If you’ve been kayaking, you might have heard the term “tandem kayak” being thrown around. If you don’t know what those are, your world is about to change because a tandem kayak is a great way to enjoy the water with a friend or family member. Let me explain.
What is a Tandem Kayak?
A tandem kayak is simply a 2 person kayak that is designed for two or sometimes three people and allows them to paddle together in perfect harmony.
They are typically longer than regular kayaks, making them more stable and easier to maneuver on the water.
Tandem kayaks also provide plenty of room for both paddlers as well as any gear they may need during their trip. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or just getting started, a tandem kayak can be an excellent choice for your next adventure on the open sea or river.
Hell, it’s a great choice for those who just want the extra room (if you’re a tall person or enjoy space)!
Types of Tandem Kayaks
Tandem kayaks come in a variety of styles, each designed for different activities and preferences. There are four main types of these kayaks: touring, recreational, inflatable, and fishing.
#1. Touring
Touring kayaks are longer than other types of tandem kayaks and typically provide greater speed and tracking ability.
My friend has a touring kayak and she will usually call me to take a long, relaxing trip with her. It’s longer than mine, so there’s a lot more storage capacity and it’s very stable whenever we run into choppy water in the ocean.
#2. Recreational
Recreational tandem kayaks are shorter than touring models and tend to be wider, providing increased stability at slower speeds. These boats can be used for leisurely paddles around lakes or slow-moving rivers with smaller waves.
Recreational models often have features such as cup holders and mesh pockets that make them great for family outings on the water.
#3. Inflatable
Inflatable tandem kayaks are an excellent option for folks who need to store their boats when not in use due to space constraints or travel restrictions. Inflatable boats typically provide good performance, but at the cost of rigidity, meaning they will flex more when compared to traditional hard-shell kayaks.
Though more expensive than recreational models, inflatables offer exceptional portability and convenience because they can be deflated into a carry bag or backpack.
#4. Fishing
Tandem fishing kayaks combine all the benefits of a recreational model but with added features tailored towards anglers such as rod holders, scupper plugs for draining water from the boat after landing a fish, and extra large tank wells to store each catch.
Fishing models feature higher weight capacities due to the additional gear onboard while out on an excursion, making these boats perfect for larger anglers also.
The Benefits Of Using A Tandem Kayak
Using a tandem kayak offers a plethora of benefits.
#1. Spend Quality Time With Friends and Family
It is an ideal way to spend quality time with friends and family as you explore the outdoors. With two sets of paddles, you can both work together to move through the water and enjoy the majestic views that nature has to offer.
#2. More Storage Room
Furthermore, it means double the fun for those who wish to do activities such as fishing or camping since the tandem kayak provides more room for storage and equipment than individual boats.
#3. Safety With a Partner
If one person needs help navigating or controlling the boat, having someone else there can be beneficial for ensuring everyone’s safety. It has helped me many times for someone else to control the boat while I am figuring out where to go or to get some gear out of storage.
#4. Better Stability
A tandem kayak also eliminates many of the stability issues experienced with solo boats because of its larger size and greater weight capacity. This makes it much easier for new paddlers to learn how to navigate waters without feeling overwhelmed by a smaller craft’s lack of balance and stability.
#5. Better Control
Having two people in one boat allows for better control when maneuvering around obstacles or rapids, as each occupant is able to use their individual strength and experience when navigating difficult waters.
A tandem kayak will often cost less than two single-person boats. This makes them an economical choice for couples or families on a budget who are looking for an affordable way to enjoy the outdoors while still maintaining their safety on the water.
Safety Tips When Using A Tandem Kayak
It’s really important to make sure that you follow some essential safety tips when using a tandem kayak. The first and foremost rule of safety is for both paddlers to always wear properly fitted life jackets.
#1. Appropriate Clothing for Emergencies
Both paddlers should have the appropriate clothing in case of an emergency, such as lightweight waterproof garments that dry fast. Other clothing options can include wetsuits, drysuits, kayak shoes, waterproof jackets, etc.
#2. Awareness of Weather Conditions
When out on the open water, it is essential for both paddlers to be aware of the weather conditions and take appropriate action if they are changing. While tandem kayaks tend to be more stable than single person kayaks, they can still become unsteady in rough waters or high winds.
If there are any signs of worsening weather conditions, it would be best to seek shelter until it improves or get back safely to shore.
On some of my multi-day trips, I would get to spots that didn’t have cell phone reception, so I couldn’t look up the weather on the fly. Be sure to keep an eye out at all times, because weather forecasters are not always 100% right.
#3. Communicate With Your Partner
It’s also important to keep communication open with each other while in the kayak.
Both of you should be paying attention to your surroundings and alert each other if you see any potential danger ahead. This includes staying aware of other boats in the area as well as wildlife that may pose a risk such as alligators or sharks in some areas.
#4. Use Proper Navigation Equipment
An essential part of being safe while using a tandem kayak is having proper navigation equipment on board such as charts, maps, and compasses. Knowing where you are going and having multiple methods of navigation on hand can help ensure both paddlers reach their destination without incident.
