Pedal Kayaks

I love to fish and explore using my Kayak, but having to hold a paddle in my hands can be a big hassle. Fishing can be a chore when you have to constantly drop your paddle and reach for the rod when you get a strike. This ends up costing you many missed fish. In addition, when the breeze is blowing or there is a slight current, constant correction is required via your paddle. This also means that you have to drop your rod over and over to make these slight corrections. The same problem presents its self to those who are wildlife watchers, paddling and picture taking don't go together well.

Due to these pesky problems a solution has emerged, the pedal kayak! This invention frees up the hands of the kayaker to concentrate on the task at hand while still maintaining control of the kayaks speed and direction. Pedaling a kayak can be less taxing than all the upper body effort that paddling requires.

At this time there are two big players in the pedal kayak arena, Native and Hobie. Each has a very different way of implementing the pedal propulsion on their boats. As with any competing system each has its own strengths and weaknesses, but both seem to be good designs.

Hobie uses a system called the MirageDrive. With this setup two pedals drive a pair of underwater fins – much like a penguin’s flippers. These flipper like paddles protrude from the bottom of the boat when fully extended. They can be drawn up to the hull of the boat thus avoiding contact with the shallow bottom when necessary.


The other pedal system is Native's Propel Drive System. This system uses a bicycle type pedal system that drives a propeller under the kayak. There is a 1:10 ration between each revolution of the pedal compared to the prop. So a very relaxing pedal pace results in a modest forward movement of around 2-3 mph.


Both systems allow you to remove the pedal drive mechanism even while in the kayak. One advantage of the Propel system is the ability to reverse direction by back pedaling. You can not go in reverse with the Hobie.

What Are The Cons?

Like anything, there are pros and the cons you need to consider. Our tests have shown a few areas that may affect your usability.

Most kayaks have a shallow draft and sit just a few inches in the water. A pedal kayak requires much more clearance, up to around 18 inches. If you frequent the shallow water of the Keys or similar location, this could be a problem. When you encounter very shallow shoals you might need to remove your pedal system and take up your paddle for propulsion.

When you launch your craft from shore you will likely need to insert your drive mechanism after you are away from shore or just before beaching. Fortunately, most systems allow you to do this. Its just that it can be a bit of a hassle and you want to be aware up front and know how your particular model handles the situation.