best way to land a hobie

[PAL]

It appears to me, that most wipeouts are due to pilot error??? Hobies have rudders and that would seem EZ to have directional control. "DC"
Hobies seem to be quick at the peddle and have no trouble getting up to speed...it would seem to me that if you charge it and catch the wave early, you could sit back and enjoy the ride with total control. With the rudder, turning shouldn't be a problem right?

This one time, at band camp... I was landing an Adventure after a certain PV PnF. In respectable surf. At a surf beach. I decided I'd ride it in on pedal power. A wave caught me and lifted the stern out of the water. Know what? Air doesn't have enough resistance to keep a kayak on course. Result - my sickest wipeout ever. YMMV

[sdcityboy]

Originally Posted by PAL

This one time, at band camp... I

lol lol lol lol

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by PAL

n respectable surf. At a surf beach. I decided I'd ride it in on pedal power. A wave caught me and lifted the stern out of the water.

I think the drag created by the Hobie drive (whether the fins/sails are up or down) pulls the nose under water, thus lifting the stern. Did it once, saved the fall, won't do it again. To land - just act like your going to catch the wave, put both feet together to slow you down so you don't get pulled into the wave, then peddle to keep up with the back of it. It's easy once you get the hang of it.

Cabo John - I've "surfed" on scramblers, an x-factor, tarpon 140 and a handful of others and never dunked with my gear on board. Only dunked when trying to get barrels on the scramblers. I can tell you Hobie peddlers are not made to "surf." The benefits highly out way not being able to surf them though. For example, with my turbo drive I can get out of the reserve in less than ten minutes with little effort, and during this time I usually enjoy a smoke, drink some water, and set up my gear (hands are free). I can also throw iron while moving, or stay in one place when there's current or wind - with rod in hand. Definitely try to surf one if you get the chance... It's sketchy.