If you are planning on kayaking by yourself, a single kayak will give you more freedom. They are also easier to transport. If you are planning on kayaking with someone else, and both of you are good at it, you can ride side by side.
I recommend tandems in these situations:
- For families with small children
- When you’re looking for a couple’s activity
- When you only plan for calm waters (tandems make it easier)
- When you’ve conquered single kayaking and want a new challenge
How to Choose the Best Tandem Kayak
Sit-on-Top vs. Sit-Inside: Which Do You Need?
This is a big decision. It’s not life-or-death, but it could determine how much fun your trip is. From my experience, sit-inside kayaks are more comfortable and better for leisure kayaking.
Sit-on-tops are better for fishing and scuba diving because they are easy to get in and out of, and you have a better view of the surrounding waters.
If you plan to kayak in cold water, it is much better to use a sit-inside kayak. You will not want cold water splashing on you for the entire day. There is no way to stay dry with a sit-on-top kayak. Sit-inside kayaks will keep you drier and warmer.
While sit-in kayaks are typically easier to paddle, you can increase your power by bracing your legs against the sides.
Inflatable vs. Rigid: Are Inflatable Kayaks Safe?
to start, inflatable kayaks are safe as long as you have a good model.
If you buy a cheap inflatable raft, it probably won’t be puncture-resistant. I’ve seen people puncture their rafts while they’re inflating them on the river bank. But if you get a better-known model, it will be just fine.
If you’re looking for a kayak that will last forever and provide more options and protection, you should get a hardshell kayak. If you’re just looking for a tandem kayak for fun, an inflatable kayak would be just fine.
Tandem Kayak Size: Which One Should I Buy?
Tandem partners that are different sizes can have a lot of fun on their trip as long as they don’t hit each other with the oars.
Make sure you know what size kayak to get before making a decision to ensure speed, stability, maneuverability, and storage space requirements are met for your trip.
You can think of it as a series of questions. For example, pretend you work for an outfitter.
How tall are you?
This refers to the length of kayak you and your partner should get. If you are both taller than average, you will need a longer kayak so that you are both comfortable.
If you’re considering getting a kayak, get one that is 12 feet or longer. Although it may be a tight fit, you’ll be much more comfortable and won’t have to deal with your legs falling asleep.
Where are you going?
And if you’re going any farther offshore, or you anticipate any bad weather, get something even longer. If you will be mainly staying in calm waters and not battling against angry waves, a shorter boat will suffice.
If you plan to have a leisurely day on a lake, a 10-foot boat is enough. However, if you are going to be in coastal bays or the open ocean, you will need at least a 12-foot boat.
If you are going even farther offshore or anticipate any bad weather, you should get a boat that is even longer.
If you want something nimble to move through tight spaces, get something under 12 feet. Do you want a boat that is fast or one that is easy to maneuver?
Longer boats are faster, but they are also more difficult to turn. If you will be sailing in rivers with many turns, you should get a shorter boat. However, if you want to go fast and will be sailing in open water or on a lake, you should get a boat that is 12 feet or longer.
If you need a boat that can move easily through tight spaces, you should get one that is less than 12 feet long.
When are you planning on going kayaking? If it’s just for the afternoon, any kayak will do. However, if you’re planning a multi-day trip, you’ll want a longer kayak for more comfort and space to store supplies.
Tandem Kayak Accessories: What Should I Bring With Me?
I have been out kayaking enough times to have a good understanding of what items are essential to bring and what items are a waste of money. Spending extra money on a tandem kayak is worth it if it means you will have a great and safe time.
Personal Flotation Device – Must Have!
A personal flotation device, or life jacket, could be the only thing that saves you from a tragedy. They are absolutely essential for safety.
Unlike lifejackets, you don’t need to inflate PFDs because they’re made with buoyant material.
This cuts down on the time it takes to respond in an emergency and eliminates the risk that a lifejacket might not deploy correctly.
In just a split second, things can go wrong in rough waters–don’t become a statistic.
I use a Stohlquist PFD, which is one of the most popular ones on Amazon. I find it to be very comfortable and affordable, and some recreational areas might not even allow you on the water unless you’re wearing a PFD.
Kayak Rudder
This product attaches to the bottom of your tandem or the stern. It provides side to side and up and down movement to give you more stability and control.
It’s harder to control a tandem kayak than a single one, especially if two novices are paddling it. A rudder on the bottom will help stabilize it, no matter how bad your paddling skills are.
The Borogo kayak rudder is an inexpensive one that will cost less than the price of dinner.
Paddles
Hey, you need to paddle the boat yourself. Most of the paddles that come with cheap kits are just fine, but if you want to have some serious fun, you’ll need a good paddle.
After your kayak, your paddle is the most important factor in your kayaking experience. It affects your speed, comfort, and maneuverability while on the water.
Here’s what to take into account:
Length
What is the recommended width for a paddle if you are “average height”? REI recommends a paddle that is 220-250 cm for “average height” people.
Weight
Choose a paddle that is not very heavy. I promise you that your arms will be grateful. Fiberglass is better than plastic and does not cost much.
