Mirage Fins Hitting Kayak Bottom

Just purchased a 2011 Oasis. My issue is the Mirage fins at the rear seat slap the bottom of the kayak at the end of the fin causing a loud tapping noise with each stroke unless the operator is very careful not to bottom out the pedals. Is this normal for the Oasis or is there an adjustment or something that I can do to eliminate the problem? I also have a 2008 Outback and have never experienced this problem but the bottom of the kayak is designed different.
Thanks in advance!!!

mfarmer2,

I am sure you will get a few responses and suggestions on this issue. It is actually normal to have the fins impact the bottom of the hull. Typically this is caused by the pedal adjustment being set too close that the operator at full extension slaps the fins on the hull. Set the pedals to the next higher number. I am 6'2" and have my pedals set at 7 and if not careful I too will hit the hull. With practice you will avoid it but the pedals set too close is a sure fire way to hit the bottom regularly.

The more you use the drive you will find less and less need to go the full stroke of the pedals. Experiment with half strokes, short strokes and even the flutter stroke for skinny water. A wide variety of strokes will get you the same speed and power without having to go the full range and gives you the opportunity to switch things up in the event of fatigue where a change of pace is all that is needed.

I have found rocking your feet heel to toe with pedals together will produce short strokes and move you as quickly as the full stroke. Take a few long power strokes then heel/toe to cruise and maintain speed.

Amazingly efficient little flippers. Much like scuba diving kick a few power strokes with the fins to get moving then small kicks just to maintain forward momentum and conserve energy.

Revo

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I would rather be kayaking and think about work than to be at work thinking about kayaking.
A Thrill Ride is being dragged around in your kayak for 40 minutes by an extremely large fish.

Revo,
Thanks for the imput.

I totally agree with Revo on this subject. I purchased a 2010 Oasis last May and initially had the same issues you described. It took a few trips, a few peddle adjustments and readjusting the way I was making the strokes to finally figure it out. Even now when I go out and start slapping the bottom with the fins, I readjust my foot position to get the stroke I am looking for. I found not bringing the fin all the way up gives you far better propulsion, hence more speed and less effort. Keep experimenting. You will find the right techniques to give you a wonderful result. This is an amazing drive system! Roger

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Roger
2010 Oasis
Lucie Belle