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Best Tandem Kayaks
Kayaking is a water activity that involves moving through water using a small boat with the help of a double-bladed paddle. If you will stay in a cabin near a lake or an island for your vacation, have time to try out water sports.
The island resorts may have water gliding or even jet skis, but they can be pretty expensive and extreme. If you’re the kind of person who would go for a less extreme and relaxing activity, then Kayaking is the best pick for you.
Kayaking is an activity that releases you from your regular life and relaxes you. It is also cheaper because there are many free places for kayaking near those vacation spots.
You can combine with other water activities like fishing, camping, and exercising. Accessing remote regions where a normal boat cannot go is possible with kayaking, an activity that has been around for centuries and was first used in the arctic for navigating waterways.
What Is a Tandem Kayak?
A Tandem kayak is a small 2 person boat that you can use to navigate a water source.
Most people go kayaking alone, but there are days that you would want to take someone with you. This is where a tandem kayak would be useful because it allows more than one person in the boat.
A tandem kayak enables paddling to be more efficient, cost-effective, and allows you to enjoy the experience with others. Tandem can take your family with you or even a pet when riding. It makes riding the kayak easier because there is a combined effort in paddling and it also has better stability than a solo kayak.
In as much as they have many advantages, they have disadvantages too. For them to fit two people or more they need to be bigger, hence heavier. That means you cannot carry it on your own unless you have a kayak carrier. It is also more difficult to manage when you are alone because of its size and weight.
Should I Get a Tandem Kayak or a Single Kayak?
Making this decision can be tricky. You might have the idea of going kayaking with your family and friends, but after the excitement wears off, you find yourself kayaking alone. Considering this, kayak manufacturers have made kayaks that are adjustable to solo use.
Tandem kayaks are difficult to use alone because they can be quite unstable and unsafe. With an adjustable kayak, you won’t have to worry when your family or friend wants to join you or when you want to go solo.
How to pick the Best Tandem Kayaks
Buying your own tandem kayak is a marvellous idea because you get to take it home with you after you are done riding it. It is also cheaper because there are a lot of free places where you can go kayaking without having to worry about paying for the activity. With this in mind, get the best tandem kayak that will be suitable for your needs. Below are a few of the things you should have in mind when looking for it.
Materials
We can make a tandem kayak of very many materials. The material used to make it will directly affect most of its functions, weight, and other things. It is a key factor to take into consideration when buying a kayak.
Out of the many materials that make kayaks, polyethylene is one of the most used materials because it absorbs impact nicely, it’s light and does not scratch easily. However, if it stays for too long in direct sunlight, it will become brittle over time.
Composite is also a powerful material that will last for a while and is also lightweight. But one of its drawbacks is that they can easily damage it and is hard to find in the market.
PVC is a material that the inflatable kayaks mostly use. They are portable and can be folded into small backpacks. The several air compartments it has ensures that you will get to shore even if you get a leak.
Hull Shape
The hull shape that the kayak has taken will determine how well it performs in the water. If it has a flat bottom, it will have good stability and is usually advised for beginners. It cannot, however, be used on rough waters or ocean conditions.
We recommend the round bottom hull for intermediate riders because it allows the kayak to cut through the water, hence increasing the speed. But it is less stable compared to the flat-bottomed ones.
V-shaped hulls are the least stable, but the fastest. Well-experienced kayakers only should use them.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a kayak will determine a lot of things like how many people can go riding with you. It also determines how much luggage you can carry. Most tandem kayaks will range from 400 to 800 pounds depending on the material used to make it.
Storage Space
Space left for storage in a kayak is very important because, when riding, you will need a safe place to keep your belongings. This place needs to protect things like your phone and wallet from getting water while you are riding. Having storage would also help if you are bringing food along or an icebox that you can store your fresh fish if you go fishing.
Where You Intend to Go Kayaking
The water source that you are planning on taking your kayak for a ride also matters.
If you are planning on going to the sea, it is advisable to buy a very stable kayak. When planning to go to a river, purchasing a strong and durable kayak is required because of the strong currents found in rivers. Lakes, on the other hand, are much calmer and wider, making it harder to paddle because there are no waves to push the kayak.
Length of the Kayaks
The kayaks length describes how stable it is on the water, making it an important factor to consider. Most people usually go for small kayaks because they are easier to maneuver but they are not the best kayaks for lengthy journeys. Long kayaks are better at keeping the line and handling enormous waves, but they are harder to maneuver. Going for kayaks that are just the right size for you ensures that they are stable at the same time.
Price
Your capital is also a factor to consider when choosing a kayak. Tandem kayaks are pricier than the solo kayaks because of their double capacity. Buying one tandem kayak is cheaper than buying two solo kayaks. For those looking for a good deal, going for a two-person kayak that can convert to a solo easily is the best choice.
Wrapping Up
Tandem kayaks help you enjoy fun water activities with your family and friends. Having the best kayak according to your needs ensures you get a pleasurable experience. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the many tandem options available but, with the information in this article, you will get the best tandem kayak. It is time for you to stop reading and hearing about kayaking. Go buy one and hit the waters for a magnificent experience.
