From paddle to pedal ?

[Johnp]

Long time paddler getting ready to switch over, have done some fairly long paddle trips but it is a work out. In an OK Trident now, which has a lot of nice features. The distance capabilities and the hands free features of the Hobie are a real advantage though I think.
I plan to purchase the Revolution 13 soon. Has anobody made the switch to pedal and gone back to paddle ?
This is an old dog, new tricks question I guess. Thanks!

[Maxfli123]

My advice get an outback or pa, IMO they are a drier ride. But test them out get what's comfortable to you. The revo 16 is quick tho...so if distance and speed are your thing then revo is gonna fit nicely in your arsenal. I went from ok prowler 15 to PA 14 and think the PA is easier to load on my suv and it's a "cadi yak" on the water!!!! Good luck I think you will be happy with the switch.

[Hunters Pa]

Are you keeping the Trident? I recently picked up a PA 14 but kept my Trident 15. Also have a Frenzy for quick afternoon harbor runs in my civic. They fill different niches in the arsenal. I'd be real hesitant to surf launch/land my PA - just me, there are some that do it regularly.

What pushed me to get pedal power was an hour long tug of war with a BSB at a Baytubers tourney over the summer. My arms were completely fried, and I had the paddle back to the launch to deal with.

SO, to answer your question, I bought the pedal power but have not given up the paddle

[TCS]

I would demo all the models including the adventure. The sitting position is more reclined with hobies so when you need to paddle the position is not as good. I still water without the weight of fishing gear paddling can be faster. I only use my kayak for fishing and would not consider going back to paddling. Even with the adventure, which is the most efficient model and best for surf and chop, my knees get a little achy by the end of the day. It's also a wet ride.

[WSA-Bob]

I have done both, I really like my Revo 13 for getting someplace fast, the Outback is stable as all get out and the new ones have the elevated seat like the PAs that keeps you drier.

As for going back to paddling, I plead guilty, but I have found that just re-positioning the seat to keep me more upright with tighter support on the back I can match my durability from my Cobra Tourer when paddling, abvout 30 miles in a day.

My Hobies are older models, but meet my needs in the bay and Ocean, on the river some of the sand bars are quite shallow.

WSA-Bob

[Johnp]

Thanks for the replies, I may keep both in view of your replies. I tested the new PA 12 and the the Revolution 13. Did not try the Outback, and they do not even have a Revolution 16 available to test. PA is great in the water but storage and vehicle topping could be an issue.
I have been told you can go farther with less fatigue, and of course the hands free fishing. That is the reason for the switch.
It seems with the new seat you could find a less reclined posistion, making paddling an option if desired.
It sounds like some of you prefer the Outback over the Revolution, I will give it a test also. Thanks !

[tamddo714]

Outback woot woot