I ALWAYs land with the mirage drive in.
There is a bungee that retracts the fins flush against the kayak when you stop using the drive.
Some people launch with the drive in. Just make sure its deep enough before you use them or you will bottom out and likely turn your kayak sideways.. Done that
If you ever bend a mirage drive fin mast it is pretty easy to straighten it out with a hammer.