By following these simple safety tips when using a tandem kayak, you can help ensure that your experience will be enjoyable and safe for both of you.
Accessories Needed For A Safe Trip In A Tandem Kayak
To have a successful trip, there are certain accessories that must be taken along.
These include personal flotation devices (PFDs) for each person in the kayak, waterproof bags or containers for storing clothing and gear, a bilge pump for removing water from the kayak, a spray skirt to keep water out, and a repair kit and spare parts in case of an emergency.
You can also bring extra paddles, an anchor rope to hold the kayak in place while fishing or resting, sunscreen for protection against UV rays, insect repellent to ward off pesky insects, a first-aid kit for any injuries that may occur on the trip, and maps and compasses for finding your way around unfamiliar waters.
Also, make sure to bring along plenty of food and drinks to keep you hydrated throughout your journey. If it’s just for a few hours, you could get by with snacks and water.
Longer trips will require more than just snacks, of course, depending on where you’re going. More remote areas won’t have hotels or places to eat, so you must figure out exactly what you’ll need.
Which Areas Are Best For Tandem Kayaking?
The best types of water to take a tandem kayak out on are slow-moving rivers, lakes and sheltered bays or estuaries. Slow-moving rivers provide a nice environment for tandem kayaking as they provide wide stretches of open, calm water with only occasional fast-flowing currents and rapids scattered throughout.
It’s the best way to relax and enjoy nature with your friends and faily.
A word of wisdom to the wise: if you are planning to go on a river, you should check beforehand if there are any dangerous sections. When heading out into a bay or estuary, be sure to keep an eye out for any wildlife in the area that could potentially cause a distraction while you are paddling.
I’ve seen my share of alligators in Louisiana and Florida but they shouldn’t bother you if you don’t bother them.
With proper preparation and knowledge about the environment you’re paddling in, tandem kayaking can be both safe and enjoyable no matter what type of water condition you choose.
What is the Difference Between Tandem and Double Kayak?
A tandem kayak is a boat with two seats that are staggered front to back, so both paddlers can have equal control over the direction of the kayak. The paddlers sitting in the front and back must work together in order to make sure the boat moves efficiently.
On the other hand, a double kayak has two side-by-side seats that are situated equidistant from the center of the boat. One person sits in each seat and both must work together to steer and propel the boat.
In comparison, tandem kayaks tend to be longer than double kayaks and therefore have greater speed potential since they can cut through waves more easily.
Double kayaks, on the other hand, are often shorter and wider than tandems, allowing them to be more maneuverable in tight spaces such as shallow creeks or rivers.
Finally, tandem kayaks are generally better suited for two people of similar size and skill level while double kayaks can accommodate paddlers of different sizes and abilities more easily.
Who Steers in a Tandem Layak?
The person in the back seat of a tandem kayak is usually responsible for steering. This person has the best view of what’s ahead and can react to any changes in the environment accordingly. The front paddler should focus on providing power and helping with balance.
It is important for both paddlers to communicate with each other, as this will help make steering more effective and efficient.
The person in the back can also delegate certain tasks to the paddler in front, such as navigating or spotting any potential hazards ahead. This way, they can both share responsibility for the kayak’s safety.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Tandem Kayak?
The biggest disadvantage of a tandem kayak is that both paddlers must coordinate their movements and be in sync with one another in order for the boat to move effectively. This requires communication between the two paddlers, which can take some getting used to and require a bit more practice than solo kayaking.
Another disadvantage is that since it’s an open boat with two people, it can be less stable than a single kayak. This means that the paddlers must be even more careful not to upset the balance of the boat while paddling or they risk tipping over.
Finally, tandem kayaks tend to be heavier and longer than single ones, making them more difficult to transport and store. They also require more storage space for both the kayak and its accessories.
Do Tandem Kayaks Flip Easily?
Tandem kayaks are generally very stable and don’t flip easily unless one or both paddlers make a sudden movement that causes the boat to tilt. This can be avoided by having both paddlers work together in unison, communicating their intentions before making any abrupt movements or changes in direction.
It is also important that each person sits evenly on their seat, with their weight evenly distributed between the two seats. This will help ensure that the boat remains balanced and is less likely to tip over.
Where Should the Heavier Person Sit in a Tandem Kayak?
The heavier person should always sit in the back of a tandem kayak, as this will help keep the boat stable. This is because the front paddler can rest their weight on the back seat and help to balance out any uneven distribution of weight from the back paddler.
Having the heavier person in the back also allows them to have better visibility over obstacles in front of the boat and will allow them to steer more easily.
Final Thoughts
Tandem kayaking is an enjoyable and rewarding experience that can bring you closer to nature, your partner, and yourself. It’s a great way for couples or friends to explore the outdoors together while having fun in the process. I take mine out at least once a month to enjoy time with my kids or friends.
Whether you’re trying out challenging rapids or just taking it slow on a lake, tandem kayaking allows two people to paddle together towards one destination.
With its unique combination of physical activity and teamwork, tandem kayaking is sure to be an adventure worth remembering.
