Sruf Launching a Hobie

[ODOGFISH]

REVO's are easy ... but the OUTBACK ... well thats like landing in a large WOK thru the surf

[dsafety]

My experience with the Revo is that launching is usually fairly easy regardless of whether you paddle or peddle. I usually peddle. Having said this, when the surf is really big, or worse, very close together, there have been occasions where I simply have not been able to make it out.

Getting pounded in the chest by a dozen or more head-high waves, each pushing you back closer to the beach, can wear out even the most fit amongst us. I doubt the Hobies perform any better or worse than other kayaks in these conditions.

Landing is another story. Revos and Outbacks just do not surf very well. I have seen some guys on paddle kayaks surfing for fun and doing a great job. I have not seen anyone doing this on a Hobie.

In small surf, just about every technique works. If the surf is big or the interval is short, I have had the best success just waiting outside the surf line for a lull and then peddling as hard as possible, trying to stay between the waves. Under these conditions, I usually jump out of the kayak and grab the stern handle as soon I am in shallow water. This usually results in a very wet landing but I have not yet had a yard sale.

Recently, when faced with less than optimal landing conditions I have resorted to backing in. The best way to imagine this technique is to think of one of those big surf launches where you were never able to make it outside. You point the bow into the waves, paddle or peddle forward whenever a wave is approaching you and then paddle backwards between the waves. When you get to shallow water, jump out and grab the bow.

This technique works great but be prepared to get some ribbing from the guys on the beach when you try it.

Bob

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by dsafety

My experience with the Revo is that launching is usually fairly easy regardless of whether you paddle or peddle. I usually peddle. Having said this, when the surf is really big, or worse, very close together, there have been occasions where I simply have not been able to make it out.

Getting pounded in the chest by a dozen or more head-high waves, each pushing you back closer to the beach, can wear out even the most fit amongst us. I doubt the Hobies perform any better or worse than other kayaks in these conditions.

Landing is another story. Revos and Outbacks just do not surf very well. I have seen some guys on paddle kayaks surfing for fun and doing a great job. I have not seen anyone doing this on a Hobie.

In small surf, just about every technique works. If the surf is big or the interval is short, I have had the best success just waiting outside the surf line for a lull and then peddling as hard as possible, trying to stay between the waves. Under these conditions, I usually jump out of the kayak and grab the stern handle as soon I am in shallow water. This usually results in a very wet landing but I have not yet had a yard sale.

Recently, when faced with less than optimal landing conditions I have resorted to backing in. The best way to imagine this technique is to think of one of those big surf launches where you were never able to make it outside. You point the bow into the waves, paddle or peddle forward whenever a wave is approaching you and then paddle backwards between the waves. When you get to shallow water, jump out and grab the bow.

This technique works great but be prepared to get some ribbing from the guys on the beach when you try it.

Bob

I haven't stopped using this technique since I first posted I was doing it, its now my routine regardless of wave height or interval. From what I've seen most guys get tossed in knee to waist deep water, waves are less than a foot high. Haven't been able to understand why they don't just jump off and walk it in.....to each his own.

[Kahouna]

Originally Posted by dsafety

Recently, when faced with less than optimal landing conditions I have resorted to backing in. The best way to imagine this technique is to think of one of those big surf launches where you were never able to make it outside. You point the bow into the waves, paddle or peddle forward whenever a wave is approaching you and then paddle backwards between the waves. When you get to shallow water, jump out and grab the bow.

This technique works great but be prepared to get some ribbing from the guys on the beach when you try it.

Bob

I can take the ribbing when everything on board is accounted for and I am dry.

Good info!

[FlyFishinYakr]

Originally Posted by ODOGFISH

REVO's are easy ... but the OUTBACK ... well thats like landing in a large WOK thru the surf

Thanks much,
This is one of the other reasons I thought I'd ask this question. I'm torn between the Outback and the Pro Angler (if I can come up with the extra scratch). I'm 53 yo. with multiple back issues and only 5'4" and the Revo wasn't even in my plans. I believed it was just too big for me to handle. I was looking for something in the 12'-14' range and figured that the Outback would be an overall ideal yak for me.
FFY