Hobie kayaks...say what!? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

f'nsabiki · 03-30-2014, 11:20 PM

That was the best post ever!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYqcHE4WVSs#t=143
"Landings can be exciting too, im sure all of you have seen frank wiredantzs video of me eating it in the surf possibly the greatest video of all time. I honestly dont see why its funny but other people seem to think so. That happened because i had lost my paddle earlier in the day bad timing and i got caught in the kill zone with no way to back up or turn around. Since then i havent had any crashes that i can remember....i like to come in sideways and brace into the oncoming waves all the way in, it seems to work."

buttchaser · 03-31-2014, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f'nsabiki

That was the best post ever!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYqcHE4WVSs#t=143
"Landings can be exciting too, im sure all of you have seen frank wiredantzs video of me eating it in the surf possibly the greatest video of all time. I honestly dont see why its funny but other people seem to think so. That happened because i had lost my paddle earlier in the day bad timing and i got caught in the kill zone with no way to back up or turn around. Since then i havent had any crashes that i can remember....i like to come in sideways and brace into the oncoming waves all the way in, it seems to work."

l.

Haha.. oh Gawd just what i needed to start the week off right....

lowprofile · 03-31-2014, 06:15 AM

Man, I love Hobies. I miss my PA something fierce! (*hobie, if your listening, please send me a PA for Christmas!*)

surf launches?
yeah, it was tough at first. the PA is a big boat (for a single person, kinda small for two though). I had to get used to plowing through waves rather than going over them like in my X-factor. the way to do it is with the drive installed. many people advise against it but if you can time the sets right to where your launching in knee deep water, throw that drive in, hop in and peddle like hell!

Landing. its not the easiest. using my PA to run shark baits off the beach gave me A LOT of launching and landing practice in not so ideal conditions. A lot of night runs too. your not going to surf the PA like a Malibu or OK kayak, the best way I found in big surf is to come in backwards. you'll need your peddles AND paddle for this one.
when you make it just outside the break, turn so your rear is facing the beach and paddle backwards. when your inside the break and a wave is coming at you, stop paddling and peddle forward to keep in one spot, just before the wave hits peddle into it and push through the wave. Once on top or through the wave start paddling backwards again. once you make it closer to shore and your in about 4ft of water, pull the peddles and rudder. face into the oncoming waves and just keep straight as they push you towards shore.

The PA needs more storage. Like said before, you cant fit a 40lb fish in the hull. the storage box heats up and ice never stays frozen. the old seat was too low and my legs fell asleep, the vantage seat is difficult to jump in and out of. the paddle clip should be on the outside of the yak, not next to the seat, taking up more room.

not much wrong with them in my eyes, but they aren't perfect. the stability, weight capacity and ability to handle rough water makes up for most, if not all its faults.

I'm not here to persuade anyone into a Hobie. try different yaks, find what you like and have fun. that's what its all about. I had a lot of fun in my Malibu and Hobie. I caught a lot more fish in the Hobie because I took it out more often. Although that was probably due to the hobie being easier to load up and get on the water with.

Heres some pics of me and some friends having fun in our Hobies.

kauaiboy04 · 03-31-2014, 08:08 AM

thanks for the honest writeup. many people push others to choose certain kayaks over others, but i strongly believe in trying EVERYTHING out for yourself. some people like to paddle, some people like to peddle. to each his own.

wiredantz · 03-31-2014, 10:32 AM

Pro Anglers, are good skiffs. I strongly believe they should offer a limited life time warranty on the kayak itself for a price tag of 3k.

Even if they do take care of you, unless its on paper, I am not shelling out 3k for it.

That a hefty price tag for me at least.

tsugg · 05-31-2015, 07:56 PM

Great post! I've been lurking in the private message arena for a while asking all the questions I was afraid to post out in front because I own a pa14 and didn't want to apear to be a Hobie douter. I think that in hindsight I would go fishing a lot more if it was easier to get the yak to and from the water. I really hate the wondering steering on the pa. I really like some of the Malibu models- light and high capacity. And I almost forgot CHEAP!!!

