How old do kids have to be to use a Mirage Drive? Outriggers on tandem kayak?

Hi Everyone!

First, I want to thank everyone for all the amazing info that I've been able to find on kayaking.  I've been reading for a long time and am finally going to be able to buy a kayak (wife gave the okay  ) and join everyone on the water.  I'm now debating whether to get a tandem kayak.  I've been looking for these two pieces of information, but it has been difficult to find in this forum or on the internet.

Question 1: How old/big do kids have to be to use the Hobie Mirage Drive?  My kids are 5 & 8 right now.  I'm looking at the tandem Hobie Outfitter kayak.

Question 2: I've seen the inflatable outriggers for the single kayaks, do they have them for doubles as well?  I want to make sure the kayak is stable and doesn't flip with the kids.

Thank you so much!

I am not sure about what age, sort of depends on how tall are children. I have Hobie Oasis and it is very stable. Videos of people with mounted outriggers are on YouTube, so I know you can attach if you feel necessary. You can operate tandem with just one person pedaling too, so can just have children as passenger.

Thanks for the info!  My kids are 49" and 45" tall.  Do you think they'll be able to reach the pedals okay? 

If not, you're right, I can just let them be passengers.

Thank you again!

A tandem Hobie is almost like a tandem bicycle. Eventually and usually kids loose interest. If you dont have anybody to go with you are out of luck.

My daughter is 50" and able to peddle my outback around.

My daughter is 50" and able to peddle my outback around.

Thanks for the information!  Super helpful!

My daughters are 8 yr olds and were pedaling on my Hobie Oasis Tandem comfortably.


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 I've been out of the bizz for a while, so I don't know whats out there, but I put my guys on Hobie sports at a very young age,,,

matter of fact,, still have them, and looking to move them on,, I guess,,, memories, but they should go to a worthy home,,,

if interested,,, give me a pm,, they both have fish finders on them too,,

their older,, 2007,,, helped Launch HOW,  a few adjustments needed, but solid,,, give ya screaming ncka price on them and no worries if your looking for something else,,,

 and I must say,,

out of all my adventures, and they have been many,,

having my family hook up has been the best hook ups ever,,,

My grandkids 7,9 pedaled my Outback and this year my i11s in Mission Bay.the Hobie sports are great for small people..