An inexperienced one with a kayak would be in danger if he chose to kayak on the sea. Besides, kayaking on water would be easy if you have kayaks for a respective area.
Paddling in a tandem kayak requires coordination and teamwork, which can lead to a deeper bond between paddlers. Tandem kayaks are also faster and more efficient than single kayaks, making them ideal for exploring. If you are willing to enjoy sea kayaking over the danger then the tandem sea kayaks leave the mark for now.
There are some dangers associated with this activity that people should be aware of before they head out on the sea.
- First, the weather can change quickly and unexpectedly in coastal areas, which can make conditions dangerous for kayakers.
- Second, strong currents and tides can make it difficult to paddle back to shore.
- Third, wildlife such as seals and sharks can pose a threat to kayakers as well as they can damage kayaks.
There are numerous options, but difficult to choose from. Even intermediate kayakers struggle in purchasing the best tandem sea kayak in the kayak world. That’s why we enlist the top tandem sea kayak, including lake and water kayaks, and review them by researching every topic.
Top 6 Tandem Sea Kayak List
- Intex Excursion Pro
- Sevylor Big Basin
- Lifetime Youth Wave (Paddle Included)
- Solstice by Swimline Durango
- Sevylor Fiji
- Airhead Montana
Title | Features | Included | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Intex Excursion Pro | - 2 removable skews - 2 integrated recessed fishing rod holders | - 2 Paddles - Carry bag | Check Price |
Sevylor Big Basin | - Guaranteed airtight system - Multiple air chambers | - Spray covers block | Check Price |
Sevylor Fiji 2 | - Guaranteed airtight system - Two locking point | - Spray covers block | Check Price |
Lifetime Youth Wave | - Molded finger handles - Multiple footrest position | - A Youth Paddle | Check Price |
Airhead Montana Kayak | - Lightweight, portable - Movable & removable seats | - Carry handles | Check Price |
1. Top Pick: Intex Excursion Pro
The special kayak always leads you to a significant moment. A moment to capture the adventure and feelings that don’t fade away. This Intex excursion pro keeps the momentum available for any situation to enjoy every second.
Three-ply super tough construction coated with PVC polyester makes the Intex kayak lightweight and highly resistant to abrasion damage.
Besides, the design is flawless. High-pressure spring-loaded valves take care of easy inflation and fast deflation. It includes both standard directional skeg and shallow water directional skeg.
You can change your kayak direction without facing any difficulties.
Moreover, this Intex excursion pro kayak 2-person inflatable kayak is the kayak that needs intermediate kayaking and is most suitable for fishing.
It provides two adjustable footrests and bucket seats with two integrated recessed fishing rod holders. Everything given with the kayak is needed for standard and typical fishing kayaking.
However, the Intex pro comes with a removable and adjustable mounting bracket for additional accessories such as GPS systems, swivel fishing rod holders, fish finders, etc. you will get a carry bag and repair patch.
Enough storage included in bow and stern. There in the boat, you will see stainless steel D-rings for tying down dry bags and gear.
On top of that, 86 aluminum oars, a pressure gauge, and the high-output pump never let you enjoy less while they are the most influential accessories.
Consumers felt gratitude for having this robust kayak. Few of them said the manufacturer should give away the best pump. Yet, every part of the Intex kayak is placed exactly as it should be.
Pros
- Comparatively inexpensive
- Three-ply construction with high-rated PVC
- Two adjustable footrest
- Additional accessories for fishing
- Two removable skeg
- Space storage in bow and stern
- Complete package
Cons
- Not applicable for a long journey
- Air-Pump should be given the best
- The footrest is unsuitable for tall people
Key Features
- Super Laminate PVC with a polyester core
- 3-ply super tough construction employs a high molecular PVC
- High-pressure inflation provides extra rigidity and stability,
- High-pressure spring-loaded valves for easy inflation and fast deflation
- Includes 2 removable skegs for deep and shallow water, 2 floors mounted footrests, 2 integrated recessed fishing rod holders, 2 adjustable bucket seats
- Removable and adjustable mounting bracket for additional accessories, such as GPS systems, fish finders, swivel fishing rod holders, etc.
