weather also cooperated and the sun came out to make the cool days warm enough to cut down on the "blue lip syndrome”. The kids had a blast with my daughter playing in the lake day one and then paddling on the creek day two. She also got in a small side rapid run (in her new Jib kayak without a skirt) and is stoked for more paddling adventures!
The boy paddled the main sections of the Slip (that’s right Bill and Martin – the same section we did last year) and told mom afterwards “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life”! He was quite proud of himself after one of the instructors told his class that there is no one in their respective schools who would understand what they had accomplished and how hard they worked to do what they did… and that they should have an inter pride in knowing what they can do… for themselves! I even had a chance to take some nice pictures and some video of one of their runs (where he and another flipped but did not swim – bow rescues) which he thought was neat!
All of the youth instructors were patient, understanding and focused on safety and fun. Even if all the kids were in Yaks its okay since that’s an easier way to learn how to paddle IMO. On the flip side Big Al and I only had one Ocer in our group and he looks to have the skill sets to fit in nicely with Team Olde Guy… but I digress. I think the easy access to K gear and its ease of use are the major reasons there are more kayaking then open boating kids. Having more role models is also a biggie. Only a few kids will want to paddle OC or C when their buddies and parents paddle Ks. Additionally, there are so many other distractions for kids today and most kids only see the TV version of white water boating, which is unfortunate.
On the way home (and during an ice cream break) I made sure we talked about all the fun, the safety and thought processes of paddling and generally work on keeping the jazz going. In that vain my son mentioned he still wants my Acrobat (c1) and I told he can paddle it once he gets a K roll, and then a C roll (I have a kid’s size old C1 racer that I think I’ll pull out from under the shed this weekend J ). I also suggested he should to learn to paddle a WW OC to complete his skill sets. This is a good tie since he paddled an OC on a boys scout trip the weekend prior. But I’m not going to force him – this is his journey so he needs to ask the questions and then I’ll provide the answers. I’ll just have tons of gear hanging about and let him know he is welcome to go with me!
That said Al… I’m interested in the Splash (I’m sure others are as well) so lets have some more posts on it. Specs, pictures, etc. – maybe even a review or two from adults and the kids! I’ll check out the Gul and other sites for more gear too (funny thing is I found an Gul old spray jacket early last week and modified it for the boy). I don’t get Rapid but I’ll try to look for it around here this weekend for copies.
As for the future of kids in Cboats I guess we as paddlers have to expound on the pleasures and fun of C-boating to make it “hip”. We need to get the kids in the boats and make it fun for them and get the kids that are in them to show others how much fun it is!
Oh I’ve since gone out and pick up a new shorty for the girl that is large on her so fleeces and such can be worn as well under it and Kneal I’ve started a “care package” for you!
Again thanks for putting up with a rant and for providing all the feedback!
Paul C.
Paul C.
Cboats Moderator
Official TOG Member (Team Old Guy)!
, squirtin' 
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