Paddle vs Peddle

Demo is the best advice, but I'll throw my 2 cents in and say any kayak is better than no kayak.  There's always good deals popping up here, and if you don't like it someone else will.  You can't go wrong, really.

I would start with a paddle kayak like a Trident 13. Hobies have advantages and disadvantages. Paddle kayaks in General have a lower price point which is good when you are starting out and don't know exactly what you need. Becoming a proficient paddler is an important skill even if you own a Hobie. Some of the guys who start out in Hobies never learn how to paddle. Then the mirage drive breaks and it's not pretty. The adventure is the best paddling Hobie.

I love paddling, feeling the boat slide, while the paddle pivots in your hands.
I love pedaling, feeling the boat fly while those big pistons turn.

I'm a cyclist, but also a climber.

Just choose the right tool for the right conditions

Then the mirage drive breaks and it's not pretty.

and they do break! 

Leaving you retardedly pedaling one fin.  Resembling a wounded seal.  On a solo trip.  At Bean Hollow!! 

. . . Not that that actually happened to me on Sharktober 12th last month or anything . . .  (fqing set screw!!)

definitely demo demo demo, if you would like to try a jackson cuda, you are more than welcome to paddle mine for a day, i can meet you either at lake sonoma or bodega bay, and definitley hit ravensblack up on trying out the OK line and windtoys in santa rosa for hobie demos, it all comes down to what you find the most comfortable for you and the style of fishing you are/want to do, remember you are going to be in the sadddle for very long periods of time, and the more comfy you are the more you will enjoy this sport, cameron

Ok yes demo demo. But if you fish and can afford it buy a hobie with mirage. You won't regret it. If you buy a paddler, you will watch guys pedaling by and regret it. I paddledef for ten years before getting a pedal yak and have never looked back.

Ok yes demo demo. But if you fish and can afford it buy a hobie with mirage. You won't regret it. If you buy a paddler, you will watch guys pedaling by and regret it. I paddledef for ten years before getting a pedal yak and have never looked back.

I don't give a crap about guys pedaling by. That's ridiculous.

Pedaling works for me because I have weak bad shoulders.if you have no upper body issue's than paddling is just as good. And yes the hobie paddle is not that great.i didn't realize that until I used a bb paddle

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I would start with a paddle kayak like a Trident 13. Hobies have advantages and disadvantages. Paddle kayaks in General have a lower price point which is good when you are starting out and don't know exactly what you need. Becoming a proficient paddler is an important skill even if you own a Hobie. Some of the guys who start out in Hobies never learn how to paddle. Then the mirage drive breaks and it's not pretty. The adventure is the best paddling Hobie.

Agreed.

This is turning into a mine vs yours and that is not what is needed here. He just needs to try some out, find what works for him, and fits his budget. Everyone needs to stop defending their favorite model and let him buy what works for him. Many of you who say go this way or that have only had one model before, not all of you. Those of you who have not paddled many different models and brands should not comment here. My two cents.

I want to thank you all for your advice, Have been very helpful. I'm glad I joined this site. I would love to take some of you up and try out your kayaks. Please keep the advise coming, I want to learn more from all of you

I say demo on the type of water you plan to fish the most. If your going in the open ocean demo there. If it is a river do it there. I think the location of your demo is as important as the demo it's self. Honestly I have both. I bought my hobie a couple weeks ago and haven't had a chance to try it. But I did see the cambria fishing club members that have members into the late 70's to low 80's and they flew by me, On the ocean. that is one reason I bought my Hobie and I do fish the ocean most. So be careful when doing your demo and do it where you plan to fish and do it a couple times for different conditions. So I own both best of both worlds.

All the advice here is really good.  I demo'd on the water I most often fish, and have been quite happy with the kayak I bought.  I have recently wanted (lusted for?   ) a LARGER kayak for deck space.  I bought a very small, Hobie Mirage Sport …  But I really like how light and easy it is to just throw on top of my little car and GO!.   I've also learned that when you want to be "stealthy" - feather the pedals and paddle quietly.   I've also learned just today that it works quite well on a river where it can occasionally get shallow. (feather pedals, retract rudder, paddle in the shallow).  So DO LEARN TO PADDLE -- but you know I like the pedals, especially in the wind, something I have to deal with often where I regularly fish.   

There's been things I liked & disliked about the 7 previous kayaks I've owned.  Get what feels right & realize you will most likely upgrade or have more than 1 as time goes on.

I think in the end you'll end up with both paddle and pedal kayaks like most guys here.  There are so many great kayaks out there for you to demo. It all comes down to which will work for you and where you are planning on kayaking most of the time. Looking forward to your fishing report.

Jedmo