- Storage space in bow and stern with stainless steel D-rings for tying down Dry bags and gear
- Weight capacity: 400 pounds & Length: 12 feet 7 inch
- Includes 86inch Aluminum Oars and a High-output pump
2. Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak
You won’t get to see a three-seater inflatable kayak every day. In general, a two-seater inflatable kayak doesn’t have enough space to keep the stuff. This Sevylor big basin 3-person kayak literally saves your upcoming days if you search for one of this type.
The 18-gauge heavy-duty PVC construction makes it rugged. Besides, the tarpaulin bottom provides durable protection from punctures. Also, multiple air chambers allow another chamber to stay inflated even if one gets punctured. It increases safety and reliability.
However, Sevylor’s airtight technology guarantees not to leak. Boston valves are double-threaded for quick inflation and deflation of the kayak. No worries are there to face. The seats are also adjustable. You can quickly move them comfortably.
Moreover, the removable skeg helps with fast-tracking in flat water. To prevent obstruction in shallow water, you should remove the skeg. There you get D-rings to attach other equipment. This 12ft Sevylor kayak is made for mostly lake use. Also, it isn’t suitable for whitewater.
Overall, this is an excellent kayak for three people as there is enough space. It’s great for small family vacations, fishing trips, and other trips. The kayak has excellent stability and durability.
But, the package doesn’t include the pump and paddle. Other than that contradiction, the Sevylor big basin is catchy stuff for the people who want to kayak with it all along.
Pros
- High heavy-duty material construction
- Multiple air chambers
- Provides excellent stability and durability
- D-rings and removable skeg feature
- It can be configured as a single or a two-person kayak
- Easily portable
Cons
- This kayak doesn’t include a pump and paddles as well
- Not suitable for whitewater
Key Specifications
- Heavy-duty PVC construction is rugged for lake use
- The Tarpaulin bottom provides durable protection from punctures
- Multiple air chambers
- The airtight System is guaranteed not to leak
- Boston Valve is double-threaded for easy inflation/deflation
- Adjustable seats and Spray cover
- Weight capacity: 490 lbs and Length: 12 feet 3 inch
3. Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak
Lifetime youth captures the kid’s requirements and makes a high-quality, stable kayak. Parents don’t allow their children to go kayaking as there isn’t a durable and reliable kayak out on the market.
Even though they give their children adult kayaks, it’s unavoidable to decrease the upcoming incident. Also, not everything you see is purchasable.
When every manufacturer was busy making adult kayaks suitable for a kid, lifetime youth came up with a new idea. It made a perfect kayak that was eligible for kids as well as teenagers.
This kayak has the most uncomplicated design and easy functions. The ergonomic cockpit is up to mark for balance and motor skills. It has molded finger handles on each side of the kayak. When in transport, It will help you to keep steady.
Additionally, multiple footrests would be there to keep the leg out of the stretch. This lifetime wave 60 youth kayak paddle, including blue, is an excellent choice for kids. Its easy maneuverability, stability, and longevity are what attract the most.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Compact & lightweight design
- Molded Finger handles
- Multiple footrests
- Reversed Chine
Cons
- It doesn’t include a seat pad and back.
Key Specifications
- Ergonomic Cockpit Design
- Molded Finger handles
- Reverse Chine for enhanced stability with swim-up step
- Multiple footrest positions
- Weight Capacity-130 lbs and Length: 6 feet
- Recommended for Ages 5 and Up with Adult Supervision – Paddle Included
4. Solstice by Swimline Durango
This sit-on-top kayak can bear two people at once and give you flawless riding. If you want to make the tandem kayak into a one-seat kayak, you can easily do it without giving any effort. This solstice Durango kayak is very user-friendly and nifty.
However, it is covered with sturdy nylon and PVC fabric of 22 gauge with K-80 Quality that gives the kayak longevity and durability. The thick 1000 nylon fabric on ⅓ of the boat’s side is to prevent punctures as well as make a strong impact.
It has adjustable bucket seats, which allow you to arrange the position according to your convenience. Unfortunately, the back seat of the kayak doesn’t have more significant legroom. So, if you are one of the taller people, you may have to bend your leg for a while.
In this sense, this solstice by Swimline Durango kayak is worth going out for a short trip. It would be challenging for a tall person to stay up longer on the water while kayaking.
