What is a Tandem Kayak and How Does One Choose?
If you prefer kayaking with some company; a friend or family, then tandem kayaking best suits you. A tandem kayak is simply a type of kayak that has slots for two people. Because they accommodate two people, they are sometimes referred to as double kayaks. Like everything else, tandem kayaks come with advantages as well as disadvantages. These are outlined below:
Advantages of Tandem Kayaks
Tandem kayaking is an amazing way of spending time with a friend, family or lover. While kayaking, you may engage each other in interesting conversations. This makes kayaking more fun if you enjoy company.
Tandem kayaks also come in handy when one person is a learner. As a matter of fact, most people learn kayaking with the use of a double kayak. This is because it allows the beginner to sit in the front slot so that they can easily follow instructions from the more experienced one at the back.
Double kayaks are also useful when you have a child or a pet on board. The front seat provides a perfect room for your child to sit back and enjoy the view of the water. Pets; especially dogs like the kayaking experience too. The front slot suits them well. The result is you kayaking without having to worry about interruptions from your kid or pet.
There are many reasons why you may opt for a tandem kayak. For instance, the front space can be a good storage compartment for first aid kits or refreshments. It is also useful when one paddler is stronger and more experienced than the other. In that way, the paddlers supplement each other's efforts. However, there are people who would rather stick to the single kayak for a couple of reasons. This leads us to the disadvantages of tandem kayaks. Some include the following:
Disadvantages of Tandem Kayaks
First is their weight. Double kayaks are heavy. Some weigh up to 100 pounds. That is heavy even for two paddlers. It is even worse if you intend to go kayaking alone on a tandem.
Another con of tandems is that, their functionality depends on your rapport with the other paddler. Do you relate well with the other paddler? If not, the whole paddling experience might not be as fun as it should be. Worse still, if one paddler is more skilled than the other, they may feel like their effort is being put to waste. The results could be blame games and falling out due to incompatibility issues. That is why tandems are sometimes called "divorce boats."
In addition, it can be frustrating if your partner is not into kayaking as much as you are. If a tandem is your only kayak, you may be frustrated at the moments when your kayaking partner is not in the mood. If you have an alternative single kayak, the better.
There are a number of reasons why a tandem might not suit you. Before opting for a double kayak, it is better to explore all your interests and whether or not a tandem might satisfy those interests. You may also consult with experts.
Tandem kayaks come in different designs. Depending on the material used to make them. Some are made of polyethylene while others consist of fiberglass or Kevlar. Below are some of the different types of tandem kayaks.
Types of Tandem Kayaks
Tandem Fishing Kayak:
As the name suggests, this type of tandem is designed for fishing. It comes with 2-piece paddles and 2 padded backrests. It also has an area designated for cargo. The fact that it is more spacious makes it more suitable for fishing. It has a holder for your fishing rod. It also comes with a mast receiver receptacle. They can come as sit-in or sit-on-top kayaks as will be discussed later in the article. You will easily find tandem fishing kayaks. An example is the Lifetime 10 Foot Sport Fisher Tandem Kayak which you may find among the collection of your seller.
Tandem Sit-On-Top Kayak:
These types are common especially because of their low maintenance as well as affordability. They allow you to sit on top of a hollow that is positioned along the girth. Besides their low cost, sit-on-top kayaks can accommodate anyone, regardless of weight or size. They also rarely capsize.
Tandem Sit-In Recreational Kayak:
These types of kayaks are common in flat waters such as lakes. Unlike their sit-on-top counterparts, this type of double kayaks are often narrower and longer. They allow you to sit inside them as you paddle. This shields you from wind, water and other elements. You can find various brands of tandem sit-in recreational kayaks in vendors countrywide. For instance, Old Town Canoes and Kayaks manufacture some of the best sit-in recreational kayaks. There are various other brands worth buying.
It is the fun of it that lures many into kayaking. Therefore, it is only right to choose a suitable kayaking vessel so that you can make the most out of this adventurous activity. Tandem kayaks are suitable if you have company during your kayaking experience. Their spacious design also gives them an edge over single kayaks when there is cargo involved. If you are looking to buy a tandem kayak, please consider the mentioned factors. Also consult with other enthusiasts and experts to know more on these water vessels.