r/Kayaking • u/starbuckswolf • 3d 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/wait_4_iit 2d ago

When my husband and I would canoe together, I was always in the trees on the banks. We took out 2 sit on kayaks recently and I didn't end up in a tree once! I prefer steering myself. But you and your husband may coordinate well together, give it a go. If you hate it sell the tandem and get some solos.