Hobie Beach Launch Tips

[jkim0130]

What is the best way to beach launch a Hobie?

Do you paddle out past the break and then install the mirage drive?

[socal.beach.bum]

Thats the strategy I take. Time the waves, go after the last set then paddle your ass off. Once you commit don’t quit until you are past the breakers, then plug in your drive, stow away the paddles and go.

[summers in kuwait]

I have messed around with a few different methods over the years in the hobie.
I now prefer to walk out about knee high, insert the mirage drive and drop rudder and then hop in and go.

In the past I would always paddle out, but I find with the hull design and overall weight that I get more drive and power from the mirage drive and that helps punch through when there is bigger surf.

Generally launching is much more straightforward unless its winter and the surf is up. Now landing is a whole different story.

If possible, go down to your local beach, with paddle, drive and kayak, PFD and no gear. Spend some time launching and landing, over and over. This can be an awesome exercise and can speed up the learning curve!

Cheers

[FISH11]

Originally Posted by summers in kuwait

I have messed around with a few different methods over the years in the hobie.
I now prefer to walk out about knee high, insert the mirage drive and drop rudder and then hop in and go.

In the past I would always paddle out, but I find with the hull design and overall weight that I get more drive and power from the mirage drive and that helps punch through when there is bigger surf.

Generally launching is much more straightforward unless its winter and the surf is up. Now landing is a whole different story.

If possible, go down to your local beach, with paddle, drive and kayak, PFD and no gear. Spend some time launching and landing, over and over. This can be an awesome exercise and can speed up the learning curve!
Cheers

X2

[jkim0130]

Thanks for the information!

I'll try the drive-in method this weekend.

I'm thinking for landing, I'll take the drive out and rudder up. Assume worst case scenario.

Thanks.

[SoCalEDC]

since I got my outback back in march I have surf launched it a few times, and i prefer the walk out, wait for a long period between the waves throw the drive in, drop the rudder and go.

As mentioned, landing is more difficult and my 2020 outback (I cant speak for the other hobies as i have no experience with them), DOES NOT SURF WELL. I tried to ride a wave in at lj last weekend (with moderate sucess) and idk if its a center of gravity thing or what but the nose wants to push into the water and ends up "digging" if you end up somehow ahead of the wave (ideally you would catch the back of a wave and ride it in). This is probably also because the new nose is sharp and narrow compared to the previous hull design. Anyways in this scenario just ride it until you turn sideways, lean toward the wave and if the kayak starts to go turn over hop out over the side that is opposite of the wave face, by this point you will typically be in 3-4' water anyways. The kayak is stable enough that it likely right it self after your jump, and usually dump you out before it turns over anyways.

[Bruntoj]

I’ll repeat what the others said. I launch with the drive in from about knee deep water and power out with the pedals. Stop for nothing. Pro Angler half-paddle is in hand for backup/turning. Rudder is deployed.

As soon as I’m seated I unbungee the pedals and deploy the rudder. From that point on all movement is forward or in a holding pattern wait for a lull if the timing looks bad. If you get sideways and can’t correct then better to jump out again (assuming you’re still in knee/thigh water) and grab the FRONT of your kayak.


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