Tandem kayaking is a fun and healthy way to get outside and spend some time with friends, family, or even your dog! All tandem kayaks are not created equal, and you can find a tandem kayak that suits your kayaking needs specifically, whether that means for sport, for fishing or just for a bit of relaxing fun out on the water.
Shopping For A Tandem Kayak
What makes a kayak tandem?
This may seem obvious! But for those not in the know, a tandem kayak is a kayak that can hold more than one person at a time. While the name tandem does imply two, there are many kayaks available that can fit two adults and a smaller child or dog, or even three adults.
In the same breathe, there are many tandem kayaks that have adjustable seats, meaning that if you have one of these tandem kayaks, but none of your friends or family are available to join you, you are able to use these tandem kayaks as a solo kayak. These kayaks are really versatile and therefore, good value for money!
A few questions to ask yourself before buying a tandem kayak
- How much money do you want to spend on a tandem kayak?
- How many people are going to be kayaking with?
- Are you going to be kayaking with a young child?
- Are you going to be kayaking with your dog?
- What kind of waters are you going to be tandem kayaking in? (eg. stiller waters like lakes or choppier waters like the ocean or some rivers)
- Do you want an inflatable or a rigid tandem kayak?
- Are you going to be camping in your tandem kayak? If so, how much space will you need?
- What is the combined weight of you, of the person or persons you are going kayaking with, as well as the weight of your gear?
Which is better, an inflatable tandem kayak or a rigid tandem kayak?
As with all kinds of kayaks, tandem kayaks are available as inflatable or rigid. Inflatable kayaks may seem like they would be less reliable, but this is hardly true. Inflatable kayaks can also be a great choice for beginners, as they are usually cheaper and very easy to transport.
Rigid kayaks are also a good choice for tandem beginners, as they are very hard to damage and they are usually incredibly stable, and there is a lot less work to do to set your kayak up.
So the short answer is that they both have pros and cons for beginners. We have included both rigid and inflatable tandem kayaks in our list, and you can read through them and decide what is best for you and your kayaking buddy!
Best Tandem Kayaks on The Market
Below we’ve compiled a list of what we truly believe to be the best tandem kayaks available right now. We have been thorough and included all the pros and cons, to enable you and your kayaking partner to make the best decision possible!
1. Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Kayak
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Kayak is one that you are going to come across again and again, as it really is one of the best! This rigid tandem kayak has space for two adult kayakers, as well as space for a small child or a dog, which makes this kayak a great choice for families that want to spend some together out on the lake.
What we like:
- The weight capacity of this kayak is a seriously impressive 425 pounds (or 193 kilograms)
- This kayak has patented overlapping footrests, which add to the comfort of this tandem kayak. The seats are also adjustable and can be adjusted for comfort and for turning this tandem kayak into a solo kayak
- There are carrying handles built into the bow and stern of this kayak, making transporting this kayak a breeze for you and your partner
- This kayak comes in different options, some of which are very affordable
- There is ample space in this kayak for all of your and partner’s gear
What we didn’t like:
- One of the most frequent complaints of this kayak is that there are not many choices of color, which is not much when it comes to cons!
2. Sea Eagle SE370 Tandem Inflatable Kayak
The Sea Eagle SE370 Tandem Inflatable Kayak comes in at just over 12 feet. This kayak is one of the fastest inflating kayaks out there, taking only eight minutes to fully inflate. This inflatable kayak has built in space for storage as well as skegs.
What we like:
- This is a tandem kayak, but the seats can be adjusted in order to turn it into a three person kayak, perfect for larger groups or small families
- This kayak comes with paddles, which is always a plus as it is money saving!
- This kayak is very affordable
- This kayak is incredibly durable, it is even safe to bring dogs along in it (their nails will not puncture the PVC)
- If you do suffer a puncture to this inflatable kayak, it does not take a long time to patch up. You also get a puncture kit and a pressure gauge when you buy this kayak
What we didn’t like:
This kayak is more difficult to steer and control with two people, which is not that great seeing as it is meant for tandem kayaking
Side note: Between the 330 and the 370, larger or taller individuals may opt for the 370 because of the extra leg space. The difference can go a long way on lengthy trips out on the water.
3. Old Town Dirigo Tandem Kayak
This one is for the serious kayakers! The Old Town Dirigo Tandem Kayak is the tandem version of the popular old town dirigo solo kayak. This rigid kayak has two large and spacious cockpits and carry handles, a perfect starter tandem kayak!
What we like:
- The quality of this kayak is incredibly high
- This tandem kayak is incredibly lightweight and is therefore really easy to transport
- This kayak is comfortable, the seat is padded and there are adjustable foot braces and thigh pads, meaning that you can be out on the water all day comfortably!