Yet, besides the legs a little bit blending, it doesn’t impact the body as long as the kayak provides the optimal backrest. It literally saves your lower back pain.
Another plus point this tandem kayak has is the bow and stern elastic covers for cargo. There, you can secure your stuff without any hesitation. It has D-ring tie-downs that are ready to provide you with enough utility.
Moreover, attaching the removable skeg enhances the kayak’s ability to track flawlessly. Though you will get a carry bag and repair kit, the package doesn’t include paddles or an air pump. Buying them will cost you some effort. But, there’s no other way.
In short words, this solstice kayak brings out the best of it. It almost provides everything, but not anything can be everything. This rule goes for every product. The kayak has lacking maneuvers in rough water. Except for this, it’s a great one for kayak lovers.
Pros
- Sit-on-top compact design
- Adjustable bucket seat
- Cargo Space in bow and stern
- D-ring tie-downs
- Removable skeg
- Convertible seat 1 into 2
Cons
- Not for a more extended trip
- It does not include a paddle and pump.
Key Specifications
- Sturdy Nylon covered 22-gauge PVC Fabric with K-80 Quality
- Adjustable Bucket Seats
- The Bow and Stern Elastic Covers for Cargo
- D-ring Tie-downs
- Includes: Carry bag, Repair kit, Detachable skew, and an owners manual
- Color: Blue/White
5. Sevylor Fiji
You can tell Sevylor Fiji is a compact and lightweight kayak by looking at it. This tandem inflatable kayak is an excellent choice for young and beginner kayakers. Its stability, ease of use, and handling, especially safety features, make the kayak reliable.
The Sevylor Fiji 2-person kayak comes with a 22-gauge PVC hull and RF welded seams. They are the reason kayaks become extremely durable and rugged. As we have seen the Sevylor big basin uses an airtight system, and this kayak has used it too. It guarantees not to leak.
Besides, the multiple air chambers provide safety by allowing the other chambers to stay inflated even if one of them is punctured. It has one removable seat in the middle, which means the rear seat would be fixed.
On top of these, the double lock valves use two locking points for easy inflation and deflation. This Sevylor kayak provides a 5-piece touring paddle and a carrying bag.
Finally, the complete durable kayak comes at an affordable price. It provides many needed features for kayaking at a lower cost. Yet, many kayakers reported the kayak does not track well as it should.
It would not be inefficient in water as long as you don’t use a removable skeg. Above these, the kayak is very supportive for beginner use.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Lightweight and compact
- Extremely rugged and durable
- Multiple air chambers
- Fast and easy to inflate and set up
- Adjustable inflatable seats
- Complete kit
Cons
- Need to attach additional skeg
- The seat isn’t very supportive
- No backrest
Key Specifications
- 22-gauge PVC construction is rugged for lake use
- Multiple air chambers allow
- The airtight System is guaranteed not to leak.
- Mini Double Lock and Double Lock valves for easy inflation/deflation
- Spray covers block splashes to help keep you dry.
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs. And Length: 10 ft 4 inch.
6. Airhead Montana
Airhead Montana 2-person inflatable kayak is a travel kayak applicable for camping, vacationing, and cruising yachts. It’s mostly designed for lakes and moderate white water. The exterior of this boat is eye-catchy and impressive.
This kayak is portable, compact, and lightweight. You get to witness the best of the inflatable kayak.
This airhead Montana kayak comes with a complete package. It is constructed of semi-rigid heavy gauge PVC. Rugged 840-denier Nylon completely encloses all three chambers with UV and water-resistant coatings.
Besides, durable tri-laminate reinforcements are on the bottom for a lifetime of use. Neoprene elbow guards give you comfort while padding. The three Boston valves will help you quickly inflate and deflate.
Want to have superior convenience and buoyancy? The tubular I-beam floor ensures that already. Also, it speeds up your tracking. Other than that, four bottom fins approve of the excellent tracking.
Additionally, 6 D-rings at the bow and stern would be there for securing gear. Stretch-net in the bow adds up a little extra space storage. The grab handles for quickly getting in or out. This airhead AHTK-2 kayak gives its best to the customers.
Above all, the airhead Montana performance kayak is ahead of the usual kayaks. It is well known for its easy maneuverability and durability. Besides, you won’t find everything in a single boat or kayak.
