Home
WELCOME
How to Buy a Kayak
Kayak Types
How to Buy a Paddle
How to Buy a PFD
Kayaking Safety
How To Kayak
Lifting A Kayak
Roof Racks
Paddling Techniques
Paddling Fitness
Paddling Gear
Care & Maintenance
Resources
Paddling Locations
New! Kayaking DVDs
Featured Products
Paddling Clubs
Birth of a Kayak
Feed Back
Common Sense
Frequent Questions
Disclaimer
Site Map
 

Pedal Kayak

Untitled


Pedal Kayaks just have to be included here because they are very cool. This type of kayak offers the paddler a secondary option of power with a unique pedal mechanism. These are perhaps my favorite kind of kayak - I am biased though, I have one of these - I can't say enough good things about it.

The pedals are a removable device that mount into a built-in opening in the hull. When you pedal back and forth, a set of penguin like flippers under the hull swing to propel the kayak. To see the Hobie Kayaks, Click Here.

Other manufacturers offer a similar mechanism that also utilizes pedal power to move a small propeller instead of "flippers".


Included is a hand controlled rudder system to easily steer - it raises out of the water when not in use. Both the pedals and the rudder make this type of kayak fast and maneuverable. Fishing enthusiasts and photographers love these, I wouldn't be surprised if they were designed by an angler.

Hey . . . fishermen - check this out!   Some models, designed specifically for fishing, include rod holders, storage compartments for bait, a cooler or dive tanks - and an anchor system can be added. Fishermen are able to move the kayak with the pedals, they can maneuver in confined areas and have free access to all their kayak fishing stuff . . .the rest of the "fish story" is up to you!

Pedal Kayaks are also being used in senior complexes in Florida and other areas to encourage necessary exercise. Seniors who loose their upper body strength can easily pedal these - exercising the body and spirit. As "Martha" would say - "it's a wonderful thing"!

But wait .... there's more to these . . . for those who like to sail kayaks, like me, some manufacturers also offer sail rigging ("Sail-Yak"). The rigging is easy and boy, do they fly!

The Stats . . . The hull design is an elaborate sit-on-top with built-in storage compartments. They are quite stable and maneuverable. They are manufactured in both solo and tandem styles (tandem, in the photo above). Their lengths range from near 10' to about 16'. They are on the heavier side - weighing-in between nearly 50 lbs. and over 70 lbs., depending on the model you choose.


What's not to love about a Pedal Kayak!


Pedal Kayak back to Kayak Types


footer for Pedal Kayak page