Sruf Launching a Hobie - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

mtnbykr2 · 05-20-2011, 06:39 AM

I have had an Outback for three years now, the launch is not that bad, the landing is not that bad either, with the exception of anyones chance
of having a yard sale, but the best possible description of a Hobie in a surf
landing is like trying to paddle in a tuperware bowl, but after some practice, it is no problem...definately recomend a Jim Sammons surf lesson though

Deamon · 05-20-2011, 09:30 AM

I launch out with the mirage drive tied up inside and not used. Paddling out has not been a prob for me.

I come in with the rudder strapped up, mirage drive in use while I use the paddle mostly to keep the boat pointed STRAIGHT or slightly on edge. I can't imagine not using the paddle (rudder only) in the 2-2 1/2' foot breakers when coming in. Once the yak starts turning if you don't immediately correct positioning, the next wave will do you. Small waves no prob...you just look a bit silly going in sideways and leaning backwards.

flydigital · 05-20-2011, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deamon

I can't imagine not using the paddle (rudder only) in the 2-2 1/2' foot breakers when coming in.

I concur. I keep pedals bungie'd and rudder up for launches and landings. There isn't enough steering rotation with the rudder down and on any day with decent wave size I often need to paddle-pivot at least once on my way in to break through a wave that I would have otherwise caught (and most likely subsequently rolled). I've tried 'side-sliding' a wave in with the pedals and rudder down. It just doesn't work on anything but ankle-slappers (it rolls when the rudder digs sideways). And I've tried outright surfing down wave faces up to 4ft and it doesn't like that either no matter how you do it

So for the Hobie I just keep the gear up, paddle like any other fishing kayak and avoid catching a wave at all costs.

Seems many guys just pedal their way to the beach every time though and they do just fine!

FlyFishinYakr · 05-22-2011, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtnbykr2

I have had an Outback for three years now, the launch is not that bad, the landing is not that bad either, with the exception of anyones chance
of having a yard sale, but the best possible description of a Hobie in a surf
landing is like trying to paddle in a tuperware bowl, but after some practice, it is no problem...definately recomend a Jim Sammons surf lesson though

Thanks for all the responses.
I was under the impression that the launches seem to be the most difficult (ie. getting enough speed and the timing to plow through the incoming waves etc.), but it seems like the landings are just as tough!

I was debating on taking one of Sammon's classes, but based on the responses I think that's a slam dunk (pardon the pun). LOL

jorluivil · 05-22-2011, 07:34 AM

Yesterday I found out that preparing your taxes is easier then lading a Hobie with a Mirage drive and rudder.

Deamon · 05-23-2011, 11:29 AM

It's decent size but doable this morning for the rental yaks. Maybe 50% of them dumped it once. Funny thing is the rental shop leader dude who helped everyone get out was last to go. He made it out on his fifth attempt. Watching him from a distance, once he made it out 2/3's (almost there), he slowed (probably tired) and once your yak stops in surf break zone, the decent sized waves were grabbing him like a surfboard and would ride him in until he dumped it each time.

Keep that yak pointed straight and moving forward or it's yard sale time...

05-22-2011, 07:34 AM	#5
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,855	Yesterday I found out that preparing your taxes is easier then lading a Hobie with a Mirage drive and rudder. __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

05-20-2011, 06:39 AM	#1
mtnbykr2 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: newbury park ca Posts: 2,323	I have had an Outback for three years now, the launch is not that bad, the landing is not that bad either, with the exception of anyones chance of having a yard sale, but the best possible description of a Hobie in a surf landing is like trying to paddle in a tuperware bowl, but after some practice, it is no problem...definately recomend a Jim Sammons surf lesson though

05-20-2011, 09:30 AM	#2
Deamon Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 1,972	I launch out with the mirage drive tied up inside and not used. Paddling out has not been a prob for me. I come in with the rudder strapped up, mirage drive in use while I use the paddle mostly to keep the boat pointed STRAIGHT or slightly on edge. I can't imagine not using the paddle (rudder only) in the 2-2 1/2' foot breakers when coming in. Once the yak starts turning if you don't immediately correct positioning, the next wave will do you. Small waves no prob...you just look a bit silly going in sideways and leaning backwards.

05-23-2011, 11:29 AM	#6
Deamon Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 1,972	It's decent size but doable this morning for the rental yaks. Maybe 50% of them dumped it once. Funny thing is the rental shop leader dude who helped everyone get out was last to go. He made it out on his fifth attempt. Watching him from a distance, once he made it out 2/3's (almost there), he slowed (probably tired) and once your yak stops in surf break zone, the decent sized waves were grabbing him like a surfboard and would ride him in until he dumped it each time. Keep that yak pointed straight and moving forward or it's yard sale time...