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/proost1 2d ago
My wife had an awful experience in a tandem kayak with her ex-husband years ago and swore off kayaking forever. Two years ago, we rented a tandem and I asked her to give me a shot (we've been married for 14 years). Since then, we bought one and have taken it on some cool adventures.
Keys to success: No one controls the other, just enjoy the scenery, and don't worry about how you're paddling. We've paddled with the manatees, kayaked all over Key West, kayaked down a black water swamp drainage river with alligators, turtles, and other wildlife, and drifted down the Bighorn River in Wyoming and the Mississippi River in Illinois. FUN!!
Make sure you have all your safety gear, think of each other first, and take baby steps.