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Kids Stuff – Soul Waterman Kids & Family Kayaks

Test of the currently hottest kayaks for three to nine year old kids: Soul Waterman Mini Me & Soul Waterman Terrible Two including accessories – a review.

In the test: Eskimo Topo Duo Mk2, Soul Waterman Terrible Two, Spilker Gagi MAX, Jackson Fun 1, Soul Waterman Mini Me and BIC Bobby Boot

Our countless tots from the Karlsruhe Kanu Kids are between 0 and 8 years old and most of them are already quite experienced with canoe tours and the whole taxi boat ride. But when is the right time to start your own paddling career? In general, the same applies to paddling as in most sports: It is easier to learn at a young age. But with what material?

20 years ago it was still common to start paddling in adult boats. This is practical in so far as in this configuration the center of gravity of a dwarf lies within the boat hull and even a racing kayak can hardly be knocked over. Of course, this first meets the security needs of many parents. Another advantage: these boats are usually already available in the club or in their own boat storage. Disadvantage: the children learn to drive straight ahead, but otherwise not so much more. And the fun factor may also fall by the wayside ...

How to paddle correctly - topics such as reading currents, using edges, turning without steering, not tipping over in choppy water and so on - traditionally was learned quite late, often only when the child had grown well into his sports equipment. Ultimately, there were no suitable boats for dwarves for a long time. Even in the popular Topo Duo, an 8-year-old slips around on the seat without hesitation. 

So it's time for us to take a look at a few real innovations that finally reached the German market in 2020: 

Soul Waterman family boats

We compare the Soul Waterman kayaks with well-known children's and family boats and looked for the toughest test team that could be found between the Black Forest and the Old Rhine: the Karlsruhe Kanu Kids! We sent them to the treacherous Mecklenburg Lake District and the even more blatant Old Rhine.

Going as far as Corran Addison did in his promo videos requires a lot of time, empathy and probably a little daring. If we reach this level, there will of course be an update. However, this has not yet been planned, because we do know children who have not wanted to get on the boat for many years after a trip on the Soca housewives route.

General test results

The most important test result in advance: You can confidently smoke the old saying “You don't even have to start before your 7th birthday”.

Our test team, made up of 100% newbies and quite young “old hands”, roughly allows the following overall statement for the various age groups:

The water fleas - 0 to 3 years:

In our experience, dwarfs up to 3 years of age are better off in Canadians. The single place in a pair without potential physical contact with the parents caused discomfort in all 2-year-olds in the test after a short time.

Post: Children's Stuff - Soul Waterman Children & Family Kayaks - Cover Terrible Two
Unboxing ... is it Christmas again? What's in there? The cool bag (included!) Protects the boat from UV light and insect strikes, allows you to load things and much more

The water tots - 3 to 5 years:

For the 4-year-olds and some 3-year-olds like “Iggy Pop,” just the sight of the Soul Waterman Mini Me created a strong reaction "I want, I want, I want .. and try it out immediately"Stimulus.

On average, in this age group, the limits of attention, courage and strength are reached after just 5-10 minutes. The spraydeck cannot open some of the fleas by itself due to lack of strength, so it is better to leave them out completely. The better the swimming skills, the more self-confident the first paddling adventure. Warm water, group experience and bright colors (!!!) increase motivation significantly. So this is a good age to fix. The widespread Bobby Boot (available from Amazon for € 40 including a paddle) was quickly sorted out by the kids for paddling. You don't need a Ph.D. in ship driving dynamics to feel that it is actually just a raft with a paddle shaft that is much too thick. It was more popular in the country as a climbing and play device.

The water rats - 5 to 7 years:

From the age of 5-6, the first kids also start paddling longer distances. Princess Leia was already at the tender age of 6 on the jungle river Moder in her own Pyranha Master. And most importantly, she had fun doing it. Our Zaungast2 with his 24 kg walked away in the MiniMe immediately, as if he wanted to surpass Birgit Schmidt's collection of Olympic medals. Really crude!

And our 6-year-old tester Chuck-Norris-Mini is never put off by challenges anyway. But he too ran out of juice on the route after paddling the Old Rhine for about 30 minutes. It's good if there is a mothership to change trains.

The water devils - from 8 years:

There is no stopping motivated 8-year-olds anyway. The experienced from the paddler clans also drive a few kilometers up the river.

Test candidate Super-P, who had never been in the boat before, could no longer get out of the Soul Waterman Mini Me. Chaka!

