shall i get a rib for my 11yr old son ?

[simonfraser]

i sail a tri, all very interesting for a grown up that apreciates the finer points, but a real hand full. it's just too intimidating for him.

so, we could go on trips round brightlingsea in a small rib. any one done this with a 11+ one ?

if i get one, i guess solid floor, central steering, any other major pointers ?

 

[Malcb]

The RYA Honda Youth RIB Championship is open for 8 - 16 year olds. I help teach some of our youngsters at the YC, the 8-11 years olds really enjoy it and some of them are really good. Obviously we have a PB lev 2 adult on the RIB and they keep hold of the kill cord.

 

[chuzzlewit]

I too have a small RIB....quite scarey...flying bacon-slicer...needs proper training.

 

[Paulka]

Why not an Optimist, or a Mirror, or even a Hobby Cat?
I then got an Optimist for my kids.
Big joy, ... and now they enjoy sailing.

Paul

 

[simonfraser]

def needs training ! perhaps the title is suggesting that i'd just send him out with it

oppie, now way, he wants to take control of it, not pootle about, the hobie suggestion is better . . .

 

[forgotmyfrekinuserid]

No. Get him a mirror or similar...

 

[wooslehunter]

At 11 an oppy would be ideal. Plenty of fun club racing. Move up to a topper perhaps but not for at least a couple of years.

My boys of 10 & 7 have oppies and love them. We start them off in the mill pond. The 10 yr olf went "over the wall" last summer & sails on Chi harbour now. Own boat, single handed = big boy stuff. Very safe & easy too.

 

[johnf]

yes go for it. I have just larged up from 10hp on airdeck zodiac to futura with 40hp on back. Should be loads of funs and the kids can ringo and waterski behind. I love sailing but love the kids more so finding things to keep them interested is vital. I have spoken to tohatsu mecahnic who says relatively easy to modify the engine temporarily to reduce poser if you are not with them.

 

[awol]

[ QUOTE ]
... relatively easy to modify the engine temporarily to reduce poser(sic!) if you are not with them.

[/ QUOTE ]

... and if the kid's got any nouse, just as easy to modify back again. The naivety of parents!