Kayaking is an ever popular experience for adventure sports enthusiasts. Previously, kayaking was a singles endeavor, one person per boat. Now, pairs and even families can take advantage of tandem kayaks. Together, you can travel gorgeous oceans, still fresh-water lakes, roaring rapids or hidden tributaries in a tandem kayak.

Tandem kayaks are also called doubles since they can hold two people in the same boat. A tandem kayak is really ideal for the newbie who is a bit shy of being on the water alone. Team up, feel secure and share the fun of a tandem kayak.

The only rules you should follow are self imposed. Experienced boaters bring kids, friends and even pets along for the ride in a tandem kayak. A great thing about doubles is that the second passenger doesn’t actually have to do any paddling. If they are inexperienced, disinclined or incapable of paddling, that’s fine. They can simply enjoy the scenery and the luxury of being on the water.

A tandem kayak is wider than the single standard single style. This actually makes a tandem kayak more stable in the water giving your passenger a sense of security.

Kayaking in tandem is a great option for families. Depending on the age of your children, very young kids can sit in an adult’s lap or two children can ride between Mom and Dad where they can enjoy the water and still stay under their watchful parent’s eyes.

The most important question you need to ask before heading out is “Who is sitting where?” To ensure a smooth and safe journey, seating arrangement must be considered.

Consider weight and size of everyone in the party and try to divvy up as evenly as possible per boat. If the more experienced kayaker sits in the rear then he or she can properly direct the boat since the person seated in back steers. Sometimes, even the weight of paddle will determine seating arrangements; but remember that the greater weight should be kept to the rear seat.

Every pair of boaters needs to work together as a team. If both of the riders is are paddling, the kayak makes very good speed across the water. Try to paddle in rhythm for maximum efficiency. Keeping a steady rhythm is the quickest kayaking method when paddles aren’t clashing.

Try kayaking in tandem with your family and keep in mind that teamwork is the main ingredient for success.

This entry was posted on Sunday, June 1st, 2008 at 1:48 am and is filed under Kayaking. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.