Now hold on to your hat and put your ears back! The epic surf sessions for kindergarten children are only possible at Soul Kayaks – Terrible Two. It remains easy to control, even without a paddle if the wave allows it. Otherwise, with the Terrible Two we use a long sea kayak paddle so that, if in doubt, we can still reach the water over wildly rotating children's arms and children's paddles.

Philosophy of paddling theory

What the right boat for your own offspring is of course also depends on how you view paddling yourself.

Approach 1: The competitors - it has to be fast

Some people first learn to go straight in a speedboat quickly, focused on being first in competitions. A legitimate motivation. Disadvantage: you don't get to know the variety of paddling and the nature experience on moving waters.

Approach 2: The family carriages - it should be cozy

Many children are towed for years in an adult boat where the center of gravity is within the oversized hull. This gives a certain passive safety, since the little ones just don't get the boats knocked over. Disadvantage: they don't intuitively learn how to deal with certain flow situations and they don't feel good about the boat. The little ones can paddle mentally and motorically quite early, but if the boat doesn't fit like a good hiking boot and is twice as heavy as the driver, then even a hip bend won't help.

Approach 3: The Montessori principle - the child is himself

We are trying the third way here: self-propelled paddling! In boats that are sized to suit the kids. Angular boats, without excessive volume. In this way, they can learn to edging and stabilizing in a playful way early on. From our point of view, it doesn't matter if you go swimming a few times more often at the beginning, of course with safe life jackets and in pleasantly tempered waters! Then you will learn the right recovery and rescue techniques right away. If you learn to master your boat at an early stage, you will later master the next level of difficulty more safely and confidently.

It has also been shown among young people and students that those who began learning with angular play boats, despite many swimmers in a safe environment, learned a suitable technique much faster than the dumplers in poorly fitted typhoons. Or to put it in the words of Chuck-Norris-Mini, after his first capsize and re-entry on the water (in Fun 1): “Cool! I'm wet! … That is fun! Again!". Or: Our Zaungast1 climbed successfully on the water with Mini Me on his own initiative on his brother's boat (!)! Impressive maneuver!

Our conviction: Anyone who learns the boat feel in this way can later drive anything, including racing boats.

K1 boats in the individual review

You can find children in all kinds of boats, but very few allow thigh contact as in adults. And few kayaks are narrow enough to paddle at the same steep angle as the big ones and shallow enough not to hit your elbows as a kid.

Popular boats such as Dagger Axiom 6.9, Wavesport Fuse 35 and Robson Supersonic, with a weight class of 30kg+, appeal to the age group of 9 years and over, so they are more youth boats. Most of the others are simply design objects from the drawing board or scaled-down adult boats that disregard all the laws of hydrodynamics. Since the designers couldn't test these bowls themselves because of their body size and the dwarves couldn't describe where it was hanging due to their lack of paddling technique and study of fluid mechanics, good children's boats remained in short supply for quite a long time. 

The few real exceptions come from the workshops of veteran kayak designers Eric Jackson and Corran Addison, who wanted to provide their own kids with sensible learning material:

Soul Waterman MiniMe

In the direct competition of “throwing boats on the meadow and letting 10 kids go at it” the Soul Waterman Mini Me clearly wins, even with our 10 month old karate kid, for whatever reason. It wasn't even the pink edition. 

In addition, the Soul Waterman Mini Me in the disciplines short, flat, crisp, design of the lower ship and with a skeg as a highlight. On the water, it turns out that the narrow and flat cockpit is the only one that offers even 4-year-olds a stable hold, just as experienced paddling dads would wish for themselves. The sides and stern of the transept are kept flat, so there are no problems with hacked elbows or thumbs like in the larger youth boats Supersonic, Axiom etc.

The unusual footrest can be adjusted in length, just like the seat can be adjusted in 2 positions.

If the skeg is extended, even an absolute newbie drives like on rails. Since we had already sunk the Skeg in the Old Rhine after a very short time, it turned out that such a MiniMe still works well without a Skeg. Our random newbie - test pilot Super P (8 years old) managed to drive straight ahead in a few minutes without instruction! The jaws of the assembled adults fell down in rows while watching.

It should also be mentioned here that this is easy Soul Waterman Paddle Munchkin with its 20 mm thin, length and angle adjustable shaft makes its contribution to quick start, even in combination with the other boats. Finally a paddle that even children's hands can easily grasp.

Soul Waterman Mini Mee Pink Top Bot Side
Soul Waterman Mini Me, vintage 2017, by Corran Addison for his son Kallix (3 years)

According to the manufacturer: Length: 142 cm | Width: 50 cm | Height: 19,5 cm | Volume: 86 liters | Weight. 8.5kg | Paddler weight: 14 kg - 30 kg

Jackson fun 1

The Jackson Fun 1 is noticeably larger and, especially in the cockpit, more spacious. Even the 6-year-old Chuck Norris Mini would still need some custom mods made from Ducktape. But next year and a few bags of gummy bears later, when the thighs have grown in, this will be a first-class boat that is in no way inferior to the adult boats in the Fun series. Some 10 to 11 year olds still fit in there.

