For most of us in the Northern Hemisphere, spring is really and truly here, and summer is on its way. Which means many things, but among them: new gear shopping. Yes, lots of folks I know are trying out new or new-to-them bikes, skates, boats, surfboards (one of my students told me he bought a sweet used one last week), and who knows what all.
I have joined in, having declared myself officially on the market for a (hopefully used in nice condition) tandem kayak. But Catherine, you might ask, don’t you already have a kayak?
Seriously, though: I did buy a lovely single kayak two years ago. You can see pictures of it here. It’s lightweight and fast in the water. But, it never quite suited me. Kayaks are like bikes in that they need to feel right. I never felt completely comfortable in it for a bunch of reasons. It’s a great boat, just not for me.
So, why a tandem kayak? Glad you asked. I found, over the last couple of years, that virtually all of the kayaking I want to do will be on flat-ish water, either on rivers or calm coastal waters. I really enjoy just paddling and hanging out, chatting with friends, gliding on the water, enjoying nature and the scenery.
My serious kayaker friends will do this with me occasionally, but it’s not their usual thing. My occasional kayaking friends don’t tend to have their own boats, so we’re limited to places where they can get rentals. This is fine, but I like the freedom and options that come with having your own equipment.
Enter the tandem. Spots for me and a guest of my choosing. Perfect, right? I can load the boat on top of the car, stuff a friend inside the car, and head to a scenic waterway whenever mood and weather are in sync.
What are the downsides, you might wonder? I’ve thought of this. Here are a few:
- Tandem kayaks are heavier, longer and more unwieldy than single ones to load and unload
- I won’t be able to paddle a tandem by myself, so I’m required to recruit another person when I want to go on the water
- Tandems are more expensive than single kayaks
- Tandems handle less elegantly than single kayaks
Let me take these obstacles in no particular order. First, there are some perfectly fine used tandems out there (I’ve already got my eye on one); I don’t need a new and expensive boat. Second, it’s true that I may need a friend to help me load and unload the boat, but I accept that challenge. Also, speaking of needing another person: I did not once take my current kayak out to paddle by myself. I don’t think it’s safe, and also it’s not as fun as kayaking with a friend. So the fact that I need another person is actually the whole point of buying a kayak-built-for-two.
Finally, I’ve found that I am not looking for elegance and fancy handling in a kayak. My current kayak is pretty elegant, but that’s not me. What’s me is enjoying being out on the water with others, and this will help me achieve that goal. Well, that’s the plan.
So, I’m selling my current boat to make room for the new-to-me one. I’ll post pictures once these transactions are done.
So, dear readers: do any of you own tandem kayaks? What do you recommend? Any other tips? I’d love to hear any advice you’ve got for me.
