Tandem kayaking is a great activity for family, friends, couples, and even like-minded paddlers learning for the first time. However, as with all types of kayaking, it's hard to understate the importance of applying the correct technique.
Apply the right technique, and it’s likely to be a smooth journey. Apply the wrong technique, and you’ll be in for a rocky ride. So, what are the best ways to balance a tandem kayak? We’ve compiled a quick list of tips and tricks to help you get started!
Understanding Tandem Kayaks
Tandem kayaks (or double kayaks) are designed for two or more paddlers to share a single craft. Some models, like the Riot Escape Duo, even allow room for an additional child or pet. The biggest advantage of using one is that instead of managing two separate kayaks, you only have to transport and store one. It also allows for teamwork, where you can both share the effort of paddling and navigating.
That said, it’s not just about hopping straight in and paddling away without a care in the world. The way you distribute weight, paddle in sync, and communicate with your paddling partner will all have a huge impact on how smooth and stable your journey will be.
Plan for Your Partner
Whether you’re using brand-new tandem kayaks or using one from an existing collection, always think about who you’ll be paddling with. Height, experience level, weight, and personal preferences each play a role, so carefully consider these and make a sensible choice.
If one of you is significantly larger, they should ideally sit in the back, as this will help with weight distribution and steering. If one paddler is more of a beginner, the more experienced should also take the rear position as they’ll have better control over the kayak’s direction.
The paddle stroke speed is usually led by the front paddler, so understanding paddling technique is important, but communication is still the key to maintaining a consistent paddle stroke. Try to stay in time with each other and apply even power in your strokes.
Discussing everyone’s comfort level beforehand is also important. Some people prefer extra cushioning, while others need more back support. Sit in the kayak together before heading out to see if it feels right for both of you.
Find the Right Kayak Type
The type of tandem craft you choose will depend on where and how you plan to use it. There are three main types: sit-on-top,sit-in and canoes.
Sit-on-top kayaks are open, making them easier to enter and exit. They’re ideal for recreational paddling in warm weather and calm waters. If you’re looking for a relaxed kayaking experience where you can dip your feet in the water, this is the way to go.
Sit-in kayaks, on the other hand, have enclosed cockpits that offer protection from wind and splashing water. They’re generally better suited to cooler conditions or rougher waters because of their ability to keep you drier and warmer during long paddles.
Canoes feature an open deck, bench style seats and a wider hull, providing more storage space but generally move slower in the water, propelled with a single blade paddle. Canoes vary in design depending on their intended use, including recreational, touring, whitewater, and racing types, each optimised for stability, speed, and maneuverability
Find the Right Location
The kind of water you’ll be paddling on affects your choice of kayak and technique. For calm lakes or slow-moving rivers, a wide and stable tandem kayak will generally work best. If you’re venturing into choppy waters or the ocean, a longer, narrow kayak will give you better speed and tracking.
Inflatable tandem kayaks are great for flatwater paddling since they’re lightweight and easy to transport. However, for longer distances, a touring kayak will allow you to move more efficiently with less effort.
Balance Your Weight Properly
Weight distribution is so important in a tandem kayak. If one side is heavier than the other, you’ll constantly be fighting to stay balanced and straight. The back paddler should be slightly heavier to help with stability, but the front paddler shouldn’t be too light, or the bow might lift too much and make it harder to steer.
If you’re carrying gear, distribute it evenly and keep heavier items low in the kayak to maintain a low centre of gravity and enhance stability. Some tandem kayaks may have built-in storage compartments, which will certainly help to keep things both secure and well-balanced.
Paddle in Sync
Paddling out of sync is one of the biggest mistakes beginner tandem paddlers tend to make. If both paddlers are dipping their paddles in the water at different times, the kayak will rock back and forth (sometimes leading to an unexpected capsize). In turn, this will create a situation where it's difficult to steer and maintain the right balance.
So, what’s the ideal way to go about it? The general recommendations are that the front paddler should set the rhythm while the back paddler follows. This helps to keep the strokes consistent and prevents clashing paddles. Another good rule of thumb is to call out a steady count or watch each other’s movements to match strokes.
Steer with Control
In a tandem kayak, the rear paddler actually does most of the steering. Instead of making large, forceful strokes, the front paddler should make gentle corrections to keep the kayak on track. If you need to turn, the back paddler can use a sweep stroke (a wide arc) on one side while the front paddler keeps paddling normally.
A rudder or skeg can also help with tracking (especially in windy conditions). If your kayak has one, use it to assist with direction rather than relying entirely on paddling adjustments.
Check Legroom and Seating
Being cramped in a tandem kayak can make long trips uncomfortable. When testing a kayak, make sure both paddlers have enough legroom and that the seats provide adequate back support. Some models come with adjustable footrests, which can help paddlers of different sizes find a comfortable position.
If you’re renting a kayak or buying one without trying it first, look for reviews that mention seat comfort and legroom. The last thing you want is to feel stiff and sore after a few hours on the water.
Consider Stability and Handling
A stable kayak makes for a more enjoyable experience, especially when paddling with a partner. Wider hulls provide more stability, making it easier to enter and exit. However, a kayak that’s too wide can be harder to manoeuvre, so it’s all about finding a balance that suits your needs.
Handling is another factor to keep in mind. If you plan on kayaking in tighter spaces like winding rivers, a shorter tandem kayak with good turning ability is a better option. For open-water paddling, a longer kayak with better tracking will make covering distances easier.
Think About Storage Needs
If you’re planning a longer kayaking trip, storage is something you’ll definitely need to consider. Some tandem kayaks have waterproof hatches for keeping gear dry, while others come with bungee straps for securing larger items on the deck.
Fishing kayaks, for example, often come with built-in rod holders and extra storage compartments for tackle and gear. If you’re bringing camping equipment or food, look for a kayak with enough storage space to accommodate everything you need.
Check Out Some Great Tandem Kayaks
If you’re looking for a quality tandem kayak, here are a few great options currently available at PaddleZone:
Riot Escape Duo Light
This tandem kayak is designed for versatility, offering a spacious layout that comfortably seats two adults and a child. It’s stable, easy to paddle, and great for fishing or family outings.
Scorpio Swordfish Series II Double Sea Kayak
A fantastic choice for touring, fishing, or photography, this kayak is suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. It’s durable, comfortable, and well-balanced for long trips.
Hurricane USA Santee 140 Tandem
Made from lightweight polyethylene, this sit-in kayak is designed for comfort and performance. It features adjustable Airstream seats for long paddling sessions and offers great durability.
Start Tandem Kayaking in Style with PaddleZone
Tandem kayaking can be an amazing experience when you and your partner work together. Keeping the right balance, paddling in sync, and choosing a kayak that’s comfortable for both paddlers will all make a world of difference.
At PaddleZone, we’ve got a fantastic range of kayaks for sale in Australia, including everything from tandem kayaks to recreational kayaks, sea kayaks, and more. As paddlers ourselves, we have highly knowledgeable staff who are more than happy to offer expert advice, recommendations and guidance.
We want all of our customers to have the best paddling experience and enjoy kayaking just as much as we do! So, feel free to check out our great range of kayaks right here online, and don’t forget to stock up on paddles, kayaking accessories, clothing, and safety equipment that you might need.
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