What Is a Tandem Kayak?
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Sometimes, doing things as a team is better than performing them alone. That is what tandem kayaks do.
No idea what is a tandem kayak? From the name itself, this water vessel can accommodate more than one paddler.
Using a tandem kayak will allow you to share the wonders of kayaking with your friends, family, or significant other.
Like other activities, paddling a tandem kayak also comes with some challenges and difficulties.
Let’s take a closer look at what it is and what it has to offer.
What Is a Tandem Kayak?
One of the most significant advantages of a tandem kayak is its ability to let two people enjoy nature in each other’s company.
Most tandem kayaks offer more width and stability than single boats, making them suitable for beginners.
Also, newbies will have the advantage of having someone teach them the basics and guide them through the adventure.
The tandem kayak deck usually measures between 18 to 24 feet long, providing ample room for two paddlers to navigate through the waters.
Apart from additional passenger rooms, they also come with more storage compartments for your paddling gears.
Some water sports enthusiasts call a tandem kayak a divorce boat because paddlers with no coordination may end up quarreling.
More than anything, synchronicity is the key when riding a tandem kayak to ensure flawless navigation from two different individuals.
How To Paddle a Tandem Kayak?
Kayaking is a popular watersport that offers a sense of freedom to the paddler as he easily navigates the water through his paddling.
This ease of paddling and navigation is true with single or solo kayaks. However, you will have a different story when it comes to tandem boats.
Here are some tips and strategies you can try when paddling a tandem kayak.
Paddling in Unison
It is pretty challenging to navigate a tandem kayak and make it turn due to its longer size than the traditional solo model.
Thus, the flow and movement of a tandem kayak depend on the coordination and synchronicity of the paddlers.
Strength in the Back
In tandem kayaks, the front paddler can paddle freely and control the paddling rhythm.
However, he should not try to direct the boat’s course.
If he does, it will not make any difference and will only mess up the rear paddler’s actions.
The rear paddler is responsible for making course corrections when needed.
Hence, the stronger and more experienced kayaker should sit at the back of the boat.
Turning a Tandem Kayak
Some tandem kayaks come with rudders that help the paddler make minor course corrections or keep them running straight.
However, for some significant kayak turning, rudders may not be enough.
Instead, it will require teamwork from both paddlers.
Generally, the front paddler must take a forward sweep from one side while the rear person does the reverse.
Performing this action in unison ensures flawless turning of the kayak while stationary.
Tandem vs. Single Kayak
Paddlers have mixed feedbacks when it comes to these two kayak styles.
Some love the versatility of tandems, while others prefer the freedom of single kayaks.
Indeed, there will always be pros and cons to everything. It’s up to you to decide which kayak type will fit your style.
Tandem Kayak
A tandem kayak can accommodate two paddlers at the same time, allowing them to enjoy the experience together.
It has a more extended deck and can also move quickly, given that it has two paddlers to keep it moving.
Advantages
The structural differences of the tandem and single kayaks are partly responsible for the boat’s stability.
Which of the two is the safer and more secure vessel?
Tandems are much broader and longer than standard single kayaks, so they are less likely to capsize.
They provide couples with an excellent way to bond and spend quality time together while enjoying nature.
Kayaking with your partner allows you to build and improve better communication skills with your partner.
Apart from enhanced communication skills, you also improve paddling coordination and synchronicity, allowing for faster kayak movement.
Since there are two riders, one can rest and take a break without completely stopping the kayak’s movement.
Lastly, you can save on money if you buy one tandem kayak instead of one for you and your partner.
Disadvantages
Riding a tandem kayak limits your freedom to go anywhere, anytime, as the boat is designed for two riders.
Before heading out, you’ll need to make plans ahead of schedule to adjust your time with your paddling partner.
Also, since tandem kayaks require two riders, blaming the other when something goes wrong with your trip has become easier than discussing the issue.
Single Kayak
A one-person or single kayak is the traditional style that is more lightweight and agile than the doubles or tandems.
Advantages
Some paddlers choose a single kayak for a more controlled paddling experience and the freedom to explore their surroundings anytime.
As a result, maneuvering and transporting singles are way easier than tandems.
After all, you have the final and only say in all the decisions needed to be made.
There is no need to coordinate and align your schedule with your partner or anyone whenever you want to take a kayaking expedition.
Due to their lightweight build, single kayaks are way easier to load, unload, and transport.
For this reason, they are suitable for fishing and other water activities.
