Just started kayaking last summer

[gear-report]

Greetings,
I'm making the rounds through OBC introducing myself in the various sub forums where I have an interest.
I was bit by the kayak bug last summer and have a small fleet of sit on tops that we use most every weekend over the summer.

Anyone else here do any flatwater kayaking with small kids?

I've had a few sit in kayaks as well (I bought and sold several as I was learning about kayaks this past summer) and have to say that I like different things about every one I've tried.

[April]

I am looking at learning how to Kayak this spring. Do you have any brand suggestions for a beginner like myself? What type are good for kids as I have 2 small children also?

[le Metis]

Originally Posted by April

I am looking at learning how to Kayak this spring. Do you have any brand suggestions for a beginner like myself? What type are good for kids as I have 2 small children also?

Preception kayaks have some great entry boats that don't cost an arm and and a leg....you might like this one....

PERCEPTION SPORT Sound 9.5 Kayak - Eastern Mountain Sports

[gear-report]

Originally Posted by April

I am looking at learning how to Kayak this spring. Do you have any brand suggestions for a beginner like myself? What type are good for kids as I have 2 small children also?

Depends on what kind of paddling you expect to do.
We paddle on a small-ish inland lake in Virginia, and only in the summer.
So we have a few different models of the Ocean Kayak brand and like them.
Very stable.
We have the Malibu two, Big Yak, and Yak Board for the family, and I have a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 160.
I've got reviews on all of them on my web site (in my signature).

[shaynemcgill]

we have been avid kayakers in the past few years. We do smaller lakes and larger rivers mostly. However, we prefer calm, but flowing, water. We have found that dicks sporting goods tends to carry a wide range of family kayaks for the beginning and intermediate kayakers, that won't break the bank. We do a lot of fishing from ours as well! the best advice I have is to check used kayaks first... try craigslist or borrowing one from a friend. Getting out on the water will let help you learn what you like, need, and want without buying something first. Good luck!

[gear-report]

A couple of things that I've learned:
-buying used is the way to go. you'll get a MUCH better kayak for a given amount of money by buying used, than by going to a big box store like Dicks.
-I'm told that the big box stores get the cheaper, lower quality models, and that many are made with lower quality standards to keep the cost down.
-Renting or going to demo days are great ways to get a feel for what type of kayak is right for you.
-the paddle can be more important than the kayak when it comes to being comfortable and enjoying your time on the water