| The great outdoors beckons as more activities than | | | | suitable activity. The next question you need to |
| ever are available to the modern active family. Water | | | | answer is "Are you looking for a single or a tandem |
| sports alone provide an ample array from which to | | | | kayak?" Since the assumption is that this is a kayak |
| choose. Kayaking is well placed at the forefront of | | | | for a family, a tandem kayak is probably a more |
| adrenaline producing activity that can serve as a bond | | | | functional choice. The hull on these types of Kayaks is |
| that will last a family a lifetime. Some people may | | | | longer and more stable, designed specifically for less |
| question whether this sport is indeed suitable to their | | | | volatile conditions. The interiors are wider and most |
| family as stereotypes of the sport often prevail. Many | | | | offer extra compartments for storage. The design is |
| people envision kayakers as strapping young | | | | more compatible for the kayaker who needs stability |
| daredevils who shoot the rapids of wild whitewater. | | | | while minimizing the amount of paddling required for |
| Risk takers who summersault endlessly with paddles | | | | distance traveled. Seating can vary as some offer the |
| held chest high ready to take on bigger and better and | | | | opportunity to sit on top of the kayak so as to paddle |
| more dangerous challenges, not thinking for a moment | | | | as if in a canoe. Rudders to help steer are also |
| about the danger found among the rock laden river. | | | | available and these are particularly effective in |
| The thought of recruiting one's spouse and children to | | | | flat-water type kayaking where the stern does not |
| take part in such a perilous endeavor may be | | | | come out of the water often. Price is an important |
| unnerving to say the least. The truth is white water | | | | consideration as well and is based largely on the type |
| rafters comprise just one segment of the sport of | | | | of material used. Plastic is the least expensive but quite |
| kayaking. Kayaking has safer and more sedate | | | | heavy. For optimal price and maneuverability Families |
| alternatives available unless of course your family is | | | | may want to consider inflatable models which are |
| well heeled with regard to white water. | | | | actually quite durable. |
| So, the first question that must be answered by the | | | | For the family considering kayaking as an activity, |
| family considering a kayak for family outings is | | | | focusing on specific needs is key to picking the right |
| whether or not the white water is the destination. If so, | | | | kayak. Those with little experience and knowledge of |
| I will venture to say you and your family are in the | | | | the sport may find flat-water kayaks most appealing. |
| minority and have a great deal experience in the sport. | | | | These types of kayaks are fast, sturdy and have |
| Nonetheless, and as you are probably already aware | | | | extra room for fishing and camping gear. A |
| based on your experience, there are a multitude of | | | | two-seater can allow an adult and a child to ride |
| boating options available to suit your needs. For the | | | | together and an inflatable craft can make |
| family without much experience though the destination | | | | transportation much easier. As your experience |
| probably does not a raging river. Flat-water kayaking, | | | | increases many more models are available for |
| kayaking on lakes ponds and bays is probably a more | | | | activities like white water adventures. |