Tandem Kayak Paddling Techniques

Kayaking can be enjoyed solo or tandem. Tandem kayaks, because they contain a second seat and room to store gear, are a bit longer than solo kayaks. Learning to paddle and navigate a kayak with another person can be difficult at first. Rhythm is the key to a tandem paddling.

Things You'll Need

  • Tandem kayak
  • Paddles
  • Personal flotation devices
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Instructions

    • 1

      Grab the paddle in a comfortable paddling position. The most common grip is placing your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart on the paddle, with both hands positioned an equal distance from the paddle blades. Your tandem partner should take the same paddling grip.

    • 2

      Place the paddles in the water on the same side, at the same time, and push to the rear simultaneously. The next stroke is at the same time on the other side of the kayak.

    • 3

      Set a pace that is comfortable between you and your partner with a cadence. Your and your partner's paddle blades should enter the water simultaneously on the first count. For example; 1-paddle enters water, 2-3-paddle stroke to the rear, 4-paddle exits water.

    • 4

      Relay to your partner the presence or distance of landmarks, or water features important to the trip, such as rocks, boils or eddies, if you're the bow kayaker. The aft kayaker should keep the pace set by the bow kayaker, and audibly acknowledge any commands or information relayed.

    • 5

      Alternate as solo paddlers if one of you becomes physically exhausted or needs a break. This technique is common, specially on longer trips.