Other Questions
Are tandem kayaks more stable?
Kayaks are a great way to explore nature close up. But what if you want to share the fun with friends, family, or even strangers? Tandem kayaks allow two or more passengers to paddle in unison, a fun way to travel from A to B. You may think that a kayak designed for two or more people would be more stable, but this isn’t necessarily true.
You can make a tandem kayak more stable by adjusting your weight and creating a center of gravity as low as possible
Can one person ride in a tandem kayak?
When most people think of tandem kayaking, they imagine two people paddling a long boat (a kayak, canoe, or flat bottom boat) with a single paddle. But did you know that some people use a tandem kayak to ride in as well as paddle?
These are also sometimes called double kayaks, and they are wider and shorter than the average kayak, and are perfect for use in calm waters like lakes and ponds.
When you're paddling a tandem kayak or canoe you can either use one paddle or two, depending on your preference.
Usually, the person seated in the front of the kayak or canoe is in charge of steering. You will often find that tandem kayaks or canoes are used in pairs
Where should you sit in a double kayak?
If there is one question that kayak fans ask more than any other, it's where to sit in a double kayak. And the answer isn't always as obvious as you'd think. The first thing to consider is why you are kayaking. If you are kayaking for fitness, and you are paddling alone, chances are you are going to be paddling on the rear seat (this is especially true for the stern seat).
If you are using a double kayak for recreation, then the primary thing to consider is how much of a workout you are going to get. If you are paddling with a partner, then the primary concern is whether to share the weight load between partners.
Where should the stronger paddler sit in a kayak?
One question that is not so obvious is "where should the stronger paddler sit?"
In general, the stronger paddler should sit in the rear seat, but this may not always be the case. While the front seat is easier to get into, it is also easier for the paddler to accidentally tip the kayak because they are sitting forward and closer to the water.
- Comfortable for anyone: Kayak includes an adjustable inflatable seat with backrest; Cockpit designed for comfort and space
- Dimensions: Inflated size 10 feet 3 x 3 feet x 1 feet 8 inch; Maximum weight capacity: 400 pounds
- Directional stability: Removable SKEG for directional stability
- Increased visibility: In case of emergency, bright yellow color helps visibility
- Made for smaller bodies of water: Explorer k2 is made for smaller bodies of water including lakes and mild rivers
- Super tough laminate PVC with polyester core: Light weight and highly resistant to damage from abrasion, impact and sunlight
- High pressure inflation provides extra rigidity and stability, with high pressure spring loaded valves for easy inflation and fast deflation
- Includes 2 removable skews for deep and shallow water, 2 floor mounted footrests, 2 integrated recessed fishing rod holders, 2 adjustable bucket seats
- Removable and adjustable mounting bracket for additional accessories, such as GPS systems, fish finders, swivel fishing rod holders etc. Includes a carry bag and repair patch
- Storage space in bow and Stern with stainless steel d rings for tying down Dry bags and gear; Kayak total weight capacity: 400 pounds
- 3 person/650 lb capacity, weighs 32 lbs, suitable for up to Class III whitewater
- 370 Deluxe Kayak Package features two movable, super comfortable Deluxe Kayak Seats for improved back support and 2 paddles, foot pump, and carry bag
- 2 AB30 7'10"" 4 Part Paddles with asymmetrical blade and aluminum shaft
- 2 skegs on the bottom for better tracking & speed
- Open and close drain valve, 5 deluxe 1-way inflation/deflation valves
- The Intex Challenger K2 Kayak is sporty and fun with a streamlined design for easy paddling
- The bright green color and sporty graphics make the kayak highly visible in the water
- 2 86 inch aluminum paddles and an Intex high output pump for easy inflation and deflation
- Made of company's rugged, super tough vinyl that's puncture and UV damage resistant for long term durability
- Measures 30 by 15 by 138 inches (W x H x D) inflated, with 400 pound maximum weight limit; Includes 2 86 inch aluminum oars, high capacity pump, and repair patch kit
- An advanced tactical angling kayak (A. T. A. K. ) that is compatible with the Helix MD motor drive
- Featuring an open design that can be customized to meet the demands of any kayak fisherman and environment
- The deck is highly walkable and stable, yet remains nimble and stealth
- Patented suspension-style seat for all day comfort and performance; high, low and recline positions allow for great visibility and stability
- Adjustable Keepers XL Footbraces - Large, padded footrests for support and comfort; easy to adjust locking lever
- Includes: carry bag, repair kit, detachable skew, 2 seats and an owners manual
- Color: blue/white
- 1 or 2 person
References
If you require more information, please check these references
FSI modeling of a propulsion system based on compliant hydrofoils in a tandem configuration , article, "www.sciencedirect.com", retrieved on, Fri 17-July-2020
Adaptive Kayak Seating: The Tide Rider 360 , article, "digitalcommons.calpoly.edu", retrieved on, Fri 17-July-2020
Kayakcraft: fine woodstrip kayak construction , article, "books.google.co.uk", retrieved on, Fri 17-July-2020