A tandem kayak refers to a kayak which has the capability of seating two people. The two people seated in the tandem kayak must work together to successfully turn and maneuver the boat. The stronger rower, or paddler, often sits in the back of the tandem kayak and acts as the "motor" that refers to the person responsible for steering. The person sitting in the bow, or the front, does not have to paddle to propel the kayak forward. The tandem kayak can reach top speeds when both of the passengers paddle in unison.
Step 1
Fasten your life jacket before stepping into the cockpit of your tandem kayak. Place your legs into the rear cockpit if you have stronger rowing skills than your passenger. Hold the kayak steady as your passenger climbs into the front cockpit. Locate the blades of your paddle located on each end.
Step 2
Hold the paddle approximately in the middle with your hands spread wide enough to compensate for the width or your shoulder blades. Instruct your passenger to insert his paddle into the water on the left side of the boat. Lower your paddle blade into the water on the left side.
Step 3
Rotate the blade to ensure it stays parallel with the side of your tandem kayak and inform your passenger to do the same. Pull the blade backward through the water in unison with your passenger's paddle stroke. Rotate your paddle to the right side of your tandem kayak and instruct your passenger to do the same.
Step 4
Utilize the same perpendicular paddle positioning while pulling the blade back through the water in unison with your passenger's paddle stroke. Continue to rotate paddling on either side of your tandem kayak to ensure your path remains straight. Instruct your passenger to cease paddling once you have reached an adequate speed.
Step 5
Lower your left paddle blade to submerge it in the water while maintaining the proper paddle position. Thrust the blade forward to steer the bow of your tandem kayak toward the left. Lower your right paddle blade to submerge it in the water. Thrust the blade forward to turn the bow of your tandem kayak toward the right.
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