Disadvantages
Most kayaks, especially single ones, have limited storage space.
Therefore, paddlers will need to carefully and meticulously choose what to bring along on their adventure.
Also, a kayaker needs to maintain a constant paddling motion to reach his destination.
There are no bonding opportunities for friends and family if you only have single kayaks.
Lastly, you will be spending more if you decide to buy two single kayaks for you and your partner instead of one tandem boat.
Why Is Tandem Kayak Better?
One of the most fun and popular water activities worldwide is kayaking.
For many, the experience is better when shared with loved ones.
It will allow you to go and explore beautiful beachside camping grounds and check out breathtaking views you cannot see onshore.
Additionally, riding a tandem kayak instead of the one-person variety allows you to enjoy the adventure with your significant other.
Though not everyone will prefer double kayaks, some will enjoy the experience of being with their loved ones for the activity.
Here are other ways where you can say that tandem kayaks are better than singles.
More Stable Than Single Kayak
Tandem kayaks, also called doubles, are generally longer and broader than singles, making them more solid and stable.
For this reason, they are an excellent water vessel choice for grandparents, kids, parents, and even your beloved dogs.
Your passenger is not even required to paddle with you if they don’t feel like it or don’t have the physical ability to do so.
In this scenario, you just let them sit in front of you as you maneuver and navigate the tandem boat from the back seat.
Because of the boat’s design, you can be sure that it will remain solid and stable as you traverse calm waters.
Its broader build means lower chances of it flipping over.
Opportunity To Teach Novice Paddlers
When riding a tandem kayak, the beginner or the weaker paddler always sits on the front, setting the pace and paddling freely.
The more seasoned or stronger paddler sits at the back, making course corrections as they move along.
This seating arrangement is ideal for introducing beginners to kayaking because you’d be able to guide them to paddle correctly.
Though the kayaking basics are easy to understand, nothing can beat a hands-on experience with a veteran.
These experienced paddlers can help you improve your paddling efficiency and teach you how to maintain a straight course.
As the newbie sits in front, the rear paddler can observe the beginner and provide constructive criticisms accordingly.
Additional Cargo Storage
Another significant feature of tandem kayaks is the extra storage space for your gears during long kayaking adventures.
Most single kayaks have limited storage space, so paddlers need to be good at packing essential things for their trip.
With the tandem kayak’s additional storage space, there’s no need to worry about leaving essential items you might need on your expedition.
Generally, paddlers don’t need to bring many things, but having extra items during your trips wouldn’t hurt.
Two Riders Can Alternate Paddling
Single kayak riders need to paddle constantly for the boat to continue moving, especially on calmer waters.
This constant paddling can quickly drain your strength if you plan to go on an extended kayaking adventure.
Unlike tandem kayaks, though they can carry two riders, it is not required that both of them paddle the entire trip.
Indeed, the kayak will move faster if both riders paddle, but they can also take turns in using their oars to preserve energy.
This feature makes tandem kayaks ideal for kayaking with newbies, elders, and children in tow while the stronger rider paddles and steers the boat.
Alternate paddling and resting may not seem much, but these riders will feel the difference as they continue their long journey.
Single kayak paddlers do not have the option to stop and rest with their paddling unless they are willing to stay longer on water.
Speed Factor
The hull of a tandem kayak is extended by up to 30 percent, adding paddle power by 100 percent.
Adding to that is the two paddlers’ coordinated power and the fact that they can take turns in paddling if one needs to rest.
Adaptable for Group Excursions
If you plan to go on a group trip, tandem kayaks are the perfect option instead of riding on separate boats.
You can partner weak paddlers or newbies with more experienced ones to get a perfect balance.
In doing this, you can ensure that every group member will enjoy the excursion without feeling left behind.
Option To Bring Your Kid or Pet Along
This last reason tandem kayaks are better is for families and dog lovers out there.
The extended deck of a double serves as a great resting spot for your furry friends.
Some tandem kayaks have a spot between the bow and stern seats where your kid can settle.
However, you may need to use a pad or a dry bag as a booster seat.
It is a perfect strategic spot for your kid to enjoy the scenery without disturbing your paddling strokes and the boat’s maneuverability.
Conclusion
What is a tandem kayak? These double-seated boats come in different styles.
Whatever variety you choose, it will always provide you with excellent advantages over singles.
This excellent bonding vessel allows you to bring along a friend or a partner who would love to enjoy the experience with you.
You can also teach your partner the wonders of this versatile water sport while improving your communication skills and teamwork.