- This kayak has very easily accessible storage spaces, as well as dry hatches for all your electronics
What we didn’t like:
- This tandem kayak is a bit unstable in rougher waters
4. Sea Eagle 330 W Tandem Inflatable Kayak
The Sea Eagle 330 W Tandem Inflatable Kayak is an incredibly stable inflatable kayak. This inflatable kayak is constructed with high quality materials (polykrylar), and is very difficult to puncture. If you do however manage to tear or puncture the kayak, you will be prepared as the kayak comes with a repair kit.
What we like:
- This inflatable tandem kayak is very affordable, perfect for those of you just starting out tandem kayaking!
- The setup and inflation of this inflatable kayak is very quick and easy
- This inflatable kayak comes with a 180 day risk free trial, as well as a three year warranty
- This inflatable kayak comes with adjustable seats so you can change it into a solo kayak
- This inflatable kayak comes with a paddle, a foot pump, a repair kit and a carry bag
What we didn’t like:
- The tracking of this inflatable kayak is not very good
- This tandem kayak only comes with one paddle
5. Advanced Elements AE1007 Inflatable Tandem Kayak
The Advanced Elements AE1007 Inflatable Tandem Kayak is so impressive, as this sit-in kayak actually is available with interchangeable conversion decks, meaning that you are able to create the exact kind of kayak you want that day! You can make it an open deck, a double deck (for tandem kayakers) or a single deck (for solo kayakers).
What we like:
- This kayak comes with a built in pressure relief valve, as well as built in aluminum ribs which define the stern and the bow, and make for great tracking out on the water
- This kayak is constructed with three layers of material, making it very resistant to punctures
- This kayak has three potential seat locations
- This inflatable kayak comes with padded and adjustable back supports for comfort, it also has adjustable paddle seats which means that you will be comfortable enough to be out paddling for hours
- This inflatable kayak comes with a built in skeg tracking fin
- This kayak comes with two folding seats
What we didn’t like:
- This inflatable kayak does take some time to inflate and deflate, which may be too time consuming for first time kayakers
6. Delta Kayaks 20 Tandem Kayak
The Delta Kayaks 20 Tandem Kayak is a rigid kayak that is made up of stiff and reliable ABS plastic material, and is coated with acrylic which provides extra protection against scratches and wear and tear from being out in the sun a lot.
What we like:
- The cost of this tandem kayak is quite low, perfect for first timers!
- This tandem kayak has an impressive weight capacity of 700 pounds (or 317 kilograms)
- This tandem kayak comes with adjustable foot braces for comfort
- This tandem kayak comes with both bow and stern bungee deck rigging for gear storage
- This tandem kayak has built in rubber grab handles which makes it easier for you and your kayaking partner to transport the kayak
What we didn’t like:
- This tandem, kayak is pretty heavy, making transporting it difficult, especially for beginners
- This tandem kayak is quite expensive
7. Advanced Elements Lagoon 2 Inflatable Tandem Kayak
The Advanced Elements Lagoon 2 Inflatable Tandem Kayak is a vibrant orange colour, which is actually a safety feature as it makes you highly visible. This is a really good thing for newer kayakers seeing as anyone else on the water will be able to see you.
What we like:
- This inflatable kayak is really lightweight (one kayaker is able to steer and maneuver the boat even with another kayaker inside of it) and it tracks very well
- This inflatable tandem kayak is very stable, perfect and safe for beginners
- This inflatable kayak is made of very durable material, meaning that it will not tear or puncture easily, and it comes with a puncture kit
What we didn’t like:
- There is not a lot of space for storage in this tandem kayak
- This inflatable kayak does not come with a pump, which is not ideal for an inflatable kayak and will cost you more to buy a pump, it also does not come with paddle
8. Lifetime Sport Fisher Tandem Fishing Kayak
The Lifetime Sport Fisher Tandem Fishing Kayak is 10 feet long, and is a great fishing kayak for both tandem and solo kayakers.
What we like:
- This fishing kayak has a weight capacity of 500 pounds (or 227 kilograms), meaning that you two can safely throw in all of your fishing gear, this kayak is also able to comfortably hold three kayakers
- This kayak has a tunnel hull, and is extremely balanced, which means that you can safely fish standing up if you so desire
- This kayak is constructed of light weight high-density polyethylene which is incredibly durable
- The price of this fishing kayak is not very high
What we didn’t like:
- This tandem fishing kayak is very wide so it can be difficult to transport
- Because this kayak wide, it is not the right choice for those looking for a fishing kayak capable of speed
The decision between an inflatable or rigid tandem kayak, or the desired weight capacity or amount of storage space is unique to you and your kayaking partner! We hope that this list has helped steer you and your buddy in the right direction!