Hobie Kayak Guide - Pedal or Paddle?

Hobie Kayak has a history of more than 50 years of building watercraft, including their innovative kayaks. Kayaking can be an adventurous and strenuous water sport as well as a means of pleasure and relaxation. Hobie has introduced a revolutionary system of pedals on their Hobie kayaks. Hobie kayaks come under two main categories: The paddle kayak and the dual pedal-paddle kayak. Their paddle kayaks are built for kayaking in turbulent waters and their combined pedal-paddle kayaks can be used for leisure boating in serene waters and be switched to the paddle mode for more traditional kayaking. Hobie kayaks have created a niche in the kayak market because of their superior quality and versatility.

Hobie Kayaks are roto-molded out of durable polyethylene. They are sleek, sturdy and stable. As a result, their lines of boats offer paddlers a blissfully smooth, swift ride. In fact, the performance of a Hobie kayak is so effortless, it practically glides. This makes for a pleasurable ride with reduced levels of wetness, which is also due to their closed-deck design and self-draining scuppers. The kayaks are also made to be easy to pull via its sure-grip handles. What's more, you can secure your paddles on their on-deck paddle storage. All models, of course, come with Hobie's distinct paddling system.

There are five superb Hobie kayak paddle models ranging from 9 feet to 14 feet in length:

• The Hobie Lanai –(9 feet x 30”) is stable and easy to handle kayak. This pedal kayak is appropriate for ladies and children and comes with ample cockpit space.
• The Hobie Maui – (11 feet x 30”) This Hobie kayak model has the advantage of being stacked up, one on top of the other, for storage in a garage or on a car.
• The Hobie Kona – This 11’ 6” and 34” wide kayak is perfect for tandem paddling. It is lightweight and stable, with two stowage pockets, and on- hull paddle storage.
• The Hobie Quest – is a 13 feet long and 28.5” wide ultimate fishing kayak. It is designed to be fast and extra stable.
• The Hobie Odyssey – is a family boat at 14 feet with a width of 33”. It is roomy enough for a couple, with their child in-between. This Hobie kayak is known for extraordinary stability and tracking.

The dual pedal-paddle kayaks from Hobie come in six models ranging from 9’ 7” to 16” in length. It has four single pedaler models and two models for tandem pedaling. The tandem kayak models are equally efficient for solo use. The solo models are:

• The Mirage Sport (9’ 7” x 29.5”) This kayak has an adjustable seat to accommodate a short pedaler. It is known as the mini SUV of the Hobie family.
• The Mirage Outback S.U.V. (12’ 1” x 34”) this kayak from Hobie is the SUV version of the Mirage Sport. It is designed for hands-free photography and fishing, and for the latter, it comes with an optional cooler and anchor.
• The Mirage Classic (13’ x 30”) This kayak is built for speed in a river or a lake.
• The Mirage Adventure (16’ x 27.5”) is a sleek and the fastest kayak of the Hobie fleet.

The tandem Hobie kayak models are:

• The Mirage Outfitter (12’ 8” x 34”) This Hobie kayak does everything that the Mirage Outback does but is built for two.
• The Mirage Tandem (14’ 6” x 33”), This kayak comes with an optional sail system, provides for extra performance and speed, and is known as the ‘jet’ kayak.

This innovative paddling system is built into each Hobie kayak known as the MirageDrive pedaling system. The MirageDrive lets you pedal the kayak by controlling two underwater flippers. Movement is achieved by stepping on the pedals alternately, left and right. Working much like underwater fins, this unique system propels the Hobie Mirage Kayak to new speeds and relative paddling bliss. Steering controls let paddlers have additional control of the kick-up rudder. You are able to reach significant hull speed with just a little effort. The MirageDrive's adjustable mechanism provides for a wide range of pedalers, making it a very versatile boat.

What makes the MirageDrive system so revolutionary is that it provides for hands-free kayaking. This is due to the fact that your feet do most of the work, which is not strenuous at all. Because your legs are able to produce more powerful strokes, you get more propulsion than if you used regular paddles. What's more, you can stay drier as paddles solve the problem of dripping due to paddles. The result is a stress-free, hands-free kayaking experience that is smooth and easy. This is why a Hobie kayak is an ideal model for those who enjoy kayak fishing.

The MirageDrive is easy to install and needs to be removed for storage. It is lightweight, durable and can be adjusted to fit different sizes of pedalers. It is constructed of injection molded plastic, anodized aluminum, with stainless steel fittings. The advantages of this new revolutionary propulsion system are:

• It is pedal driven and great for hands-free kayaking.
• The mechanism is adjustable and fits all sizes of pedalers.
• The self-cleaning mechanism is resistant to wear from sand and other particles.
• Comes with easy removal for transport and storage.

The MirageDrive propels the kayak with a minimal effort to reach full speed. Feet exert more power for pedaling as compared to the power of hand paddling. Paddle usage requires training where as with your MirageDrive you just pedal as you would your bicycle! The main advantage is that it leaves you hands-free for fishing or photography. The MirageDrive creates less resistance in the water, and that is the key to efficiency: move water backwards with the least turbulence.

A household name in the world of paddling, Hobie is best known for its pedal-drive Mirage Kayaks. A patented pedal system gives each Hobie kayak the capability of movement and agility without the use of paddles. These however can be removed should paddlers prefer to use oars. In any case, a Hobie boat is one that is reliable and affordable for paddlers of all skill levels.

Whether you plan to boat on rivers or surf, Hobie has a full range of kayaks for any type of water condition. Its entire line is suitable for river kayaking, and most of the models are fully-featured and made to take on rough surf and waves. Certain models are ideal for recreational kayaking, such as the Quest or Maui models. If river fishing is your preference, a reliable choice would be the Outback, Tandem Outfitter, the Pro Angler or the Sport models. When you purchase a Hobie kayak, you also receive other basic kayaking essentials such as a drink bottle, drybag, gear bucket, and rod holders.