I heartily approve of your desire to introduce your young children to paddling. Get them started early and they'll enjoy a lifetime of adventures. Canoeing is a good first-paddling experience, since you can begin on a calm lake or river. The open hull of a canoe is actually safer than the enclosed cockpit of a kayak; in the unlikely event of a canoe capsize, everyone pretty much just falls out.

	Jonathan Hanson Jonathan Hanson Jonathan Hanson is a writer whose lifelong appreciation of nature shows up frequently in his work. Meet Jonathan Previous Answers

I also approve of your inquiry into the proper PFD, since there are many options for adults, but very few for children. First, you might want to read an earlier reply about river-running PFDs, so you'll be familiar with the different ratings. You may also want to check out an article on buying PFDs for children.

For your children you'll almost certainly want a type II PFD — that is, one with a flotation collar designed to support the head of an unconscious swimmer. That might sound ominous, but it's a better all-around design for kids, who are not as strong or as able to help themselves as an adult. A flotation collar allows the wearer to relax and let the PFD do all the work of support.

Another feature you'll want is a crotch strap, to prevent the PFD from riding up on the child's body. Also, a grab handle behind the collar is essential for hauling the soaked little water rat out of the drink if he or she gets too rambunctious and goes overboard.

L.L. Bean (www.llbean.com) and Stearns (www.stearnsinc.com) both sell type II children's PFDs. Bean's come in small (for 10 to 30-pound children) and medium (for 30 to 50 pounds) and cost around $25. Generally beyond that you can begin using an extra-small adult or women's model.

Have fun with the kids.

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	Kids and Floatation Devices Check out this article for more on kids and PFDs.

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