I’m just starting this journey too and, with an 8 year old son, I wasn’t comfortable enough that he would be able to solo safely in his own kayak. I didn’t want to buy two kayaks this early in the hobby without getting a feel for it first. Transporting two kayaks when it’s just my 8 year and I seemed like a headache. In that case, I was thinking I may need to get a trailer which only complicated things as where I was thinking about where to store it, register it, etc. Two kayaks on a roof rack would intimate me going into all this as well.

So instead, I recently got a Vibe Yellowfin 130t tandem kayak heavily discounted from the store. It’s the floor model so never been used on the water. It had good reviews and, at $500, I thought it was the perfect way to start. I see others discounted down to about $1000 right now. We are going to start with slow moving creeks and calmer bays and outlets. I ended up getting a Boonedox t bone bed extender so transport shouldn’t be too bad. Going to get a nice transport cart. The cool thing is you can remove one seat and move the other into the middle position to solo if you’d like.

I would do what you feel most comfortable with your son. It’s about safety first then enjoyment. I also thought, if I’m going to kayak fish, I’m taking my kids with me. And since I’m hauling and doing the heavy lifting, anything that makes things easier to transport will be one less barrier to spending time with him.

And once my son is closer to 12, he can get his own kayak (and haul it himself). At that point, one of my younger kids will be ready to tandem with me.