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Many people when they start out kayaking have wondered at some point who should sit where in an inflatable tandem kayak. It’s a valid question as we all want our kayak to perform at its best while still having a great time with the person we are paddling with. While in a tandem kayak, whether paddling double or solo, the seating arrangements can make a big difference. Here are the basic guidelines to follow while tandem kayaking: - The heavier person should sit at the back for the kayak to perform best.
- If you are kayaking in heavy cross-winds then the heavier person should sit up front.
- The back seat is considered the ‘Captain’s Seat’ because this is where most of the steering and directing is done from. For this reason it is best to have the most experienced kayaker in the back seat so because they will have more experience on directing the boat.
- However if you are kayaking in calm weather then it might be a good idea to allow the less experienced kayaker to gain confidence and experience in steering the kayak.
What if you are paddling a double kayak while solo? Where should you sit then? - If it is possible to adjust the seats, remove one seat and secure the other in the middle of the kayak. This is where you will have the best control.
- You want the kayak’s weight to be distributed evenly so if you have to sit at the back, place some gear or extra weight up front in order to balance out the weight distribution. You will still have decent control of the kayak from the back seat (but not as good as you would in the middle).
- I would not recommend kayaking from the front seat even if you place extra weight in the back. This is where you will have the least amount of control.
Paddling with a child or dog? If you are kayaking with a child or your dog the best thing is to seat yourself at the back of the kayak and place the child or dog up front. This will allow for your heavier weight to hold down the rear as well as to be able to keep on eye on your passengers while still directing the kayak properly. Keeping all of these guidelines in mind, the most important thing of course is that everyone is comfortable and safe. Some people will simply naturally prefer to be in the front or back and personal preference will play a huge part. The basic rule of thumb to follow is that if kayaking in normal weather conditions the heavier person should stay at the rear of the kayak. From there you will find out very quickly what works best for you and your partner. To see pictures and to get much more information about inflatable kayaking visit InflatableKayakWorld.com where you’ll find this and much more, including comprehensive inflatable kayak reviews.
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