Post: Kids Stuff - Soul Waterman Kids & Family Kayaks - Jackson Fun
Fun 1, vintage 2004, created by EJ for his son Dane Jackson, ages 5-6 and up

According to the manufacturer: Length: 159 cm I Width: 50 cm I Height: 28 cm I Volume: 99 liters | Weight: 10 kg I Paddler weight: 13,5 kg - 36 kg

Spilker Gagi Max

The Spilker Gagi-Max in direct comparison is significantly larger in the cockpit. Even the 6-year-olds get lost in there without duck tape and sleeping mat. Overall, the shape is reminiscent of a Topolino that has been run over by a truck; it doesn't have as clear edges as the Fun and the Mini Me. It is wide, but it was still the only boat that simply capsized when towing behind the Canadian canoe when empty. The rocker is also missing a bit for Dad's taste. Our red “Lightning McQueen” custom design Gagi-Max on the water wasn’t so well received by the kids. Maybe because we didn't test it in the Ü-8 group.

Post: Children's stuff - Soul Waterman children & family kayaks - Gagi Max
Gerd Spilker's Gagi Max, ages 7 and up

According to the manufacturer: Length: 186 cm | Width: 57 cm | Height: 30 cm | Volume: 90 liters | Weight: 11kg | Paddler weight: 20kg - 45kg 

The K2 in comparison

Soul Waterman Terrible Two Blue Top Bot Side
Soul Waterman's Terrible Two

According to the manufacturer: Length: 282 cm | Width: 68.5 cm | Volume: 371 liters | Weight ~ 23kg

The Soul Waterman Terrible Two actually runs out of competition! It is the only one explicitly designed as a parent-child boot and not designed for two sports guns with excess testosterone. It is almost a meter shorter than Topo Duo, Priyon 2B and Dynamic Duo, much more manoeuvrable, easier to handle and in many ways more comfortable than at least the Topo Duo. 

Compared to the competition, in addition to the shorter length, the stronger banana shape should also be emphasized, which also results in significantly greater maneuverability. 

In addition to the child-friendly, fully adjustable cockpit ergonomics in the front seat, smart features include the well-placed handles (on the side!), The plexiglass breakwater and the easily adjustable footrests that are familiar from sea and touring kayaks. There is also a skeg here, the only question is: what for? One can only imagine that on large lakes or large rivers when there is a strong wind attack, the bow breaks out with 110kg dad and 10kg child. We haven't seen it yet. Neither of us weighed 110kg ... 

The boat is not petite, there is plenty of volume around the child, even with the helmsman the boat is so massive that one wonders whether the 197 cm paddle could not be a little longer. Especially because you can't start the Powerstroke far ahead without colliding with the dwarf.

Application Terrible Two

While some Corsican gullies have already been navigated with Topo Duos, the Terrible Two is more likely to be designed for children on undulating but not too steep creeks. The footrests from the touring area shouldn't take a real waterfall with an unclean landing. If you don't want to burn your dwarf at the tender age of 3, you will probably find your first fun with the boat at hiking classics anyway and then end up at Soca etc. at some point.

There is no question that this boat would also be able to crack a not too steep 4-way brook in terms of material and handling characteristics. Instead of your own kids, you'd have to cast yourself the stunt double of the little Game of Thrones hero “Tyrion Lannister” to explore the limits of the boat.

Accessories

Post: Children's stuff - Soul Waterman children's & family kayaks - accessories Spronglet & Munchkin
Peak PS Kidz “Sproglet” life jacket & Kidz spray deck, plus the Soul Waterman Paddle Munchkin

That already mentioned Children's paddle Munchkin by Soul Waterman shines with its low weight and adjustability. But, like the Bobby Boot paddle, when used as a spade or broadsword, sooner or later it becomes plastic waste - you should therefore give the dwarfs some care in handling at an early stage.

The matching ones Kidz spray decks from Peak PS They fit perfectly and are of high quality! A particularly good feature is a loop at the rear end that the helmsman can use to remove the blanket in the Soul Waterman Terrible Two. The 4-year-olds had problems removing the blanket themselves, while the 6-year-olds managed it.

The Peak PS Kidz Zip life jacket gets the best school grade of all the products in this review, namely “1+ with star”. We can make this judgment after testing everything that could be found in the Karlsruhe boathouses.

