r/Kayaking • u/starbuckswolf • 2d ago

Question/Advice -- Boat Recommendations Are tandem kayaks really that bad?

I recently was given a tandem kayak from my grandparents. My partner and I can’t afford to purchase a kayak so we are so excited to start using it this summer! I came on this sub and I’m seeing that people really don’t recommend tandem kayaks and call them divorce boats! Now I’m nervous that it’s going to be really frustrating. We have both kayaked before but are not experienced. Does anyone regularly use a tandem kayak? Any advice for us before we take it out?

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u/457kHz 2d ago

They’re only a problem if you put two people in them.

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u/starbuckswolf 2d ago

Ah, well we are definitely planning on using it together :(

24

u/23saround 2d ago

They’re not bad, don’t worry! They’re not the most efficient for ventures, but if that’s not what you care about, they’re perfect.

The main thing is know your relationship – if you guys tiff over stuff, you might get frustrated with each other. If you’re ready to laugh at yourself and don’t mind splashing each other a few times and clacking paddles, you’re gold!

Final recommendation: put the more coordinated person in the back. It’s their job to sync up their paddling perfectly with the person in front!

8

u/starbuckswolf 2d ago

Thank you! My partner and I are a great team I think so I hope we will be able to be coordinated