taggermike · 06-01-2015, 08:20 AM

Great post. I agree that hobies have a loyal following and critism is rare. I've seen the complete evolution of the Hobie and the attitudes toward them. I saw a mirage drive before there was a boat to put it in. I recall thinking it was a weird piece of excersize equipment. Like a 'thigh master'. When Hobies started showing up at the LJ launch the paddling majority thought they were a flashy trend and i remember debates as to whether they were ever kayaks. Things have come full circle, and several times I have been the only paddler on beach full of peddlers. I have never been on a PA, but have fished from an out back and an adventure. They were great and the mirage drive is an amazing piece of equipment. Its been said many times here and else where that every kayak is a trade off; stability vs speed, primary vs secondary stability. And now paddle vs peddle. I've been fishing my 15 year old original OK prowler 15. Again a trade off. I sit in a puddle, my ass is level with my feet. But its fast a shit, cuts right thru wind waves kelp n chop, I can carry or drag it about any where. Pretty much any where I can get to the water is a launch. Try before you by, or if you got the scratch, get both. Mike

tunaseeker · 06-04-2015, 04:48 AM

Any comments on a sail for the PA14?

Shimano Penn · 06-06-2015, 07:47 AM

Just read the entire thread and agree with pretty much every pro/ con mentioned. I started with an old OK Scupper Pro I bought off CL for $300 just to see if I'd like kayaking. Light, sleek, fast; a blast to paddle around in but zero stability for fishing. I'm maybe not the most athletic guy here and pushing 200 lbs. I rolled that thing every time I went out even in mill-pond conditions and that was on lakes, I never dared to try the ocean in it. I saw PA's on the beach, got curious and went shopping. Are you f'ing kidding me???? $$$$$$$ !!!!!! So I ended up buying a Current Designs Tailfin with stabilizing pontoons on outriggers. I felt secure enough and started fishing La Jolla but still envied those peddle boats passing by. Jumped on a killer CL deal for a PA14, I believe it is Wades old boat ? I think that's what I was told anyway. So now I have the same love/ hate relationship that some have shared here. All the things that make it great (size, weight, stability, mirage drive) are the same things that make it suck. (try loading one on top of my Astro van

) In my view it's just a mistake to even call the PA a kayak. It's a peddle boat.

I bought a trailer

TJones · 04-01-2014, 12:06 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYqcHE4WVSs#t=143

ful-rac · 04-01-2014, 12:16 PM

I still don't see what's so funny....

Iceman · 04-01-2014, 01:42 PM

Tony did you feel the bow hit bottom, sure looked like. I had a similar experience where the bow got pushed into the sand bottom and I was standing straight up on the foot pegs, luckily managed to fall back in the seat and ride in unscathed.

ful-rac · 04-01-2014, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iceman

Tony did you feel the bow hit bottom, sure looked like. I had a similar experience where the bow got pushed into the sand bottom and I was standing straight up on the foot pegs, luckily managed to fall back in the seat and ride in unscathed.

Oh it hit bottom alright...I heard a loud snap as it hit...that turned out to be my yakattak light pole.

CaliShark · 04-01-2014, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ful-rac

I still don't see what's so funny....

The actual flipping part isn't nearly as hilarious as the video editing is. Cutting in the gangnam style music video is fucking awesome that's what had me laughing...

I noticed when you were peddling in you weren't looking over your shoulder behind you and the wave kind of hit you by surprise...When ever I'm in that zone I'm constantly looking behind to see the waves. Also when you flipped and stood up you were in like 2 feet of water. I would have jumped out and walked my yak in if I was that shallow.

ful-rac · 04-01-2014, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliShark

The actual flipping part isn't nearly as hilarious as the video editing is. Cutting in the gangnam style music video is fucking awesome that's what had me laughing...

I noticed when you were peddling in you weren't looking over your shoulder behind you and the wave kind of hit you by surprise...When ever I'm in that zone I'm constantly looking behind to see the waves. Also when you flipped and stood up you were in like 2 feet of water. I would have jumped out and walked my yak in if I was that shallow.

Yes...

Thanks for schooling me on that....

I'll remember that next time...

jorluivil · 04-01-2014, 05:21 PM

Hobie don't have reverse? Seriously? I can't believe I just read that!

