I do not disagree that a kayak is more agile than a canoe to a point, I can pole my canoe up stream in a rip, 90 degrees to a rip, anywhere I want to go.I understand not everyone is interested in learning all they can about boat handling skills so I will leave it at that, plus poling is a standing activity. But we need to examine the OP's original statement and how the boat will be used. And yes the seats are far more comfy, what with the padding and back support. But the removable back cane web seats in my tripper are just as a comfy and if the back needs a rest the knee supports get some use.
The main reason the loon does not apply to the OP's situation.
In a single person kayak, you are centered or
slightly aft within the length of the boat. This is for weight distribution and proper balance fore and aft of the boat. To far back and it will steer wildly, with little control. To far forward and the same situation only its the rear of the boat that is causing the issues.
In a Loon you are forward or aft of the central balance point of the boat, with no way to change this unless you sit out of the one of the seats. The idea is to get out on the water with his daughter, so after moving into the center section of the boat, where is his daughter going to sit. With a closed bow and stern, the space becomes very limited, granted he will gain some room when balancing her weight, but we are talking inches in comparing a child against an adult.
I am not an anti kayak open boater, if you read back in some of my posts, I kayaked the Dead River last summer at 2,800cfs, it was one of the most exciting experiences of my life. I have access to any type of boat I want, when I want it and have paddled many different canoes and kayaks, some better than others.
Everyone's experiences are different as well as needs, for a single photographer or fisherman, I would not recommend a tripper, it is more boat than what is needed, a Camper would be a better fit for mostly solo as well as a Mad River Freedom solo.
http://www.maineguiding.com/index.html Most of the photos on this site are of our trips over the years, you will see more of my wife and daughter in these than me (a good thing) The two shots of the XL running the rapids (Little Falls and Canous on the Croix), my wife in bow, with another guiding friend Dwayne at stern, I was solo this trip until the last day when Dwayne heading off early with his two kids. Dan is my wife's uncle. Not plugging the site or service, but most of my photos of these trips are 35mm and not electronic, just entered the digital age this winter.