This 12 ft kayak is even easier to paddle and quicker to move. Thus, it makes the kayak preferable for beginner kayakers.
Pros
- Sturdy and compact design
- Stable, portable, and lightweight
- Quick Inflate or deflate
- 6 D-rings for securing guards
- Neoprene elbow guards
- Enough storage space
Key Specifications
- Lightweight, compact and portable
- Designed for lakes and moderate white water
- Perfect for camping, vacationing, exploring remote areas, and cruising yachts
- Rugged 840-denier Nylon completely enclose all 3 air chambers with UV
- Made with Neoprene elbow guards
- 6 D-rings at bow and stern for securing gear
- Bright orange inflatable kayak for safety and visibility on the water
Tandem Ocean Kayak Weight Chart
Tandem Ocean Kayak | Weight | Weight Capacity |
---|---|---|
Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak | 18 lb | 130 lb |
Solstice by Swimline Durango Kayak | 29 lb | 400 lb |
Sevylor Fiji 2-Person Kayak | 23.7 lb | 400 lbs |
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak | 39.01 lb | 400 lb |
Sevylor Big Basin | 34.76 lb | 490 lb |
Airhead Montana Kayak | 36.3 lb | 500 lb |
Intex Challenger K2 Kayak | 33.53 lb | 400 lb |
Intex Challenger K1 Kayak | 23.9 lb | 220 lb |
Intex Explorer K2 | 30.60 lb | 400 lb |
A MUST DO TASK List for Kayakers Especially for Beginners
- Learn kayaking basic skills first
- To be self-sufficient advanced skill like side sculling is a must
- Power paddling ability (NOTE: Never paddle alone in the sea, always wear PFD)
- Balance control & Stabilizing kayak
- Keep practicing not to fall off from the kayak as well as how to avoid them easily.
- Knowledgeable about self-rescue technic
Watch the video if you are in hurry and learn some kayaking skills for upcoming sea kayaking.
A Brief Explanation of Kayak’s Category
Types of kayaks
There are two significant types of kayak: sit-in-kayak and sit-on-top kayak.
Sit-on-top Kayak: You can quickly get into and out of the seat in a sit-on-top kayak as the cockpit is always open. These types of kayaks are, in general, more comprehensive than most.
In a fact, you can get better stability, but the speed won’t be fast as you assume. The main disadvantage of using the sit-on-tops is you would get wet as the water splashes coming towards you while paddling.
This would make you sick in winter. But in summer, it won’t matter. Sit-on-top kayaks are well known for fishing journeys as they have enough space storage to keep the gear and stuff.
Sit-in-kayak: This is slightly the opposite of a sit-on-top kayak. They are closed decks. Mostly they come in solo seats. Comparing them to sit-on-kayaks, they are efficient and easier to navigate.
They have narrow edges, so you get better speed. The water splashes don’t easily touch the skin. It’s a relief. Sit-in kayaks don’t have fishing rods, which is one disadvantage, whereas sit-on-tops kayaks have it.
Subcategories of kayaks
1. Recreational Kayaks
Sit-in-kayaks are mostly recreational kayaks. They have a large opening deck that makes it easier to get in and out. They are mostly short in length, with a size range of 8ft to 12 ft. But, it is not made for speed.
Recreational kayaks are well-known for fishing trips. There’s a reason behind this. This type of kayak has better stability, which helps in fishing. They are ideal for short trips and paddling on calm water.
Besides, they are an excellent value for beginner kayakers. If you have these kayaks for more extended tracking, you are in an unfair loophole. Its easy maneuvering makes it more reliable for any age.
2. Touring Kayaks
Touring kayaks are known as sea kayaks. They come in narrow and long. Length usually starts from 12 feet. For their edge being narrower, they are used for speed and distance. Their cockpits are compact and made the way you have satisfied both physically and mentally.
Navigating a touring kayak is slightly challenging for intermediate kayakers. Once you learn it, you won’t be coming from water. That’s how touring kayaks impact kayaking. They are great for extended trips or racing if you are up to challenging someone.
3. Whitewater Kayaks
Intermediate kayakers to expert kayakers are used for kayaking on whitewater. Kayaking on whitewater is challenging as the water seems aggressive.
