The curiosity of what a two-person kayak is may have peaked your interest recently if you’ve started observing all there is in water sports, from paddle boards to canoes and kayaks.
You may have noticed a tandem kayak or two passing you by with two people on it paddling.
In today’s episode, I’ll be discussing tandem kayaks, or as they’re sometimes called, double kayaks.
A tandem kayak is a kayak designed for two people. It can be a great option for couples or friends who want to kayak together.
Here are some pros and cons of using a tandem kayak:
PROS:
-Allows you to share the kayaking experience with someone else
-Can be more stable than a single kayak
-You can each paddle your own kayak if you want
CONS:
-You have to coordinate with someone else
-Cannot paddle as fast as a single kayak
So, if you’re looking to kayak with a friend or partner, a tandem kayak may be a great option for you!
A tandem kayak is cheaper than two separate kayaks.
With that said, let’s talk double kayaks!
What Is a Tandem Kayak?
Tandem kayaks are boats designed to seat two people on an extended deck 18-24 feet long. Both occupants must paddle together in unison at all times.
After getting used to the activity and working together, the movement looks great and they can travel far. However, it may be difficult at first.
On a kayak designed for two people, the movements, ideas, and agility of both people are combined in one small space. At first this can be confusing and lead to mistakes, but with practice it can be quite challenging and fun.
However, as I said, once both persons master the process and learn each other’s movements, they say they prefer the tandem kayak over any other type of kayak.
People love to paddle and explore with one other person. They get to traverse and see nature with their friends, family, or significant others.
This allows for memorable trips at any time.
The Pros of Using a Tandem Kayak
There are several reasons people may prefer tandem kayaks over single kayaks. Some reasons may include that it allows for more conversation with the person you are kayaking with, or that it may be more challenging than kayaking alone.
Additionally, tandem kayaks may provide more stability than single kayaks.
Socializing Time
When kayaking on a tandem kayak, it’s an opportunity to bond with another person. You get to know them and their ways while paddling together, so you can’t help but grow closer to them more quickly than in any other way.
Working together and hanging out is a great way to bond with each other.
owning a 2 person kayak has its pros and cons. For one, it’s great for exploring new places with a friend or loved one. Plus, it’s easier to carry and store than a single kayak.
However, it can be more challenging to paddle and make maneuver, and you may have to paddle in sync with your partner to avoid tipping over.
Great for Introducing Newcomers
If someone begins kayaking without any prior experience, they will feel more comfortable if they start with another person rather than alone.
Introducing someone to kayaking using a tandem kayak is much safer and more comfortable than doing it alone. With two people in the kayak, there is always someone to paddle, keep balance, and show the other person around the kayak.
Riding around with a friend is more enjoyable than riding alone.
More Packing Space
If you often go camping, you’ll be excited to know that the 2 person kayak has a lot of storage space – much more than you could fit in a one-person kayak.
This is convenient because you only have to store one kayak instead of two.
Easier to Store
As well as being more comfortable to store when you are on a camping trip, a tandem kayak is also easier to store at home.
If you have a limited amount of storage space, two solo kayaks will be a hassle to store. A tandem kayak is slightly longer, but it is lighter and takes up less space than 2 single kayaks stored together.
So, a tandem kayak is practically saving you space.
The Cons of Using a Tandem Kayak
Positives and negatives come with everything, so it’s important to compare them before making a decision.
So, to see the whole picture, here are some of the cons of owning a tandem kayak:
Tandem Kayaks Are Heavy
While one tandem kayak is lighter than two separate kayaks and easier to store, it still takes up more space than one single kayak.
Double kayaks can weigh up to 50 kilos, so you will need help lifting and transporting them.
On the other hand, lower-quality models will weigh less.
The “Divorce” Kayaks
The name “tandem kayak” is sometimes used joking because they can make two people paddling fight and quarrel over the paddling and maneuvering motion.
You and your paddling partner will need to practice and be patient in order to control the kayak together.
If you and your partner are new to kayaking, you might find yourselves arguing more than you are actually paddling. However, with practice, you can become more efficient at kayaking than any other single kayaker.
Quite Pricey
If your priority is only getting the cheapest possible price, then you should get two lower quality kayaks instead of one good tandem kayak.
If you are buying a good quality of both, tandem kayaks tend to be cheaper than two separate kayaks. Otherwise, this may not be true.
The issue is that high-quality tandem kayaks normally come with a rudder, which makes them more costly to purchase than buying two solo kayaks that are lower in quality.
