Tandem sea kayaks are a fantastic way for two people who have various levels of paddling experience can enjoy the water and kayaking experience with one another. What makes them different from single cockpit, traditional kayaks is that the tandems allow more than one person to have kayaking fun in a single kayak. However, these kayaks are more pricey and can be difficult to paddle with only one person. Despite these downsides, tandem kayaks are tons of fun.
The Benefits of Tandem Kayaks
The range of versatility in a tandem kayak is extraordinary. First of all, they are wider than one-person kayaks. They also come with extra storage space. Tandems are ideal for those first learning to kayak; even children can learn with relative ease. So if you are a kayaking newcomer and need help on the water, you can bring along a more experienced passenger. After a few months of tandem usage, you will build the skills and confidence you need to embark on your kayaking journeys.
Those who are not in optimum health should really consider giving tandem kayaking a try as it will allow them to let their partner take up some of the slack when you rest and vice versa. This is ideal for excursions that are long or when navigating in nasty weather. And if you become injured while on board, your partner can easily reach you to give you assistance.
Also, a few of the tandem kayaks come with an actual rudder, which is handy for turning and correcting the kayak’s position. The sit-on-top variety of tandems are ideal for the entire family to use because they act as floating docks. You can bring along your children and even your dog while exploring the sea.
Tandem Kayaking Requirements
The first rule of effecting tandem kayaking is to engage in team work. Operating a tandem will only work well when both partners can get along and communicate with one another. There needs to be an equal balance between both of the paddles. This is why it is imperative that you remain patient with your kayaking buddy at all times.
And of course, do not forget to effectively communicate. In regards to communication, this is meant specifically for boat operating. And since you will both be on the same kayak, communicating should not prove to be too difficult. Remember, the paddler located at the bow is the overall lookout for the tandem. This person also tells the paddler sitting near the stern to watch out and maneuver around various obstacles not within their partner’s line of vision. The directions given by the front paddler are important to the back paddler as he or she will not be able to see past them.
If you are ready to give this type of kayak a try, it will perfectly fit into any kayaking plans you have devised. All in all, they are a great choice. So talk to your kayaking partner and make a list of desired features, ask other tandem owners for recommendations, and test out several models in order to find the one most suited for your kayaking needs.