There are four types of whitewater kayaks: playboats, river runners, creek boats, and longboats. They all have lengths near 12 feet or more. Every single one of them is different and used for other kayaking.
But the main advantage is using the whitewater kayaks at a beginner level leads to a dangerous situation. Many can struggle with fast paddling on rough water. That’s why before going on the white water kayaking, you must have a maestro.
4. Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks are popular in the human world. Their trademark is you can store and transport them more comfortably than any other kayak.
For keeping in a small place or area, an inflatable kayak always comes in the first position. You won’t find kayaks like inflatables as they are portable.
Another best part is you can kayak with an inflatable in both whitewater and flatwater. There are numerous advantages of inflatable kayaks. They are convenient, easily maneuverable, compact, and have storage to keep stuff like fishing gear.
From beginner to expert, inflatable kayaks can deliver the hope a kayaker requires.
5. Fishing Kayaks
Fishing kayaks are for those who love fishing on the water. So, naturally, a question comes to mind how would a fishing kayak be? All kayaks follow a basic rule.
Besides this, fishing kayaks include rod holders, a pedal propulsion system, and extra cargo storage. These features you may not find in other kayaks. That’s where fishing kayaks arrive.
Most kayakers and fishermen prefer sit-on-top fishing kayaks. But purchasing a fishing kayak for the first time is more challenging. You better go through fishing kayak information if you are up to this.
6. Tandem Kayaks
Tandem kayaks come in different types. They are best for beginner learners and for spending family vacations. Tandem kayaks mean two seats in one kayak. They are a three-seat kayak, too, if you want.
This type of kayak has more storage space, extensive legroom, and a compact design. They are best for smaller lakes, calm water, or rivers. Kayaking in a tandem kayak in rough water would be a bad idea for a beginner. You must know before going out on the water.
7 Things to Consider Before Making a Purchase
Now that you want to choose a tandem kayak for the sea, you just need to know the kayak. Without knowing the kayak, going for one of them would be foolish of you. That’s why we decided to overview the buying guide for a tandem kayak.
1. Length & Width
Different kayaks come in different sizes. Yet, for a beginner, it is tough to capture the best one according to requirements.
In general, longer boats are narrower in design, which makes them faster. They track better and have enough storage space to carry more gear. Kayaks like recreational are not that long, but they have the ability to provide stability and more comfortable maneuverability.
People use shorter kayaks with large storage for fishing. They already got an advantage using shortened kayaks.
On the contrary, much width gives the space, but it slows down the kayak. Again, speed in respect of distance depends on hull shape. There are criteria the manufacturer always follows, and it depends on the water, the kayak, and you.
2. Weight
Weight of kayaks influences kayaking on the water. It could reduce the speed or will be difficult to carry. Inflatable kayaks must be less weight.
That’s why they are easier to carry and transport. In bad weather conditions, you can depend on a lot of weight conditions.
3. Kayak Material
Durability, stability, strength, lightweight or heavy, sturdy or frail- these characteristics depend on how a kayak is made. Most plastic kayaks are formed with polyethylene. The chemical is easier to find and use.
Since its uses, kayaks that are made of plastic have become affordable as well as improved strength. Now, these days, manufacturers coated the kayak with high-density durable polyethylene.
Another plastic named thermoformed is also used on a kayak instead of polyethylene. It ensures the kayak’s exterior becomes shiny and lighter. There are more materials such as fiberglass, carbon or kevlar and aramid, etc.
A boat or kayak made of ultralight wood panels looks more beautiful. Besides, using UV protection on these kayaks reduces color fading.
4. Hull Shape
There’s nothing new checking on the hull shape. The Hull shape of a kayak helps to maintain stability and quick turn against the steam. Various types of kayak hulls work differently. There are four main hulls you will see on most kayaks.
A rounded hull shape is used for rough water with less effort, and a Flatboat hull is used in beginner kayaks to have steady maneuverability, V-shaped hulls allow you to speed up the boat at a higher keeping the stability.
5. Rocker
Rocker is the one end to another end of the kayak (Bow to Stern). Rocker helps to balance the kayak and make it useful. The more rocker a boat has, the more maneuverability it possesses.
