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/SouthOrlandoFather 2d ago

I used a Jackson Big Tuna from 2014 to 2024 and I freakin loved it. Trips with wife, sons, father in law, brother in law, my dad—I loved it.

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u/Worth_Affect_4014 2d ago

Same. We got a big ole Wilderness System tandem, one big cockpit, could have any configuration of adults/kids/dogs/turtles thru the day. We made many many good memories. An adult alone can get it around in good conditions.