After paddling the Sport Tandem in various conditions I got a good feeling of the handling characteristics. The ST is a very fast, straight tracking and agile kayak. With practice the ST can be taken pretty much anywhere by its' pilots. I have paddled the Sport Tandem a great deal on the Chesapeake Bay and in the cold waters of the North Atlantic. Logging some of the best paddling miles of my life in this boat. With proper leans and good communication skills I and my paddling partner(s) found the kayak could be moved and turned with ease given its' length. The Sport Tandem handled the reckless motorboat wakes and occasional strong winds of the Chesapeake(Herring Bay area) with finesse on our Sunday crab runs to Skippers' Pier and braved frightening conditions in the North Atlantic. In 25+knot winds and four foot seas the Sport Tandem was a life saver on the MITA trail. The 120lb gear load really provided the added stabilty needed on those days. If you don't have enough room for all the essentials and camp bonuses in the storage compartments then you are bring way too much gear..way too much gear.
I have paddled many a double kayak and the Sport Tandem is hands down my favorite double kayak. It is by no means a "bath tub" of a vessel and it is not unstable. If one is not just butt-balancing in the kayak then the ride in the Sport Tandem is comfortable and enjoyable. For those looking to get a fast, fun and excitable tandem kayak then this is your boat. You can take down the miles and get to all the hot spots when you combine the paddling power of two. On my trip on the MITA trail I know for sure the distances would not of been covered nor would we have been able to battle the seas like we did. Everyone else was grounded to their last stop/stretch area waiting for Mother Nature to get over it while we made for a unoccupied island.
Like I have said...the Sport Tandem is well designed boat that is fun to paddle. Also was the transportation in some of the best paddling/outdoors expierence of my life. The Sport Tandem is unique and a blast to get around in. It really is a great kayak that can be unjoyed by all. Practice makes perfect and this kayak makes practicing fun. You can go twice as far, have the opportunity to relax and rest while one keeps paddling, great to fish from(hand-line and a buzz bait)and blow past others out there. Added bonus...the finished kit is a eye catcher. Looks real sharp and expect to field tons of questions and comments from curious and awe struck paddlers
Bay Paddlers LLC