Hulls with more rocker make the vessel less effective on the water. It will reduce your tracking speed. Rocker is as essential as the hull shape.
6. Chines
Chine is the merged area where two sides of the boat joined. The chines come in two primary forms. They are classified as hard chines and soft chines.
Hard Chines: It has a crease that imparts the side and bottom of the kayak. They can provide great speed and stability unless other kayaks the chines.
Soft chines: it doesn’t feature any crease, but the soft Chine, being in the delicate chain of hardship, would be tough. They have secondary stability. Also, it works very well in rough water.
7. Skeg and Rudder
Having a skeg or a rudder on a kayak is an advantage that you count. Why do they become advantages?
The skeg is placed under the stern. It helps you to keep the kayak in a straight line. Some kayaks don’t have a skeg. If there’s an option to attach the skeg with a kayak, it’s the best choice.
The removable skeg impacts much. In that way, your kayak would be safe if you know how to turn safely. What’s a rudder, then? A rudder blade is inclined to the back of the stern. A foot pedal operates it in the cockpit.
FAQ:
What size Kayak should I buy?
Buying a kayak is challenging as it includes kayak dimensions, place, design, and go on. Yet, we impart three classes to ease understanding. They are:
Recreational Kayaks: they are best for excellent stability. They are less than 12 ft in length and upper than 24 inches in width.
Light-touring kayaks: you will find them 12 feet longer to 16 ft long, and the width would be 22 inches to 25 inches. They have narrow edges, so you get the fast track and speed. Most amateur kayakers use light touring kayaks as it gives pleasure like sport and leisure.
Touring kayaks: they are the ones intermediate and experts love to have. Basically, they are longer than 16 feet in length and lower than 22 inches in width. They are for extreme weather conditions, sea or rough waters.
What is the right size Kayak for a beginner?
Wider kayaks are an excellent value for a new kayak beginner. In that case, a sit-in recreational kayak will be a great start. They usually are 9ft to 12ft longer. And it is the best for beginners as these kayaks don’t have speed but excellent stability.
Can I Use a Tandem Kayak Without a Partner?
Obviously, yes. Tandem kayak means two-seat kayak. Using this Kayak without a partner, you get yourself enough space storage. Naturally, you get the volume to keep more stuff.
Some kayakers take their doggo in tandem. It’s entirely risk-free if you know how to kayak in a tandem kayak.
Are Tandem Kayaks Safe?
Yes! Tandem kayaks are always a safe option for all beginner kayakers. That’s why in the first place, most beginners purchase tandem kayaks. Aside from this, you can kayak solo in tandem.
That’s an advantage, of course. Easy maneuverability and durability make the tandem safe.
Besides, durable material along with built-in side handles assists the most when under pressure. Tandem kayaks are portable, which means they are lightweight too.
In case the kayak upturns while going through water, yet you can start again, there’s no way you will be in danger unless you don’t want to follow the precaution.
How Long is a Tandem Kayak?
The tandem kayaks, two-person recreational kayaks, vary from 10ft to 14ft. But, the best size is between 11ft to 13ft.
Sizes & Lengths: What Size Kayak Do I Need?
In general, you can find the tandem kayak very easily. But if you are making plans to use the Kayak solely, adding 100 lbs would be the safest option if you are a beginner.
After purchasing one, you, of course, go out kayaking on small rivers, lakes, creeks, or other calm waters. Before that, you should consider the availability of footrest positions. It would help the legs most as well as the whole body.
Verdict
Here’s where we should wrap our service. But, the tandem sea kayak reviews will always be there for you. Above all, Kayak was never easy to choose. That’s why we suppressed the speech in short and tried to give you reviews, including consumers’ tails.
You can go for Intex excursion pro or personally go for solstice Durango. If you think of going out with a family having fewer members, no kayak could beat Sevylor’s big basin 3-person kayak. You can make this 2-person into a solo kayak only if you want to enjoy nature.
On the contrary, one shouldn’t underestimate the lifetime youth 6 feet wave kayak as it perfectly goes with the children kayakers. See? The content is one kind of package where you are getting all types of kayaks and reviews. As a matter of fact, it now depends on how you lead yourself to choose the best one.
Curious to know about the first attempt at sea kayaking then read the story.