Keith,
<br>I started somewhere between 10 and 12. I forgot exactly when. I was skippering and crewing at the age.
<br>Don't forget the Laser has 3 different rigs designed just for youth and lightweight sailors. The standard 14 rig can still be a bit much for a small youth sailor in heavy wind. Not to mention that small youth sailor would probably have trouble tacking it in high winds. I think the best bet is just to start them out on a 16 either as skipper with a heavy, more experience crew or as crew with an experienced skipper and eventually switch them over to skipper when they are ready. As long as your looking for a simple, easy stepping stone why not consider the wave then go to the 14 and then the 16.
<br>-Todd<br><br>