If you want an excellent paddle that is light and will make you row faster and with more strength, take a look at this carbon fiber paddle from Best. It is my favorite brand of paddle.
Shape
Shafts that are bent are much easier to control and take pressure off of your muscles and joints. Consequently, you won’t be as exhausted and achy after spending a day using them. They are definitely worth the price if you are planning to be using them for an extended period of time.
Best tandem kayaks
Ocean Kayak Malibu 2XL
The Ocean Kayak Malibu 2XL kayak is the best option for people who want a versatile kayak that can be used in a variety of water conditions. It is also a good choice for beginners and intermediates who want a stable and reliable kayak.
This kayak is 13 feet 4 inches long, which is longer than some other kayaks on the market, and it provides good traction and stability on flat water, light tides, or river currents.
The kayak brand offers a value kayak that is still under $1000 and comes with a 5-year warranty. The kayak is versatile and can be paddled solo by removing one of the seats and placing it in the center.
The seats are adjustable so the kayak can be used by people of different sizes. The kayak weighs 68 pounds and can hold up to 475 pounds.
Intex Challenger K2 Tandem Kayak
Thistxt kayak is not made for people who want to kayak professionally or for sport, but it is a good option for people who want to get into kayaking without spending too much money.
This kayak is easy to store and transport because it is inflatable, and it takes only a short time to pump up. This makes it a good choice for beginners.
The main disadvantages of this kayak are that it is not very stiff and does not perform well. This is because it is made of lower-pressure inflatable materials, which makes it less durable and comfortable.
However, it is still a good option for people who want to try kayaking on a budget.
Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2
Tandem kayaks that are long can be difficult to transport without a large truck or roof rack. Inflatables make it possible to kayak for people with smaller cars or who want to take their kayak on a plane without using up all their storage space.
The Advanced Elements Voyage 2 kayak is made from durable 600D polyester, is 11 feet 2 inches long so paddlers won’t be cramped, and features multiple seat positions so it can be used as a tandem or solo kayak.
Its pontoon-style side tubes make it a stable kayak that is great for beginners, and it also has a rear drain plug for easy inflation. Note that the inflation air pump is sold separately.
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Kayak
This sit-on-top kayak has a rigid polyethylene frame for efficient paddling, Comfort Plus seats in the bow and stern, and a molded frame with gear straps, handles, and a drain plug.
It is 12 feet long and can hold up to 375 pounds.
BKC PK14 Angler 14-foot Sit On Top Tandem Fishing Kayak
The Brooklyn Kayak Company’s PK14 kayak is great for paddling long distances on the lake. It comes with two collapsible aluminum paddles and two pedal drives, giving kayakers the option to use either their hands or feet to maneuver the boat.
It also features a hand-controlled rudder next to the rear seat that provides optimal steering and control. Unlike many cheaper kayaks, the PK14 has seats that have a rigid frame with padding so you can stay on the water longer without discomfort.
This kayak has a lot of feature to make your experience better. It has a cup holder, three fishing rod holders, a storage hatch, and a recessed cargo area.
There are also four carrying handles to make it easier to carry. This kayak also has an attachment point for an optional trolling motor to turn this into a boat/kayak hybrid.
This kayak measures 14 x 34 inches and can carry up to 670 pounds. It also comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
Feelfree Lure II Tandem Kayak
The Feelfree Lure II kayak is designed for fishing, with rear storage space for holding a cooler, front and rear rod holders, and a sonar pod to mount a fish finder. It also comes in five different camouflage colorways for maximum concealment as you glide into fish-heavy waters.
This kayak gives you the option to have two seats or to remove them to have more space. The seats are also supportive to ensure you don’t mind long days casting in the saddle.
There is also an option to attach a motor or pedal behind the rear seat, converting this kayak into a serious fishing boat.
Aire Lynx II
Aire is a respected name in river running crafts and the Lynx II tandem kayak lives up to that reputation. It is designed to be used in whitewater conditions, but can also convert to a solo kayak with more space for storing gear on an overnight river trip.
The kayak is equipped with 17 cargo loops for securing your belongings during periods of turbulence. Additionally, it has two grab handles on both sides that can be used to tip the boat back over if it capsizes.
The kayak’s rockered bow and continuous curve shape make it adaptable to every rapid and eddy. Finally, this boat comes with a full repair kit and a 10-year warranty.
Aquaglide Navarro 145 DS Convertible Tandem Inflatable Kayak
The Aquaglide Navarro is made from durable materials that can withstand whatever the elements throw at it. It has a hard bottom drop-stitched floor that is resistant to river rocks and other objects that could potentially damage it.
The kayak also has zippered cargo holds on the bow and stern, as well as holders on either side of the vessel to secure paddles. If you need to store the kayak, it can be easily deflated and placed in a duffle-style carry bag.
If you want an extra layer of protection from waves, you can zip in a closed deck cover.
Final Verdict
The Ocean Kayak Malibu 2XL is a good kayak for people who are new to the sport and don’t want to spend a lot of money. The Intex Challenger K2 is a good inflatable kayak for people who are also new to the sport.
The Hobie Mirage Compass Duo is a good kayak for people who want to use it specifically for fishing. The Feelfree Lure II is also a good kayak for fishing.
