Hobie Beach Launch Tips - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

FISH11 · 07-02-2020, 10:17 AM

The walk out to knee deep (on wave regression), Jump on and pedal quickly through the surf is the best method and if surf is bigger than 3'-4' than also use the paddle. The only thing I see recommended that I would never do, is have the drive out and click it once in the surf. The drive should have been already installed, leashed and the most important part, HAVE THE BUNGEE ATTACHED to the mirage drive pedal to, to keep the fins against the hull. That should have been done first after the hull is set on the sand. The drive should not come out Launching or Landing. The kayak user should learn when to get their feet off the drive pedals and allow the bungee to do it's job, as designed.

igotpron · 07-02-2020, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FISH11

The walk out to knee deep (on wave regression), Jump on and pedal quickly through the surf is the best method and if surf is bigger than 3'-4' than also use the paddle. The only thing I see recommended that I would never do, is have the drive out and click it once in the surf. The drive should have been already installed, leashed and the most important part, HAVE THE BUNGEE ATTACHED to the mirage drive pedal to, to keep the fins against the hull. That should have been done first after the hull is set on the sand. The drive should not come out Launching or Landing. The kayak user should learn when to get their feet off the drive pedals and allow the bungee to do it's job, as designed.

I agree here. But only really recommend for the v2 and v1 drives. The GT and 180 drives do not like getting sand them and require a tear down when sand gets in the bearings.

Now my self have done the wait, Paddle and then insert drive and have had a few failure to launches. The last one I remember was the drive not clicking in both sides, then me messing with it trying to remove an re install and getting pummeled back to shore. Bent mast and torn fin on launch. Very shi77y way to start your morning. Now I only launch with the drive installed and bungeed.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SoCalEDC · 07-02-2020, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FISH11

also use the paddle.

4 wheel drive I like it.

TheBentRod · 07-03-2020, 12:22 PM

I would try either method anywhere but Malibu. Leo Carrillo is rocky, Esco is a steep drop off (but may work with drive installed and bungeed). County line riptides make it unpredictable and the extra stuff under the water line can and will turn your kayak In directions that could be a problem if you are not paying attention.

jkim0130 · 07-05-2020, 07:55 PM

Thanks for the tips! I did my first Hobie launch at La Jolla today. The waves were mello and it was an easy launch.

No fish for me. I'm slowly getting back into kayak fishing. It's been over 8 years!

summers in kuwait · 07-06-2020, 01:32 PM

Some good notes here.
Another point worth mentioning is that you should be aware of the kelp or eelgrass, when its thick on the inside of the surf zone. There have been times when Ive launched and the mirage drive would not work as it was wrapped up. Thats when its handy to have your paddle ready.

GregAndrew · 07-06-2020, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBentRod

I would try either method anywhere but Malibu. Leo Carrillo is rocky, Esco is a steep drop off (but may work with drive installed and bungeed). County line riptides make it unpredictable and the extra stuff under the water line can and will turn your kayak In directions that could be a problem if you are not paying attention.

Same at San Onofre. The shallow reef extends well out into the water, with lots of vegetation to snag anything it can. High tide would give you clearance, but also puts the break closer to the shore.

PapaDave · 07-06-2020, 03:17 PM

Anyone have experience beaching a 360?

Jxjones · 07-09-2020, 04:27 PM

Was thinking the same. Waiting for mine to arrive, but am curious to see if it’s any different from launching with an MD 180.

07-02-2020, 10:17 AM	#1
FISH11 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pine Valley when not fishing La Jolla Posts: 2,643	The walk out to knee deep (on wave regression), Jump on and pedal quickly through the surf is the best method and if surf is bigger than 3'-4' than also use the paddle. The only thing I see recommended that I would never do, is have the drive out and click it once in the surf. The drive should have been already installed, leashed and the most important part, HAVE THE BUNGEE ATTACHED to the mirage drive pedal to, to keep the fins against the hull. That should have been done first after the hull is set on the sand. The drive should not come out Launching or Landing. The kayak user should learn when to get their feet off the drive pedals and allow the bungee to do it's job, as designed. __________________ MARK ......... 2016 MALIBU X FACTOR, 2020 SOLO SKIFF (Fishing Kayak on Steroids )

07-06-2020, 03:17 PM	#8
PapaDave Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Menifee, CA Posts: 1,475	360? Anyone have experience beaching a 360? __________________ So long and thanks for all the fish...

07-09-2020, 04:27 PM	#9
Jxjones Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 47	360 Was thinking the same. Waiting for mine to arrive, but am curious to see if it’s any different from launching with an MD 180.

07-03-2020, 12:22 PM	#4
TheBentRod Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Murrieta, CA and Bonney Lake, WA Posts: 426	I would try either method anywhere but Malibu. Leo Carrillo is rocky, Esco is a steep drop off (but may work with drive installed and bungeed). County line riptides make it unpredictable and the extra stuff under the water line can and will turn your kayak In directions that could be a problem if you are not paying attention.

07-05-2020, 07:55 PM	#5
jkim0130 Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Irvine Posts: 34	Thanks for the tips! I did my first Hobie launch at La Jolla today. The waves were mello and it was an easy launch. No fish for me. I'm slowly getting back into kayak fishing. It's been over 8 years!

07-06-2020, 01:32 PM	#6
summers in kuwait Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: East County San Diego Posts: 657	Some good notes here. Another point worth mentioning is that you should be aware of the kelp or eelgrass, when its thick on the inside of the surf zone. There have been times when Ive launched and the mirage drive would not work as it was wrapped up. Thats when its handy to have your paddle ready.