Conditioning and difficulty

So I live in AK, lots of salmon, halibut and stuff. I'm selling my boat this spring and want to continue fishing but on the cheap.  Thinking of maybe getting one of those Hobie kayaks with mirage drive.  What kind of shape does one have to be in to use one of these? I do not smoke but am a serious desk jockey.  Not over weight but out of shape for sure.  Thanks!


---
I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?nbiv3x

Then you'll be fine. I would say it's about a difficult as peddling a bicycle. Maybe a tad more difficult. You're using a different muscle group than a paddler. Since peddlers are using their legs instead of arms, they are using a larger muscle group. Therefore one could make the argument that you are being more efficient in energy used to propel yourself when peddling compared to paddling. You will build more stamina the more you use the mirage drive. Plus, if you get tired of peddling you always have the option to paddle. Don't get me wrong, it can be a workout. But a truly fun one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So I live in AK, lots of salmon, halibut and stuff. I'm selling my boat this spring and want to continue fishing but on the cheap.  Thinking of maybe getting one of those Hobie kayaks with mirage drive.  What kind of shape does one have to be in to use one of these? I do not smoke but am a serious desk jockey.  Not over weight but out of shape for sure.  Thanks!


---
I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?nbiv3x

I'm an overweight pack a day smoking desk jockey. You won't have any problems. I can go all day with the turbo fins. 90% of the time the cadence is like walking but without the impact. It seems line if you peddle 100% faster,  you only go 50% faster.

Super duper  efficient. I did lose 30 pounds last summer. Of course I put it all back on so I can't wait for the season to start!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

A work buddy and I both bought kayaks last year. He bought a Wilderness Systems Tarpon and I bought a Hobie. We are both short fat boys. I run circles around him when we're out together - it's no contest. You want to get in shape? Buy a paddler. Want keep your soft, desk jockey muscle tone? Get a Hobie. 

Being in somewhat decent shape and having some balance is certainly helpful when you re-enter your kayak on the water for instance.

It depends on how far you will be travelling to and from where you are fishing, what the weather is like etc. in terms of how much work you will have to do peddling/paddling.

I'm no small guy, but I've trolled for 6 hrs before.  Stopping only for water and oh yeah to unhook my fish.  I had no trouble sleeping, but I wasn't pooped either.

Oh...I forgot.

+1 Twice on the turbo fins

There is little doubt in my mind that you can do this!  You will need to have some time to build the muscle group, but you will be amazed how efficient these boats are.  Go for it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Getting on a stationary bike wouldn't hurt. 

I'm a small, old guy, not in bad shape, but no marathoner either, and I routinely stay out for 6+ hours at a time.  My butt gets sore before I get tired. 

The mirage drive is an awesome piece of engineering.  Get the turbo fins and the sailing rudder.  It does torque me off a bit that the turbo fins and sailing rudder are not no-cost options. 

When I'm paddling to make some distance (not just trolling), I am using my legs, torso, back, shoulders, arms, wrists and fingers (in other words, almost my entire body) to paddle. Mainly my legs and torso are providing the power. My shoulders/arms/hands just guide it. I keep my elbows low, and the power comes from pushing off my foot rests and twisting at my waist.
Before I got some unsolicited tips from an expert paddler, I was making the usual novice mistake of using my arms and shoulders to paddle. This is poor technique, and can cause injury, like torn rotator cuffs, etc. I still see vid clips of yak anglers with horrible paddling technique. Makes me wince just to observe it.

 

Then you'll be fine. I would say it's about a difficult as peddling a bicycle. Maybe a tad more difficult. You're using a different muscle group than a paddler. Since peddlers are using their legs instead of arms, they are using a larger muscle group. Therefore one could make the argument that you are being more efficient in energy used to propel yourself when peddling compared to paddling. You will build more stamina the more you use the mirage drive. Plus, if you get tired of peddling you always have the option to paddle. Don't get me wrong, it can be a workout. But a truly fun one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Anyone using the island adventure for fishing? Looks sweet, would open up more area to hit, just looks like the side things would get in the way...

If I ever got a Hobie, I think that's what I'd get. Its more of a trimaran that a kayak. But with the sail and outriggers removed, its just like an Adventure.

I am 325lbs and definitely not in shape.  I can handle a day in my PA peddling around and fishing, no problem.  Getting the PA back to the car from the launch can take some time, but is manageable.

I will tell ya that re-entry is a pain when you are out of shape.  Be sure to practice and be comfortable doing a re-entry in your gear.  You might find, like me, that you may need to carry a stirrup setup or paddle float to assist with re-entry if you don't have the upper body and core strength to get back in from deep water.

The Islands (I have the Tandem) can be great fishing platforms and allow you to cover mucho te distance. Check out Halibu77 on YouTube for lots of good info. The amas can be folded in to the hull making a 4' wide very stabile peddle yak for trolling or anchor fishing. When I fish with them extended I sit on the trampolines anchored, works great.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

^that a great picture Hop! Your tandem is so much fun. Can't wait to get out in it again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk