In response to my post here and a couple of others on kayakforum and the
CLC web site, I got several very helpful (for me anyway) emails from
Brian Nystrom regarding my decision to go with the tandem. I can't say
I'm completely swayed at this point but I definitely have a more
informed idea of why I should consider the singles over a tandem. I'm
reposting parts of the emails here with Brian's permission so that they
can be saved for anyone else who wants this question answered in the future.

Here's the story: I want a kayak for light touring; occasional
weekenders and maybe the rare week long trip, but mostly for cruising
around in. I have a daughter who is 7 and not ready for her own boat
(in my opinion and hers) so I was planning on a tandem. That way I can
paddle it alone with some ballast (so I hear) and she can hop in once in
a while too. I would then also have a boat I can take other people out
in so we woudn't have to rent one. So far the logic seems sound right?
The problem is, I'm a novice paddler and know next to nothing about it
at this point. I've gone out a few times in rented boats and know I
really enjoy it, but I need experience and training. So I demo'd some
boats, liked the tandem I was looking at a lot, on calm water, and
posted here. Following are some of the exchanges I had with Brian,
specifically with regards to paddling with children and alone.


ME:
It is interesting to me that you find a child in the boat a problem.
I haven't heard that one before in all the comments I've had, other than
one fella who suggested I wouldn't be able to reach her. I'm not sure
why I'd need to unless we capsized, but then, I'm inexperienced so
there's probably a lot I haven't thought of. That's why I ask
questions. Do you think it would be an even further hindrance? She is
young but used to doing stuff with me. We've always ridden bikes so
balance isn't an issue and she's been in boats with me before, not to
mention skating and climbing together.
She's active and adventurous but she isn't very big. I think she weighs
about 55 pounds so my thought was to load up the front with any gear or
extra ballast while she's in the boat, give her a short paddle and a
fishing rod she can reach and just let her enjoy the ride on the lake or
wherever. I don't ever anticipate being in "rough" seas with her in the
boat until she is much older. It just isn't worth the danger in my opinion.


Brian's Response:

Here are my concerns:

- Assistance. In a tandem with separate cockpits, you cannot reach her
to assist her in ANY way. Whether it's a case of seasickness,
thirst/hunger, a gear problem, a bee sting or what have you, you cannot
help her when you're out on the water. If she was in a separate boat,
you could pull her alongside and tend to whatever is necessary. If
conditions became rough unexpectedly, you could raft up and you would
both be more stable, plus she could hold onto you for security and comfort.

- Control. Having her weight in the bow would definitely be a benefit in
terms of the handling of the boat in wind. However, she is also in a
position to compromise your ability to control the boat, by
innappropriate paddles stokes and weight shifts. Again, in unexpectedly
difficult conditions, this could be a real problem.

- Rescues. You may know how to get yourself back into the boat (after
practicing, that is), but how well can you get her back in, then
yourself? How would you pump out her cockpit? Trust me, a 7 year old
will not be able to do it alone and you would have a very difficult time
doing it yourself from the water, especially in conditions that caused a
capsize in the first place. Your daughter is completely dependent on you
for her safety. You say you're a beginner and you're putting yourself
into a boat that could be difficult for you to control. If you don't
have complete command, how can she depend on you? Learning paddling
skills is not going to be easy in a tandem kayak paddled solo. It just
seems like you're putting yourself at a serious disadvantage.

- Boredom. Kids like to wander around. Perhaps this is not an issue with
your daughter, but from what I've seen, they have more fun and are less
likely to get cranky if they have some freedom.

Thanks again to Brian and all the others who've helped me by offering
such great input for my questions.

bkr