Tandem kayaking Guide

Kayaking is an ever popular experience for adventure sports enthusiasts. Previously, kayaking was a singles endeavor, one person per boat. Now, pairs and even families can take advantage of tandem kayaks. Together, you can travel gorgeous oceans, still fresh-water lakes, roaring rapids or hidden tributaries in a tandem kayak.

A tandem kayak is also referred to as a double obviously because it can accommodate two people. This style of kayak is perfect for beginners that are reluctant about going it alone on the water. Grab a buddy and travel together in a tandem kayak.

There aren't any regulations about who can be in a tandem kayak. In fact, kayakers take children, parents, friends and even family pets in the tandem kayak. One of the interesting things about a double is that the second passenger doesn't have to raise a finger if they don't want to. Maybe your second passenger is too young, too old or just not physically capable of paddling. That's alright because they can just sit and enjoy the ride.

Tandem kayaks are more wide that the one-man version which simply makes a double boat more stable allowing both passengers a safe day on the water.

Tandem kayaking is a good opportunity for families. Very young children can always be seated in Mom or Dad's lap, or if old enough, the kids can be seated between parents where you can keep tabs on them, ensuring a safe trip.

The most important question you need to ask before heading out is "Who is sitting where?" To ensure a smooth and safe journey, seating arrangement must be considered.

Size and weight of individuals, gear and even paddles must be accounted for when dividing into teams. The kayaker with more experience should be seated in the back of the kayak for each boat. Also, the greatest weight should be at the rear as of the boat.

Each pair of tandem boaters need to work together. If both partners are able to paddle, the tandem kayak will make great speed through the water. It's important to unify your strokes to avoid clashing the paddles which results in slowing down the boat and is much less efficient.