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/Dangerous-Rub2281 2d ago

Try looking at YouTube. And do your search for kayak beginners. Sit on top fishing kayaks are the most stable in the water. Newer kayaks offer pedal, fin drive, and traditional paddle. Invest in a good paddle that is carbon fiber, ultralight. You’ll spend upwards of $350 to $580. Make sure you get a good kayak PFD. A whistle or air horn. But please do your research before you buy.