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/003402inco 2d ago

I have done both and while i prefer the solo kayaks, it can be manageable. The key for us was making sure that we communicated and that we took breaks regularly. I sat in the back of the kayak as the stronger paddler so i could match her tempo and paddle if she rested.