Ej want sto help get kids in kayaks and has dropped the price on all Shooting Stars and Sidekicks to $499. Just go to you local Jackson kayak dealer and check it out. http://www.jacksonkayak.com/articles/article.cfm?directory=articles09&article=201002032. If you have any questions on kids and boats, contact us and Sage will answer them. The more kids in this sport the better chance we have of keeping rivers running for future generations.

Thanks wwkayakfamily, but our forum has a "commercial" section for a reason...

I disagree. While this topic is advertising a “commercial sale” I think it is huge that JK is the only manufacture offering kayaks for kids and now at a reduced price. It seems very worthy to be mentioned in the forum section. And by the way who made you the webmaster? I see quite often people that post things in the wrong place such the sale of a boat that should be in classifieds. Why not speak up against that?

"Don’t Hate, Congratulate "

In no way do I mean to "Hate" on JK. They have done more than many other manufactures to expand the scope of this sport from product design to community outreach.

My point is that other commercial posts, such as Shuan's post on the new Astral Safety vest or the plug for Bryant Burkhardt's new "Paddle California" Film, are listed under the commercial section. What makes this post more valid than the formers, such that it deserves special treatment? In fairness to other members with commercial posts, I think the basic structure of this forum should be upheld.

And no Thomas, I do not see myself as a webmaster, but I think members of this forum have the ability to freely address moderation issues just as they would address rubish, access, or safety issues on a river.

Just my 2C

Nick

I think it's worth noting that Jackson isn't the only manufacturor thinking about younger paddlers. Certainlythe sub-30-gallon kid boat (Fun 1) is impressive but for kids 50lbs and up there is an array of boats on the market including:
Liquid Logic Remix 47
Pyranha Rebel
Dagger Axiom 6.9
Wavesport Fuse 35
Props to Jackson for getting those 7-11 year-olds on the water. But once the kids hit 11 or 12 they have a lot to choose from. (of course, it's pretty hard to beat $499.)