I've bought 2 little stunt kites already to lure them over to the dark side early.

The two boats to look at are the Lazer Pico or the Topper Topaz. Both very similar, both made of plastic (not fibre glass) so you can knock them about as much as you want - virtually indestructable, similar size, both quite stable but easy to right if you do capsize and a good introduction to dinghy sailing and easy enough for kids to sail if you are trying to get them interested in playing on the water. Should be plenty about on the second hand market as well.

After windsurfing you're not going to come back from a session saying how exiting it was but what counts is that the kids will love it and they will say you are the best parents in the world ever!

i just clicked "reply" and nearly hit "report to moderator" by accident. think i should. there's kitesurfs on iwindsurf! put those kite things on ebay now shawn!

Fantastic, many thanks Ken, REALLY appreciated.. will go and do some internet research to have a look at them, appreciate it's never going to set my world on fire, but it beats staying on the beach. we'll have loads of fun.