About to buy a kayak? You might be wondering whether to go for a single or a double tandem. Both options have their perks, but your choice ultimately depends on the kind of adventures you have in mind.
Prefer the solitude of a solo paddle? Love the camaraderie that comes with having someone along for the ride? Either way, it's important to weigh up the pros and cons of each to find the perfect kayak for your needs.
Keep reading to learn all about single kayaks or double kayaks.
Single Kayaks vs. Double Kayaks: The Basics
Let’s start with the basics. Whether it's inflatable, modular or hard shell, a single kayak comes with a seating area or cockpit designed for one person. While they vary drastically depending on the kayak type, they are typically light, easy to maneuver, and perfect if you prefer a bit of peace and quiet on the water.
Single kayaks also give you full control— when and where to go, how fast, and how to navigate through those tricky spots. This is why they’re often used for personal fitness or solo exploration.
Double kayaks, or tandem kayaks as they’re sometimes known, are built for two or three people. In terms of hard shell models, they’re heavier and often bulkier, but the great thing about them is that you don’t have to do all the paddling by yourself.
These kayaks are ideal for partners, families, or friends who want to share the experience, and the extra paddler really helps to lighten the load, both on and off the water.
What to Consider
As you decide between a single or a double kayak, a few practical considerations come into play—most of all, these include how you’ll transport and store it, whether you’ll be primarily kayaking solo or with someone else, and how much you’re willing to spend.
Let’s break it all down in a bit more detail.
#1 - Transport
When it comes to transportation, single kayaks win hands down. Being smaller, lighter and usually shorter, they’re much simpler to load onto your car’s roof rack. If you’re paddling alone, this makes a big difference and opens the door to more spontaneous adventures. You’ll likely be better able to handle it on your own without much hassle (depending on the make and model).
Double kayaks, on the other hand, are generally a little heavier and take up more space, which means you’ll usually need adequate roof racks, and an extra set of hands to get it from A to B. However, if you're kayaking with a companion, transporting a double kayak can be easier than loading two single kayaks—after all, the more help you have, the easier the process will be.
#2 - Storage
Storage is always an important consideration when you’re planning to purchase a new kayak. Do you have enough spare space at home? Will you need to buy new storage racks, a hoist, covers, and straps? Weigh up these kinds of questions beforehand andmeasure carefully and make plans to set up a proper storage space before the kayak is purchased.
Single kayaks are generally easier to store because they take up less room, making them a great option if you can store it somewhere inside, or if the garage or backyard isn’t all that spacious. Simply prop it up against a wall or hang it from a hoist or storage rack. Feel free to read our recent blog to find out the best ways of storing your kayak!
Being larger, double kayaks naturally require more space (unless they’re inflatable). Depending on the model, you might need to clear out a bit of extra room or invest in a storage solution like a wall rack or hoist.
No matter which type of kayak you choose, it’s always wise to protect it from the elements and maintain your craft. Be sure to check out our guide to ‘Basic Kayak Maintenance’ for more info!
#3 - Solo vs Group Expeditions
Single kayaks are fantastic for anyone that enjoys solo trips. They give you the freedom to paddle at your own pace, explore on your terms, and soak it all in. Whether you’re kayaking for fitness, exploration, or a bit of quiet time, a single kayak puts you in total control.
If you’re more of a social paddler, a double kayak is the way to go. Sharing the experience with someone else (whether it's a friend, partner, or family member) can make the trip more enjoyable and less tiring.
With two people paddling, you’ll move faster and can take turns resting if needed. It’s also a great bonding experience as you take in the sights together. Double kayaks and canoes are very popular for families with small kids too. Paddling is a great family experience and fun way to get kids active and enjoying the outdoors.
#4 - Price
The cost of a kayak will always vary from brand to brand. If we’re talking about comparable models, single kayaks are usually the cheaper option because they're smaller and simpler. Double kayaks of a similar style will often have a higher price tag.
However, if you’re planning to paddle with a partner, you may be able to share the cost of a double kayak. This is generally a more affordable route than purchasing two single kayaks. It's all about what you need and how often you'll be kayaking together. Keep in mind that if budget is a concern, think about how often you'll be kayaking alone versus with others—this may help to guide your decision.
In the end, the choice between a single and double kayak in part depends on how often and where and you plan to use it. If you're after freedom and flexibility, a single kayak might be your best bet. But if you're all about paddling with a partner or kids and sharing the experience, a double kayak could make every adventure more fun!
#5 - Paddling Experience
Single kayaks give you full control and let you set your own pace. They’re perfect for solo adventurers who enjoy the peace of paddling alone. Of course, this also means that the responsibility to move and navigate through the water rests solely on your shoulders.
On the other hand, double kayaks are designed for teamwork and generally designed for recreational paddling. Tandem kayaking works best when all paddlers are in sync and share the load. In this sense, it can make the trip more enjoyable and less tiring. With two people paddling, you’ll cover more ground and share the effort, which can be particularly beneficial for younger, older or more inexperienced paddlers.
Exploring Your Options
Here comes the fun part. Now that we’ve covered some of the key considerations, let’s check out some of the many brilliant single and double kayaks you can find at PaddleZone.
Point 65 Sweden Raider (Single Kayak)
This is a fantastic recreational and entry level touring kayak. Founded in 1996, Point 65 is a world-renowned brand from Sweden, and their current models are just as good as they’ve always been.
Available in a range of bright and vibrant colours, the Point 65 Raider has a large cockpit for ease of access (even for larger paddlers), as well as a high deck to keep your legs comfortable while paddling and dispel excess chop. Suitable for day trips and medium-distance touring.
Hurricane USA Santee 140 Tandem
Measuring 4.27m or 14 feet in length and weighing 26 kg, the Santee 140 strikes a great balance between speed and stability. Its hull design features a moderate width and a slight V-shaped bottom, providing excellent stability without sacrificing efficiency. This makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers looking for a reliable and comfortable kayak for recreational outings.
Riot CA Quest 10 (Single Kayak)
Riot is another brand that manufactures top-tier single kayaks. The Quest 10 model is a super stable and short day recreational kayak designed for general paddling and touring/exploring on gentle waters. Its stable hull and generously sized cockpit will appeal to first time paddlers and provide plenty of confidence to get on the water and go paddling!
At just over 14kg, the Quest 9.5 kayak is also lightweight and easy to handle on or off the water, including loading/unloading onto a car roof rack.
The Prijon Piave GFK (Double Kayak)
Direct from the shores of Italy, the Prijon Piave GFK is a premium double kayak that’s perfect for navigating bays, inlets, lakes, and rivers. If you’re in the market for a lightweight double/tandem kayak with uncompromised quality, a seriously comfortable seat and don't mind spending a bit more for these features, then this could just be the perfect option!
Explore Our Full Collection of Single and Double Kayaks
From local brands to some of the world’s best, PaddleZone is the number one destination for kayaks in Australia. Whether you’ve settled on single kayaks or double kayaks, we’ve got options to match anyone’s personal preference!
In addition to an excellent range of kayaks for sale, we also supply everything from paddles to clothing, accessories, and a whole lot more.
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