Question for the Hobie folks

I have a question for the Hobie folks. My wife has a small problem keeping her kayak (not a Hobie) going in a strait line, she not a strong paddler. I under stand that her kayak is 12’ and a longer one would be better and or a rudder would also help. I thought a Hobie Revo would be a good choice for her, she could peddle and steer with her hand so, I rented a Revo for her to try out and she loved it. After about two hours her legs got tired so I said way don’t you paddle it for a while, well she was back to her old zig-zag self since the rudder was useless while paddling. Long story short I know you don’t buy a Hobie to paddle it you buy one to peddle it, BUT has any one tried to utilize the rudder while paddling like in a conventional kayak, steer with your feet,? just a thought.

Pat R     

you can still use the rudder while paddling, just have to be light on the touch with the fingers.  not sure how it would work for a foot control rudder..you'd need to essentially set up another line that works in tandem with the hand controlled rudder.

as for getting tired, make her go out on it more =) i used to get tired quick but now i can go a while longer..

Like anything, it takes time.  Over time she'll track well enough with minor rudder adjustment needed now and then.

i used to get tired quick but now i can go a while longer..

Your wife will be happy to know your gaining stamina.

I know lots of first time Hobie pedalers (even my macho buddies) who complain about their legs getting tired or burning after their first Hobie demo.  Often they're just not use to pedaling and/or they have their pedals positioned too close.  A properly adjusted pedal should be almost straight (with a slight bend at the end of the stroke).

Pat, with the proper pedal position, I'm pretty sure your wife will quickly be able to keep up with you better in the long run than if she was using a paddle.

As for using the rudder while paddling, Ben is right, you just need to be light on the touch.  When I paddle my Hobie, I just use the rudder as a trim to adjust for current or wind.  It also helps to have the rudder lines tight to eliminate slack and play.

I know lots of first time Hobie pedalers (even my macho buddies) who complain about their legs getting tired or burning after their first Hobie demo.  Often they're just not use to pedaling and/or they have their pedals positioned too close.  A properly adjusted pedal should be almost straight (with a slight bend at the end of the stroke).

I agree with Chuck.  On my first Hobie outing, my legs were tired even though I'm in relatively good shape.  Also, the pedals WERE too close.  Once I adjusted, it was much better.

Thanks guys I was just wondering if it was ever a thought of putting another set of rudder lines in to steer with your feet while paddling.

Chuck even in her first demo she was leaving me in the dust. just have to convince her its well worth the money .

Pat R

During the ARW Tournament last weekend, I overtook several paddlers who both said "I am getting a Hobie".  Go figure

Hey Pat If you do get the Revo, borrow the kayak everynow and then.
You'll find yourself ditching the T13 like I have. Of course for the
not so friendly launch and landing, I would still use the T13.

Jedmo

Jedmo that's what I am afraid of, once I start using one I could see myself going to the dark side and buying two his and hers .

Pat R

During the ARW Tournament last weekend, I overtook several paddlers who both said "I am getting a Hobie".  Go figure

I was probably one of those paddlers...and that was BEFORE the fast current and wind pushed me down to Balleena Bay.  I don't mind paddling, but peddling is definitely much easier on those fast drift and windy days.

Howard

Was it Hobie-wan-kenobie who said "the force be with you"?

If she really prefers to paddle. she could maybe try a hobie quest with a rudder system installed and yes you do steer with your feet

Paddling a Hobie can be difficult at first but cool thing is that it really makes you work to get your stroke perfect. It'll take some getting used to but if you take a few paddling classes you'll come a long way fast. Paddling the Adventure is a good workout now and shooting across the sound (7 mi. round trip) is not only doable now but a lot of fun.

Z

It was "May the fish be with you!"