markie wrote: > > I just got back from the beach at Dana Point where I saw the Hobie > Mirage prototype in action. It's a cool little craft that is pedaled > rather than paddled (or can be paddled AND pedaled), and can go as fast > as 8 to 9 knots if you're in good shape. I was just wondering if this > thing could be called a kayak since it's similar to a sit-on-top. > Anyone on the list used one? > -- I peddled one in the Columbia river this spring during our Paddle Fest or whatever they call it. I broke it. It's an extremely cool craft; 10 feet long[?] propelled by a wing-like device midship which folds up on the forward stroke and opens on the backstroke. Position is like a recumbent bike, and the stroke is more pushing than circular. I am a biker and pushed it hard. It's fast; I was passing everbody. Steering is done with a lever on the right (if memory serves). The rep told me to position the peddles so the wings were in the full upright and locked position on landing. I did, hit a rock, and broke off one of the wings. A cotter pin was supposed to shear first, but didn't. I was coasting in pretty slowly. If this is the same craft you refer to (mine was a Hobie, but perhaps an earlier incarnation?) I couldn't see paddling it. Sort of like rowing your bike. The angles just are not right. It strikes me as a flatwater sandybeach kinda thing. And probably very cumbersome to cartop. p.s. Karen; do you know Bill Stewart, the surfboard maker? He's a San Clementian and former neighbor. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Sep 28 1998 - 12:39:56 PDT
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