If you decide to paddle in the dark and run into kelp are you just going to sit there until someone rescues you or are you going to back out of it using your paddle?

alanw · 05-31-2015, 12:27 PM

I ran across another article listing Hobie cons I thought to share. The guy is obviously selling paddle kayaks so keep that in mind. Hobie is sort of like Apple IMO, they are able to sell you anything even if it has some flaws and is overpriced... great marketing. Anyway, some interesting points raised in the article are worth a look.

http://wavewalk.com/blog/2010/10/11/...ishing-kayaks/

.

rossman · 05-31-2015, 12:52 PM

After carefully collecting data over the past 6 years I can definitively report that 14.6 percent of Hobie will breakdown in a 3 day fishing trip. #ItsNOTakayak

03-31-2014, 06:15 AM	#3
lowprofile #1 on fishstick's hitlist Join Date: May 2011 Location: Sea level Posts: 1,478	Man, I love Hobies. I miss my PA something fierce! (hobie, if your listening, please send me a PA for Christmas!) surf launches? yeah, it was tough at first. the PA is a big boat (for a single person, kinda small for two though). I had to get used to plowing through waves rather than going over them like in my X-factor. the way to do it is with the drive installed. many people advise against it but if you can time the sets right to where your launching in knee deep water, throw that drive in, hop in and peddle like hell! Landing. its not the easiest. using my PA to run shark baits off the beach gave me A LOT of launching and landing practice in not so ideal conditions. A lot of night runs too. your not going to surf the PA like a Malibu or OK kayak, the best way I found in big surf is to come in backwards. you'll need your peddles AND paddle for this one. when you make it just outside the break, turn so your rear is facing the beach and paddle backwards. when your inside the break and a wave is coming at you, stop paddling and peddle forward to keep in one spot, just before the wave hits peddle into it and push through the wave. Once on top or through the wave start paddling backwards again. once you make it closer to shore and your in about 4ft of water, pull the peddles and rudder. face into the oncoming waves and just keep straight as they push you towards shore. The PA needs more storage. Like said before, you cant fit a 40lb fish in the hull. the storage box heats up and ice never stays frozen. the old seat was too low and my legs fell asleep, the vantage seat is difficult to jump in and out of. the paddle clip should be on the outside of the yak, not next to the seat, taking up more room. not much wrong with them in my eyes, but they aren't perfect. the stability, weight capacity and ability to handle rough water makes up for most, if not all its faults. I'm not here to persuade anyone into a Hobie. try different yaks, find what you like and have fun. that's what its all about. I had a lot of fun in my Malibu and Hobie. I caught a lot more fish in the Hobie because I took it out more often. Although that was probably due to the hobie being easier to load up and get on the water with. Heres some pics of me and some friends having fun in our Hobies. __________________ MLPA- My Largest Poaching Area

03-31-2014, 08:08 AM	#4
kauaiboy04 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Sandy Eggo Posts: 215	thanks for the honest writeup. many people push others to choose certain kayaks over others, but i strongly believe in trying EVERYTHING out for yourself. some people like to paddle, some people like to peddle. to each his own. __________________ http://socalkayak.blogspot.com

03-31-2014, 10:32 AM	#5
wiredantz Currently @ MLO Territory Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Under the Shadow Posts: 2,290	Pro Anglers, are good skiffs. I strongly believe they should offer a limited life time warranty on the kayak itself for a price tag of 3k. Even if they do take care of you, unless its on paper, I am not shelling out 3k for it. That a hefty price tag for me at least. __________________ Team: Disbanded You only have one chance in this life...make the right decision(s)...so you don't regret it

05-31-2015, 07:56 PM	#6
tsugg LOWSPARK Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: CARLSBAD Posts: 251	Tony tony Great post! I've been lurking in the private message arena for a while asking all the questions I was afraid to post out in front because I own a pa14 and didn't want to apear to be a Hobie douter. I think that in hindsight I would go fishing a lot more if it was easier to get the yak to and from the water. I really hate the wondering steering on the pa. I really like some of the Malibu models- light and high capacity. And I almost forgot CHEAP!!!

06-06-2015, 07:47 AM	#9
Shimano Penn Junior Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 22	Just read the entire thread and agree with pretty much every pro/ con mentioned. I started with an old OK Scupper Pro I bought off CL for $300 just to see if I'd like kayaking. Light, sleek, fast; a blast to paddle around in but zero stability for fishing. I'm maybe not the most athletic guy here and pushing 200 lbs. I rolled that thing every time I went out even in mill-pond conditions and that was on lakes, I never dared to try the ocean in it. I saw PA's on the beach, got curious and went shopping. Are you f'ing kidding me???? $$$$$$$ !!!!!! So I ended up buying a Current Designs Tailfin with stabilizing pontoons on outriggers. I felt secure enough and started fishing La Jolla but still envied those peddle boats passing by. Jumped on a killer CL deal for a PA14, I believe it is Wades old boat ? I think that's what I was told anyway. So now I have the same love/ hate relationship that some have shared here. All the things that make it great (size, weight, stability, mirage drive) are the same things that make it suck. (try loading one on top of my Astro van ) In my view it's just a mistake to even call the PA a kayak. It's a peddle boat. I bought a trailer Last edited by Shimano Penn; 06-06-2015 at 08:21 AM.

