Solo vs Tandem Kayak: Which Is Right for You?

It's one of the first questions any new kayaker asks — and it's actually a great question, because the answer isn't obvious. Solo kayaks and tandem kayaks are genuinely different experiences. The right choice depends on who you're paddling with (or without), where you're going, and what you want out of the water.

Let's break it down.

The Case for a Solo Kayak

A solo kayak gives you complete control. You set the pace, choose the route, and stop when you want. There's a real freedom to it — especially if you paddle regularly for fitness or mindfulness.

Solo kayaks tend to be:

Faster. Less hull, less weight, less drag. A solo paddler with good technique will cover more water than the same paddler in a tandem.

More manoeuvrable. One person making all the decisions means crisper turns and quicker reactions.

Easier to transport. A smaller kayak means a lighter boat, easier car loading, and less storage space needed.

Ideal for regular solo paddlers. If you're always going out alone, a tandem kayak becomes a burden rather than a bonus.

The Case for a Tandem Kayak

Tandem kayaks are perfect for shared adventures. Paddling with a partner, teaching a child, or bringing your dog — there are real situations where two seats are exactly what you need.

Tandem kayaks tend to be:

More stable. A longer, wider hull (needed for two paddlers) is inherently more stable than a shorter solo hull.

Great for beginners. If you're new to kayaking, sharing a boat with someone more experienced gives you confidence without the pressure of going solo.

Better for mixed-ability groups. One strong paddler can compensate for a less experienced partner. Kids can ride along without needing their own boat.

Good for longer trips with gear. More hull space means more room for kit — camping gear, fishing tackle, food and water.

The Honest Downsides

Solo kayak downsides

If you want to paddle with a partner, you need two solo kayaks — or a different boat entirely. Less cargo space for multi-day trips.

Tandem kayak downsides

The 'divorce boat' problem. Paddling in sync with a partner takes communication. Mismatched rhythm or differing strength can make a tandem kayak frustrating — it's a real thing, and experienced paddlers joke about it for a reason.

Harder to paddle alone. A tandem kayak designed for two is unbalanced and harder to control with a single paddler.

Bigger, heavier, harder to transport and store.

At a Glance: Solo vs Tandem

	Solo Kayak	Tandem Kayak
Paddlers	1	2 (or 1 + child)
Speed	Faster (less weight)	Depends on both paddlers
Control	Full — you set the pace	Shared — coordination needed
Great for	Fitness, solo adventures	Families, beginners, dogs!
Storage needed	Smaller	More space for gear
Point 65 option	Falcon Solo, Bourbon 17	Falcon Tandem, Mojito Tandem

The Third Option: A Kayak That Does Both

Here's something most people don't realise when they're first shopping for a kayak: the best answer to 'solo or tandem?' is often 'both.'

Because Point 65 kayaks are modular, several models are convertible. The Falcon, for example, is available as a solo kayak or as a tandem — and you can convert between the two by swapping the middle section. Same hull, same Snap-Tap coupling system, completely different configuration.

This means you don't have to choose. You can paddle the Falcon solo on a Tuesday morning fitness session and then expand it to tandem for a family outing on Saturday. One kayak. Two modes. No compromise.

The Mojito works the same way — and as an angler's kayak, it gives you the option to take a fishing partner without needing a second boat.

Which Should You Buy?

You mostly paddle alone: go solo. The Falcon Solo or Bourbon 17 are both brilliant.

You always paddle with a partner: go tandem. The Falcon Tandem is the most popular choice.

You sometimes paddle alone and sometimes with others: get a convertible modular kayak. It's the answer most experienced paddlers eventually land on.

Explore the Point 65 Range

Not sure which model suits you? Browse the full range — or drop us a message and we'll help you find the right kayak for your paddling style.