Paddle and Pedal Speed

[Cadillyak]

Originally Posted by Mr. NiceGuy

These are reasonable speeds and expectations, but so much of it depends on you.

For your first test ride you might feel spent and cramped peddling out to the kelp beds and back.

Endurance builds fast, especially the muscle groups you will be using for a Hobie. By the end of a season you will acclimate and basically be able to pedal and fish for as long as you like. Sprints have their limits, but you will quickly learn how to pace yourself and rest or recoup your energy while you are cruising easy. Other factors play a more important role in following any particular time schedule.

When it comes to planning time, speed and distance covered, remember the story about the tortoise and the hare. Building your personal endurance, logging time on the water under divergent conditions, understanding and predicting weather and water conditions, and other kinds of accumulated skill sets are more important than focusing on any particular average mph the boat itself might be capable of doing.

I do not have vast amounts of experience in a kayak, to say the least, but I've been a pilot for many years and many of the same forces of nature apply.

Generally speaking, I seem to be significantly faster in my Outback than most of the paddle kayaks around me. However, some kayaks are magnificently streamlined and low drag. For fishing, there are lots of other trade-offs. I've seen guys in PA's around me sprinting and casting into boils with plenty of finesse and maneuverability.

^x2. Muscle memory is crazy. I used to get so fatigued and sore in the bay. The more u go, the better the endurance. I now feel like I can fish with my hearts content and not worry about fatigue!