Newbie to the list here so I apologize if this discussion has already occurred in the past. It also borders on being off topic... I was thinking about the talk recently about paddles and wrist problems. I have to be careful with my wrists because I had to have a very complex rebuild after breaking my left one about ten years ago. Typing is key to my job, if I couldn't type it would make life very difficult. So this is something I'm very conscious of when I paddle. This morning I accidentally ran into the Hobie website and their Mirage pedal powered flipper driven kayak. It is interesting that I had seen the hobie out of the water once and took it's flippers for some kind of a skeg. I searched around and found more resources from the IWCA site at http://www.watercycling.org/ Their manufacturer links are a look at some extremely thought provoking engineering. Especially the wavebike http://www.wavebike.com which totally requires movement for balance. Has anyone used these pedal craft and have they been found to be very practical? It seems to me that the Hobie and some other models would allow people with wrist problems or a history of susceptibility to these problems, to paddle when otherwise they might not. Thanks for your time, Todd *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 11/18/00 9:08:59 PM !!!First Boot!!!, todd_at_snoofer.com writes: << It seems to me that the Hobie and some other models would allow people with wrist problems or a history of susceptibility to these problems, to paddle when otherwise they might not. >> I have seen similar devices for hikers. Can't recall their name at this time. If a paddler is pedaling are they still paddling or perhaps pleasantly piddling? Piddling is passable, but pedals are not paddleable, so is it plausible to presume pedaling paddling? Bruce McC WEO *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Todd Troutman <todd_at_snoofer.com> wrote: <SNIP> >>>>This morning I accidentally ran into the Hobie website and their Mirage pedal powered flipper driven kayak. It is interesting that I had seen the hobie out of the water once and took it's flippers for some kind of a skeg. I searched around and found more resources from the IWCA site at http://www.watercycling.org/ Their manufacturer links are a look at some extremely thought provoking engineering. Especially the wavebike http://www.wavebike.com which totally requires movement for balance. Has anyone used these pedal craft and have they been found to be very practical? It seems to me that the Hobie and some other models would allow people with wrist problems or a history of susceptibility to these problems, to paddle when otherwise they might not.<<<< I have used both craft for short periods. The Hobie is short and wide and its unique propulsion system easily got it up to pushing its limited "hull speed". I'd like to see the propulsion system used in a longer craft. With the Hobie a kayak paddle could be carried to use for bracing. The initial stability of the Hobie is relatively high but without a paddle I think I'd be pretty nervous in rough water (only tried it on calm water though). Paddling the paddle version of that hull I discovered there wasn't much secondary stability. The first time I leaned it to time how fast I could turn it the deck went underwater and hooked the rail so quickly that it was a good thing I had a reflexive brace or I would have gotten wet. The Wavebike is the second fastest human powered hull I have ever used (next to the Sea Saber proa I used to own). If you'd like to get lots of attention along with your exercise the wavebike is your boat. Observers just can't believe you can stay upright on such a narrow craft with such a high center of balance. It make log rolling look like a walk in the park. It was not hard for me to ride the Wavebike right from the start but some folks took a little while to get the hang of it. To me it was very close in feel to riding a bike. I tried a prototype two Fourths of Julys ago. It was not quite ready for prime time back then. The stabilizers that can be deployed for standing still needed some minor and major improvements. I haven't seen one lately to know if that has been done. Neither would be very practical as a craft to haul a load of gear and camp out of but the Hobie would do better and also be usable in shallower water and for low speed poking around in tight places. The wave bike draws something like 2 feet so you would want to be very careful in areas with any shallows. You could also paddle the Hobie if you were in areas too shallow for the hydrosails to work either by leaving them out to the side or removing the unit. Hope this was helpful. Matt Broze http://www.marinerkayaks.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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