Post: Children's stuff - Soul Waterman children's & family kayaks - accessories Spronglet
The Peak PS Kidz “Sproglet” holds 17kg of body weight perfectly on the surface.

It is extremely high quality and can be perfectly adapted to the anatomy with the hip straps without restricting movement. If you are not using a spraydeck, you have to attach another strap through the crotch. The 4-year-olds also feel better with swimming training than with armbands. The freedom of movement is significantly better than with the admittedly somewhat cheaper competition from HH, Decathlon etc. 

All about the money

A real children's boat is just as complex to manufacture, sell, etc. as a full-grown boat. The 10 kg of PE saved make the production process barely €20 cheaper, says our consulting plastics engineer. The absolute prices therefore probably also prevent the widespread distribution of children's boats in private households. On the other hand, the investment can Soul Waterman Mini Me or Jackson fun 1 Accompany a child over 4-5 years until the equipment is passed on to the next child. The 1th child has been sitting in our Fun 2006 since 4 and there is nothing to it except for superficial signs of use.

Like many toys and high-quality children's bike trailers, these things go as a challenge cup through friends or to Ebay classifieds. There are still no used prices on Ebay classifieds for the Mini Me, but it is to be expected that, similar to the Fun 1, used prices will remain high because kids simply don't have the wear and tear of a crash king and the quantities are low. Many boats are also likely to become part of the club's inventory.

BIC bobby boat

Ok, now a real boat is still almost 10x more expensive than a BIC Bobby boat. A Bobby Boot is enough for fixing, right? Hm, probably not, because the Bobby Boot belongs in the bath toy category, i.e. in competition with inflatable bath islands or air mattresses, that is not meant negatively. The center of gravity is way too far back, the boat is way too wide and the paddle shaft is thick like an adult. Sitting position and hold, as well as the shape of the lower hull, do not allow an intuitive paddle movement, which tends to lead to frustration or at least to disinterest. We have a few in stock in the club environment and their operating hours are amazingly low.

For the Soul Waterman Terrible Two The rule is: There are no alternatives and it may accompany you for a whole decade if you buy it for a 3-year-old. It is of course also well suited as a club boat. 20-year-old Topo Duos still go over the counter for 500 €, so the price drop for the Terrible Two should remain manageable. Especially because at the moment there are only two indirect competitors on the market, the Prijon 2B and the Jackson Dynamic Duo.

Disclaimer 

You think we just want to talk you into the Soul kayaks because Scheuer made the test boats available to us? All right, then here are a few darker sides of Soul kayaks that still don't stop us from recommending a purchase. The processing quality is about on Opel level, but we would have liked Audi. In plain language: individual screws were not resistant to salt water, the wrong screw was installed on the skeg, which we then lost. In addition, we even lost an entire skeg, which was probably incorrectly assembled. Problem: the skeg goes under quickly if you get stuck in the herb. Ouch! Some screws were not tightened properly, the holes on the Plexiglas sign were a bit rickety.

The Terrible Two's hull had a hole in it and the boat had a shipping scratch. But that was probably due to the shipping company. Unfortunately, a few edges were not carefully sanded. The 2,85 m long flat floor of the Terrible Two bends badly on the car roof. In the case of flat floors, this is of course due to the design. At least the bottom comes out again when the boat is in the sun for a while. It is recommended to use carrier horns, cushions and generally store it on the side.

Overall Rating

Soul Waterman Mini MeJackson fun 1Spilker Gagi MaxBIC bobby boatSoul Waterman Terrible TwoEskimo Topo DuoPriyon 2BJackson Dynamic Duo
Length142 cm159 cm186 cm117 cm282 cm370 cm372 cm365 cm
Width50 cm50 cm57 cm60 cm68,5 cm64 cm69 cm67 cm
Volume86 L99 L90 LSit on top371 L505 l540 l540 l
Height19,5 cm28 cm30 cm




Boat weight8,5 kg (8,13 kg weighed)10 kg.11 kg. 7,5 kg.23 kg (weighed 26,5 kg!)30 kg.37 kg.30 kg.
Paddler weight14 kg - 30 kg13,5kg - 36kg20 kg - 45 kg<35 kg140 kg.180 kg.190 kg.190 kg.
application****************
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Boat shape**************
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attention to detail********************

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Suitability for children <6y*************
*****

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Suitability for children> 6y***************
*****

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overall rating4,74,53,82,1
4,5
3,9

4

In the web:

Soul Waterman kayaks

Kayak magazine 02/2013

Canoe Magazine 02/2016

Corran Addison's background story in Paddler E-Zine 2019

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