Tandem kayaking is a fantastic way to have incredible experiences on the water and share them with the people who are closest to you. But what is a tandem kayak, and how do you use it? So first, let’s find out what they are.
What is a Tandem Kayak?
As you might guess from the name, a tandem kayak is a kayak with space and seating for two people. This allows two people to share the same kayak and have the same experiences on the water without needing to keep pace with each other.
Tandem kayaking is also a great way to kayak with a pet or a child who can’t paddle themselves or for more advanced boaters to share their experiences with a beginner.
When you use a tandem kayak with a friend or loved one, it allows both of you to paddle simultaneously, making travel faster than for each of you alone. It also compensates for differences in strength or endurance, rather than one paddler working hard to keep up with the other.
Different Types of Tandem Kayak
Like solo kayaks, tandem kayaks are available in various sizes and styles, from ocean kayaks to fishing kayaks to collapsible and inflatable versions. If you aren’t sure whether to get a solo or tandem kayak, keep in mind that many tandem kayaks have removable and re-positionable seats that allow them to be used alone or with a friend.
Placing the seat in the center balances the kayak for solo use, or put the seats in the front and rear for two people. If you won’t always be kayaking with someone else, this type of flexibility might be a good choice.
Tandem kayaks are longer and wider than solo kayaks, making them slower and less maneuverable unless both paddlers can work well together to create speed. Inexperienced kayakers may occasionally hit each other with their paddles, or struggle to work together, so it can take time to find the right pace.
How to Use a Tandem Kayak
When kayaking with someone else, here are a few essential things to keep in mind.
Paddling Should Be Synchronized
When two people are paddling a kayak together, they need to make the same motions simultaneously to keep the kayak on a straight path. Irregular paddling between both people will create a zig-zag or inconsistent motion.
To stay synchronized, the rear paddler should mimic the pace and rhythm of the front paddler. The rear paddler can easily see what the front paddler is doing and copy their motions.
The Weaker Paddler Should Be in the Front
If one passenger is weaker, a child, or someone who won’t be paddling at all, they should sit in the front. Then, if the weaker paddler is in the front and sets the pace and rhythm, they won’t struggle to keep up or stay synchronized with the stronger paddler.
The Rear Paddler Steers the Kayak
If the front paddler is weaker or less experienced and is setting the paddling pace in the front, the stronger and more experienced paddler in the rear is in charge of steering and course correction. The stronger paddler may need to make stronger strokes or the occasional backstroke to keep the kayak on course from the rear of the kayak.
The Front Paddler Gets in First
Getting into a kayak can be a bit of a challenge, mainly if you are new to it. The more experienced kayaker, who will sit in the rear, can help the front passenger to get in before getting in themselves.
Practice Paddling Together as a Team on Still Water First
If you plan on tandem kayaking in rough conditions, like whitewater or ocean kayaking, practice paddling together as a team on still water first. Learn how to always start paddling on the same side simultaneously, practice staying synchronized even while steering or course-correcting, and learn each other’s comfort and endurance level.
It may be more difficult to communicate verbally and understand each other in rougher water conditions, so get comfortable with your teamwork in calm conditions before you advance to bigger challenges.
Conclusion
Tandem kayaks are a fantastic way to share your favorite water adventures with the people who are closest to you or to easily bring along a pet or child on a kayaking trip. They make it easy to work together when paddling and relax together when you aren’t.
Tandem kayaks also offer excellent versatility since many of them provide configurable seats that allow you to optimize your kayak for fishing, camping, or other outdoor adventures. Tandem kayaks are a popular way to experience the outdoors and your favorite waterways with your friends and family.