This year, Aquaglide – a division of North Sports – launched their inflatable kayak line with a series of 13 models. Two of the high-end models – the Deschutes Tandem and the Columbia Tandem – are high-pressure versions that can be ulitized by 2+ paddlers.
We often get questions – which one should I choose?
The Columbia Tandem (photo above) is a 15 ft touring model with a sleek silhouette and long waterline, while the Deschutes Tandem (photo below) is a 12 ft recreational model built for comfort and stability. While they have many similarities, there are just as many differences. Ultimately your choice comes down to a personal preference, but here are some things to think about.
Both kayaks are made from the same materials, use the same valves and have the same 6-12 PSI high-pressure floor with 2 PSI side chambers. Both come with two ProFormance seats, fishing rod holders, spray decks, deck lacing, molded rubber handles, multiple d-rings, neoprene knuckleguards, velcro paddle holders, drain plugs, a third jumper seat, removable fin, foot braces and the same backpack. Both the Deschutes Tandem and Columbia Tandem have a carrying capacity of 600 lbs, and utilize velcro floor strips and multiple d-rings to create infinite seating positions for one or two paddlers while still leaving room enough for gear, a child or furry friend.
At 12 feet in length with a weight of 42 lbs in the pack, the Deschutes Tandem is lighterweight and shorter – easier to carry around solo in windy weather. The wider beam is slightly more stable, but it’s not as quite as nimble. It paddles well, with less glide. This is a great choice with people concerned about kayak size and weight, who don’t plan on long days of touring, who want an open design and aren’t concerned about colders waters or wind, who want to have some fun on the water, or maybe a day of fishing, without sacrificing versatility – it can be paddled by one or two, yet still has room for gear or a third smaller being. And it costs slightly less.
The Columbia Tandem is 3 feet longer and weighs 7 lbs more (15 feet and 49 lbs). The long waterline makes it a great choice for extended (and short) range touring. It paddles well and has great glide. There is plenty of room for gear or a third smaller being, yet is versatile enough to be paddled by one. While it sports an open design – making it easy to get in and out of – Aquaglide will be introducing single and double spray decks, allowing one to be in a more enclosed cockpit and utilize spray skirts.
We put the Columbia and Deschutes Tandems