As burt says if you get into it and want to go anywhere securely and in a straight line it needs to be one of these below. There is a centre storage hold that could be fitted out for a youngster. It has bulk heads, bouyancy and great stability and will do 5mph all day with little effort. you might have to sell a car though!
A canadian open canoe in the uk is a disaster waiting to happen. Any wind will make progress hard work. How do you get it upright after a capsize? How do you empty it?
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But if you are beginners you should not be going out in conditions any worse than my second pic. If you are getting wet you are beyond what a beginner should be out in. So a good tracking, double sit on top is fine, a sea kayak better. I would dismiss the canadian open boat unless you are Ray mears or you put an engine on it.
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To throw a spanner in the works how about pedalling? Hobie are bringing out a great pedalling tandem this year. Expensive but could fit maw paw and the wean easily. Effcient paddling takes time to learn, pedalling is much easier! My boat is dry and can keep up with the double speed machine in the other pic. I can make good progress upwind when all other kayakers are heading downwind! and it sails too.
Anyway Get some training from BCU, capsize in a pool and go and practice capsize at a beach. Ive been afloat since I was ?tiny and went solo kayak at 8