03-30-2014, 11:20 PM	#1
f'nsabiki Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 310	That was the best post ever!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYqcHE4WVSs#t=143 "Landings can be exciting too, im sure all of you have seen frank wiredantzs video of me eating it in the surf possibly the greatest video of all time. I honestly dont see why its funny but other people seem to think so. That happened because i had lost my paddle earlier in the day bad timing and i got caught in the kill zone with no way to back up or turn around. Since then i havent had any crashes that i can remember....i like to come in sideways and brace into the oncoming waves all the way in, it seems to work."

06-01-2015, 08:20 AM	#7
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	Great post. I agree that hobies have a loyal following and critism is rare. I've seen the complete evolution of the Hobie and the attitudes toward them. I saw a mirage drive before there was a boat to put it in. I recall thinking it was a weird piece of excersize equipment. Like a 'thigh master'. When Hobies started showing up at the LJ launch the paddling majority thought they were a flashy trend and i remember debates as to whether they were ever kayaks. Things have come full circle, and several times I have been the only paddler on beach full of peddlers. I have never been on a PA, but have fished from an out back and an adventure. They were great and the mirage drive is an amazing piece of equipment. Its been said many times here and else where that every kayak is a trade off; stability vs speed, primary vs secondary stability. And now paddle vs peddle. I've been fishing my 15 year old original OK prowler 15. Again a trade off. I sit in a puddle, my ass is level with my feet. But its fast a shit, cuts right thru wind waves kelp n chop, I can carry or drag it about any where. Pretty much any where I can get to the water is a launch. Try before you by, or if you got the scratch, get both. Mike

06-04-2015, 04:48 AM	#8
tunaseeker TB Metal Art Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 653	Any comments on a sail for the PA14?

04-01-2014, 12:06 PM	#10
TJones Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,526	Noooooooooooooooooooooo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYqcHE4WVSs#t=143

04-01-2014, 12:16 PM	#11
ful-rac Emperor Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buena Park Posts: 3,649	I still don't see what's so funny.... __________________ There's nothing colder than yesterday's hotdog.

04-01-2014, 01:42 PM	#12
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	Tony did you feel the bow hit bottom, sure looked like. I had a similar experience where the bow got pushed into the sand bottom and I was standing straight up on the foot pegs, luckily managed to fall back in the seat and ride in unscathed. __________________

04-01-2014, 05:21 PM	#16
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,856	Hobie don't have reverse? Seriously? I can't believe I just read that! If you decide to paddle in the dark and run into kelp are you just going to sit there until someone rescues you or are you going to back out of it using your paddle? __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

05-31-2015, 12:27 PM	#17
alanw Made in U.S.A. Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dana Point Posts: 1,625	I ran across another article listing Hobie cons I thought to share. The guy is obviously selling paddle kayaks so keep that in mind. Hobie is sort of like Apple IMO, they are able to sell you anything even if it has some flaws and is overpriced... great marketing. Anyway, some interesting points raised in the article are worth a look. http://wavewalk.com/blog/2010/10/11/...ishing-kayaks/ . __________________ Hobie PA 14 ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Jackson Kraken ¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Malibu X-Factor ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Malibu Stealth-12 ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Its not a spelling B its a fishing B ~yakjoe

05-31-2015, 12:52 PM	#18
rossman Marginally Irrelevant Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bahia Asuncion Posts: 936	After carefully collecting data over the past 6 years I can definitively report that 14.6 percent of Hobie will breakdown in a 3 day fishing trip. #ItsNOTakayak __________________ "When beholding the tranquil beauty and brilliancy of the ocean’s skin, one forgets the tiger heart that pants beneath it; and would not willingly remember that this velvet paw but conceals a remorseless fang. " — Herman Melville Y'all come see me now, hear!