How To Kayak 2 Person? The Proper Way
If you are a pro at kayaking, you would know the allure of solo kayaking and how it gives you a sense of freedom. But dual kayaking can be fun also if you know how to kayak 2 person! Usually, it is not much different than going solo.
While individual kayaking can be done for work out, fishing purpose, or simply chilling on your own, kayaking with a partner can be a fun sport on another level. Instead of having two single kayaks, you can simply buy a tandem kayak or 2 person kayak.
This means you and your partner both would be paddling and enjoying together! But before that, it is important to buy the perfect kayak. For example, the Intex Explorer k2 kayak is a decent kayak that can accommodate two adults.
Related review: You can read about “Intex Challenger k1 Kayak” [Read here], “Intex Explorer K2 Kayak” [Read here], and “Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak” [Read here]
How to Kayak 2 Person
Normally, a single kayaker doesn’t need many gears to operate the boat. After getting on it, you just must keep paddling to keep the boat on track. However, the built style of a solo and a tandem kayak is quite different from each other.
A 2 person kayak is obviously going to be bigger in both length and width. The longer and broader structure of the boat allows it to have more steadiness and a straight safe line. Not to mention the importance of both kayaker’s combined effort.
The paddling has to be synchronized for the kayak to reach the target destination. The length also makes it tough to maneuver the boat with ease. But with some simple tips and tricks, dual kayaking should mean a smooth water cruising experience for you.
Finding the Right Kayak
This is by far the first and the most important step when you are planning a kayaking voyage. Because you can never achieve the best kayaking adventure without a quality kayak. While there are several brands available, you need to figure out which one is best for you.
There are solo kayaks like Intex Challenger k1, fishing kayaks like Pelican Maxim 100, tandem kayaks, etc. Then you also have to see if the kayaks are suitable for your preferred water bodies. Not all kayaks can be used in open or wild water conditions.
For example, you can use inflatable kayaks in kayak pools, calm rivers, ponds, etc. But for open locations like the ocean or bumpy rivers, hard-shelled kayaks are the best. So, make sure to purchase one that fulfills your requirement.
For the dual kayaking, you can choose a touring or all-rounder kayak. Former ones have a longer front than the latter ones. They are also better suited for long-distance. For balanced and smooth movements, allrounders are better.
If you and your partner are new at kayaking, choose the allrounders. After getting the perfect kayak, you can proceed to the next steps!
Sitting in the Kayak:
The paddler who is going to be in the front must get in the seat first, leaving the back part of the boat in the water. The rear kayaker should climb in after pushing the kayak in the water. It’s better if the experienced one handles the rear seat.
Timing of the Paddling:
A solo kayaker doesn’t have to mind others when paddling the boat. However, in a dual kayak, the timing of both kayaker’s strokes is important. As they have to sit in close proximity, the chances of their paddles clashing with each other increases.
The paddles of kayaks are usually long. Hence, you should be careful with your paddle timing. But this is not that difficult as it may sound at first. Just practice for a few minutes and figure out the exact timing of your frontward strokes.
Front Paddler’s Role:
Due to the design of a kayak, it’s obvious that the front paddler can’t see the one in the back. So, it is the front one’s job to control the pace while the rear paddler adjusts his rhythm. However, the rear kayaker guides the boat.
If you want your boat to go straight, keep paddling with the same beat. Remember, the front one’s rhythm should be constant throughout the ride. If you want to change the course, the rear kayaker has to adjust his force accordingly.
Rear Paddler’s Role
As the kayaker in the back can see what is happening in the front, he or she should be one to adjust the peddling. This is important because by synchronizing with the front paddler, they could easily get the desired speed and stability.
If you are a rear paddler, you need to adjust your paddling force depending on what direction you want to go. If you want your kayak to go right, you have to stroke on the left side. If you want to go left, do the opposite.
The strength of the paddler in the back is quite essential for maneuvering the kayak. Hence, the more powerful or the experienced one should take up the role of the rear kayaker. But overall teamwork is important for completing a course.
Have Patience:
2 person kayaking is a combination of teamwork, trust, and interaction with each other. One could be strong or both could be average in terms of power, teamwork is the key here.
For first timer kayakers, you might not get it right at your first attempts. But that’s okay. Do not lose patience as more and more practice can easily solve these issues. Just maintain the collaboration and communication with your partner. You’ll achieve success in no time.
It is recommended to start 2 person kayaking with a friend or family member. That way, you can totally trust your partner and enjoy the kayaking!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do you do a two person kayak?
Answer: Usually, both the paddlers have to maintain synergy in a two-person kayak. The front paddler controls the pace of the paddling. And the rear paddler has to guide the boat or change the course direction with his powerful strokes.
Can you use a 2 person kayak with 1 person?
Answer: Yes, you can use a 2 person kayak as a solo paddler by moving your sitting position. These days, most tandem kayaks are designed to adjust the back seat forward if necessary. Thus, your weight can be shifted to a more suitable place for solo kayaking.
Is it easier to kayak single or double?
Answer: A double kayak is easier because two people have to paddle at the same time. If one needs to take rest, the other can keep paddling to get it going. Whereas, a solo kayak means the kayaker must keep paddling to reach the destination.
Final Thoughts:
While solo kayaking gives you the liberty of free movements, dual kayaking teaches you to work in a group. And once you get skilled at harmonizing paddling with your partner, the rest becomes easier and more exciting!
You may not feel this at first, but kayaking with friends and family is hands down one of the best recreational activities ever! Even if you are a solo kayaker, try having a partner sometimes because you will have much more fun with them.
Image Source: stock.adobe.com
