Paddle vs Peddle

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.

Amen and I've never been passed by a Hobie unless it had a sail.

OK so I own both paddle and peddle and if I had to choose which I prefer, it would be paddle because it is a more elegant method of propulsion and I feel I have better control because you can brace. All that said, for the fish that I target, I use the Hobie more than 1/2 of the time. So besides the demo, you have to match the yak to the style of fishing and the conditions. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages:

Paddle
Good in shallow water, pocket water, kelp, weeds,
Good for surf launch and landing
No complex mechanical parts so less things to break
Lighter hull weight
In general less expensive
Good for people with knee problems

Peddle
Good in wind and current
Good for long distance trips
Good for trolling
Good if you don't know how to paddle
Good for people with shoulder problems

Some guys are fanatical about one or the other, but the best answer is both. If you have a peddle AND a paddle then you will be able to choose the yak that best fits the target species and conditions. One last thing to consider is hull weight. For some guys, this isn't an issue, but if you are rolling solo a heavy yak can be a drag to rack at the end of a long day. I have seen more than a few side view mirrors knocked off. Won't name names.

Amen to hull weight. I hate the fact that my AI hull weighs like a million pounds.
That's one thing I truly miss from my prowler.

Less weight equates to thinner plastic. That is where the weight savings comes from.  I've seen several of the kayaks mentioned here sag just sitting upright in the kayak saddles on a rack. Not even in the summer. I will take a bit heavier for the durability.

My 09 Revo hull seems pretty light. Definitely lighter than my old T15, T140, and my current paddle yak--Ultra 4.7.

Hi everyone, I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. I've decided to buy a paddle kayak, now I have to narrow it down. Everyone has given great advise and I really appreciated all the help so far. My next question is where is a good place to try out kayaks in Sonoma County. I'll probably buy a used kayak for my first. I have no equipment , what do you guys suggest are the most important equipment to start with.

Paddle, PFD, radio if in ocean, dry pants in fresh or wetsuit/dry suit ocean, dry top, way to transport it, just a start.

I have kayaks if you want to demo. PMe for my phone number.  We can also discuss what gear you will need. Craig