Paddle or Pedal?

[AndyK]

I've been fishing offshore/islands/local on private boats, my own boat before I sold it and the SD sport boat fleet for years, all while consistently lurking here and watching a lot of members here consistently kill it from their yaks in LJ, OC and DP. There is just something about going out on a floating piece of plastic and pulling on fish as big (often bigger) than the guys that burn gas in boats chasing that appeals to me. Being closer to nature, the cost efficiency, etc.

I'm curious how many of you guys are paddle vs pedal. I have a 14ft Ocean Kayak but haven't been able make the jump over to the Hobie just yet. Id def like to work with what I have and take it out of LJ and SD Bay.

[ProfessorLongArms]

I’m spoiiiiiled by my hobie.
Not having to put the rod down and grab the paddle is wonderful.
Plus my shoulder would always give out long before my legs even start to ache on a long haul.

I’m sure I can and will get another non pedal kayak for various applications, but I’m def in love with my outback.

[Raskal311]

Peddle kayaks are like the old Motorola razors and peddle kayaks is like an iPhone 8. Now a hobie with an electric motor is an iPhone 12. People (mostly older folks who can't adopt change) likes those old Motorola and that's ok.

[DanaPT]

Just to be fair... there are plenty of guys that kill it OTW with a paddle.

To each their own.

[nmeofun]

My back and bad shoulder limited the time and distance I could go with my old paddle kayak. My Hobie allows me to fish until I eat all my snacks and get hungry.

Plus, headwinds aren't much of a problem any more.

[Iceman]

People (mostly older folks who can't adopt change) likes those old Motorola and that's ok.

Yup that is me, I sell Hobie, Jackson, Ocean, Wilderness and Malibu..........I am always quick to tell people there are huge advantages to fishing from a Hobie, but keeping things a little more primal and challenging appeal to me, so I paddle at least as much as I pedal.

It is pretty close comparison to telling a surfer that stand up boards are better, because you can catch a wave easier and ride more waves, it is true, but easier is not always what you are after.

[Mahigeer]

If you want exercise and do sightseeing Paddle is fine.


If you want to fish, pedal is better.

I first bought a 14' Malibu and took it out to Baja.

The next trip I had an Outback and was more successful in catching fish.

I put the Malibu on sale. Still available.

[Fiskadoro]

Originally Posted by AndyK

I've been fishing offshore/islands/local on private boats, my own boat before I sold it and the SD sport boat fleet for years, all while consistently lurking here and watching a lot of members here consistently kill it from their yaks in LJ, OC and DP. There is just something about going out on a floating piece of plastic and pulling on fish as big (often bigger) than the guys that burn gas in boats chasing that appeals to me. Being closer to nature, the cost efficiency, etc. I'm curious how many of you guys are paddle vs pedal. I have a 14ft Ocean Kayak but haven't been able make the jump over to the Hobie just yet. Id def like to work with what I have and take it out of LJ and SD Bay.

Each type has it's merits.

Paddling is simpler. No rudder needed etc... a paddle kayak is more indestructible and you can also take a paddle kayak anywhere.

Seriously...


I think peddle is more accessible in some ways. Paddling takes a level of strength and coordination which builds up with time. I mostly paddle I find it's more versatile, keeps you more in touch with the conditions (especially in rough water) and I like the upper body conditioning.

For a newbie I recommenced paddle first until they get the gist. Once your good with paddling using the Hobie drive is a breeze.