A Kayak Built for Two by Rani M. Arbo

"You just get that paddle in your hand and go. Nothing could be simpler," says Shirley Wright. She and Bryon Howard, owners of Prince Edward Island's newest outdoor adventure company, have a contagious enthusiasm for their favorite family sport. Heading into its second summer season, Outside Expeditions is based on a couple's philosophy that anyone can kayak and that, really, everyone should - their first child, Robin, already is a veteran boater at six months. Sparsely populated P.E.I., off Canada's east coast, is ideal for a novice's sea kayak experience. The shoreline waters are warm, because the Gulf Stream curves past the island, and gentle beaches offer plenty of spots to launch, camp, and swim.

On an overnight camping trip with Outside Expeditions last fall, we discovered the great thrill of kayaking: once all your gear is snapped into hatches, zipped up, and clipped on, there exists a very thin line between you and the sea. Kids can put their hands into the ocean on either side of the boat. "I feel like a seal!" cried a young first-timer in our group. In the double-seater kayaks, a parent works simple foot rudders from the rear, which leaves a child free to paddle (or not) in front. The boats are stable and seaworthy (nothing short of an in situ flamenco dance would tip one over), and guides provide a thorough briefing on technique and safety. They are wonderfully patient with beginners; if your route meanders a bit, that's fine. Bump into a couple of buoys or another boat? No problem.

"We like to take it easy," Bryon promises. "There's really no hurry to get anywhere, and especially with kayaking, so much of the pleasure is in the going." In a typical day, a group paddles about three to five hours, allowing plenty of time for beachcombing, tide pooling, animal watching, and other side-winding explorations.

At camp each evening, Shirley opens the kayak hatches to retrieve beach balls, a guide to summer stars, and a pennywhistle, among other goodies. Appetites whipped up by a day of paddling through stiff breezes are sated by hearty meals (lobster, corn on the cob, and Bryon's banana boats were our favorite eats). At day's end, curled up in our sleeping bags and lulled by the island's gentle rhythms - the ripple of tent cloth and the lapping waves - we fell asleep thankful for such an intimate glimpse of this quiet, beautiful place.