If you are looking for a kayak based on price, then you should consider getting two single kayaks. However, if you are buying a kayak for the experience, then you should get a tandem kayak.
Less Freedom
If you’re looking to go kayaking but can’t find a partner, you may be out of luck. Tandem kayaks require two people to operate and you can’t do it by yourself. This can be frustrating if you’re trying to go kayaking on your own.
How to Paddle a Tandem Kayak
Paddling a tandem kayak can be a great way to have fun on the water. Tandems are usually longer, wider, and more stable than solo kayaks, making them ideal for novice paddlers to learn proper technique from an instructor who is nearby.
If you and your paddling partner have some experience, you can cover a lot of water quickly in tandem. The challenge for kayakers of all ability levels is to learn how to paddle a tandem kayak while still maintaining a healthy relationship with their paddling partner.
Consider your abilities when choosing a tandem kayak and paddling location. The stronger paddler usually sits in the back of the kayak, while the less experienced one paddles in the front.
To paddle effectively, the front paddler sets the pace, and the rear paddler follows while keeping the kayak going in the right direction. To have a great day, communicate well and use the right amount of dad jokes to keep the mood light.
How to Decide Between a Tandem and a Solo Kayak
Think about whether you would rather paddle alone or with someone else before you purchase a kayak so you don’t end up disappointed later on.
More often than not the result is disastrous. If you enjoy paddling solo kayaks, you might think that tandem kayaks would be twice as much fun.
However, this is not always the case. I know of several couples who rented solo kayaks and enjoyed them so much that they decided to buy a tandem kayak so that they could spend weekends together on one boat. More often than not, this does not turn out well.
The beauty of paddling a solo kayak is that you have complete freedom and independence while on the water. You can go wherever you want and paddle however you want. You are in complete control of everything.
If you want to paddle a tandem kayak successfully, you need to be able to work well with your partner. You’ll have to sacrifice some control and be patient with each other.
If you can do this, it can be very enjoyable. However, if there are any problems in your relationship, they will probably come up when you’re trying to paddle.
This advice applies to any two people, not just those in a relationship that is Facebook official.
Paddling a kayak by yourself is different than paddling with someone else. Make sure you know what you’re doing before you start.
Paddling a tandem kayak is a great way to teach beginners how to kayak. You can sit in the front of the kayak and paddle while your child sits in the back and sets the pace.
This way, you can keep an eye on them and offer instruction while you paddle.
If you have an elderly relative that enjoys being on the water but can no longer paddle in any meaningful way, you can position them in the front of the boat to enjoy the day.
This requires developed technique, not to mention musculature, for you to handle all of the paddling and steering duties for the day. Good luck!
A tandem kayak costs less than two solo kayaks. This may or may not be true depending on where you purchase the kayaks. Two used solo kayaks purchased off of Craigslist may cost less than one new tandem kayak.
Don’t just buy a tandem kayak because it’s cheaper than two solo kayaks.
While buying one tandem may be cheaper than buying two solos, it is cheaper to keep two solos than to get a divorce.
How Do You Enter a Tandem Kayak?
The process for entering a tandem kayak is very similar to the process of entering a solo kayak. There is an article that covers getting in and out of kayaks that can be found here.
A few things are different when you get in a tandem kayak as opposed to a solo one.
A tandem kayak is better than a solo kayak because you have someone to help you keep the kayak steady while you get in.
The bow paddler gets in the kayak first and the stern paddler holds the boat steady while the bow paddler enters.
– The stern paddler gets in the kayak and then positions it to depart.
– If you’re ‘putting in’ at a beach, the stern paddler will push the kayak a little ways into the water so it’s mostly floating.
– The bow paddler stabilizes the boat while the stern paddler gets in, then uses his hands to push off the ground and propel the kayak into deeper water.
The person paddling in the front of the kayak has the same role whether entering from a rocky shoreline or dock – to stabilize the boat for the person paddling in the back. The person in the back is responsible for pushing the kayak off to deeper water.
Parting Thoughts About Tandem Kayaks
out on the water. Tandem kayaking is a great way to spend time with a friend or loved one (who says they can’t be both?) on the water.
You should remember that tandem kayaking is different than solo kayaking, and you should test a tandem boat before buying one.
As you and your partner get to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and become better at working together, you will both start to enjoy tandem kayaking more and more.
You will either look forward to many years of solo kayaking or regret not buying a tandem.
Either way, win-win. Yay.
