If you don’t like to paddle alone,
or if your spouse or significant other isn’t comfortable
paddling their own boat, consider a tandem kayak. Tandem kayaks
are larger, of course, and more expensive, and harder to paddle
solo. But, like a bicycle built for two, tandem boats can be lots
of fun, too.
On the plus side, tandem kayaks are a versatile
beast. They have lots of storage room, they can be paddled solo in
a pinch, and they’re great for teaching a child or a beginning
adult kayaker the ropes. And you won’t have the worry of
watching a less skilled companion going ahead of you into rapids
in a solo kayak.
And if you’re a beginner yourself, there’s
not better way to learn the ropes than to share a tandem kayak
with a more experienced partner. Paddle for a few months in a
tandem with a good paddler, and you’ll be ready to go it alone
with confidence and the skills necessary to keep up.
Now it
goes without saying that a tandem arrangement will only work if
both parties get along and can work well as a team. Nothing’s
worse on the water than two paddling companions that are
constantly bickering about where to go and how to get there. And
kids need to understand that the adult in the boat will be making
the important decisions and leading the way.
Another
consideration with tandem kayaks is the fact that they’re
heavier and less suited for spur-of-the moment paddling runs. And
they’re less nimble and maneuverable in rapids, holes, and other
whitewater situations. On the plus side, tandem boats make great
fishing platforms, and if you go solo, there’s lots of extra
room for your fishing gear in the extra cockpit.
If you’re
not in the best of physical condition, a tandem can be a good
choice. With a tandem kayak, you can let your partner carry the
load at times, and visa versa. This is especially helpful during
long excursions over open water, or when a nasty headwind or a
squall rises up out of nowhere. And if for some reason you get
injured or sick during the trip, it’s a lot easier to get out of
the backcountry in a tandem than trying to tow out a single boat.
So
all in all, a tandem kayak might be the right choice. Just assess
your needs – both now and in the future – consult with your
spouse or partner, and then take a tandem for a test drive to see
if it’s a right fit for you.
Can't Afford A New Boat? Consider A Used One!
If you're on a tight budget, or if you're new to
the sport of kayaking and you don't want to invest a ton of money
on a new boat, consider the option of buying a used one. Many used
kayaks have only been on the water a few times, and there are some
great deals out there, especially if you shop out of season. If
you're buying from an online auction, always factor in the
shipping charges and the seller's feedback rating.
If you do go the online auction route, it's hard
to beat the selection and quality reputation of eBay. Everyone's
heard of eBay, of course, and this online auction pioneer has a
great website, literally thousands of auctions running night and
day, a secure system for handling online payments, and a way to
check on a buyer's and seller's track record with the company.
Click on the link below to check out what eBay
has to offer.
eBay.com
Great deals on used kayaks and kayking equipment.
