How do you handle big waves?

Presently, we have the Wilderness System tandem, and when a big motorboat goes by us, we steer the boat at an angle to the wave to prevent tipping over. It's a sturdy tandem and very stable, but some of the waves are huge!

I am curious what you folks in the hobie kayaks do, and if you find the sidekicks allow you to just keep going merrily on your way without having to steer into the wave.

Yes...keeping an eye on that AI tandem for 2010!

Lisa

Always best (and more comfortable) to steer at least as close as 45 degrees into the waves. Getting broad-sided could flip you or roll you uncomfortably. Pretty much the case on all boats of all kinds.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I have the Outfitter and have had big waves from boats hit pretty much from all angles - broadside, head on, from the back, etc - and have never felt like I was close to flipping the boat. I think the Outfitter is one of the wider boats which might help with the big waves. If the waves come from the back it does come up over the stern and but it drains pretty quick.

I just keep an eye on them for the most part...unless they are steep, then I do the 45 degree angle thing.

_________________
Mark
07 Ivory Dune Adventure
http://www.newenglandkayakfishing.com
http://www.aldenofsunapee.com/

When I am in my Hobie (TANK)Outback there is no turning over, I even live in a place with all power Boats,Crew Boats, etc...They are always trying to make me go swimming...AINT Going to Happen, I have them bash me from the side all day not to mention the Waves from the Sea trying the same.....The Outback Is One Tough Machine...Steve

Outback is tough, but don't get complacent. I got a little overconfident last month and let the kayak drift into the surf zone while chasing Pompano. I got broadsided by a monster and am still wondering how I didn't end up in the drink (though I doubt a dunking would've gotten me any wetter than the wall of water that came across the deck). Lost everything that wasn't strapped down. Best part was doing it in front of a crowd of shore fisherman - kayak cool points: zero. My advice: 45 degrees into the waves - and don't turn your back on the ocean.

1. Get the boat up to about 3 mph, running about parallel to the wave heading for me.
2. About 50-75 feet from the wave, turn straight away (stern to the wave).
3. Start "short stroking" the pedals as hard as I can (fastest acceleration method...my Sport can get up to about 4-4.5 mph) before the wave catches me.
4. When the boat breaks loose, on the front of the wave, kick one pedal all the way down, steer off to the left (slightly).
5. Keep pulling up on the handle (right hand) to keep the boat on the wave. The rudder gets a little stiff feeling (left hand), sometimes.
6. Try to figure out how the heck to slow down, as panic begins to set in!
7. After wave passes, try to get my breath and adrenaline under control so I can try it again! Sometimes I scare myself and don't want to try it again....until the next time.

Catalina Express, coming into Dana Point on a Sunday afternoon, makes a big wake. The rides aren't actually all that long, but it still gives us old folks a big thrill.

JimL

These kayaks are pretty stable but just hanging your feet off the sides of the slimmer boats makes them much more stable. I fish a 23" wide cobra expidition in san diego bay and the 3-4ft wake thrown by the tugs and barges are no big deal as long as you have your legs over the side. Breaking waves in the surf zone is a whole different ball game, there you pretty much have to be perpendicular to the waves to not flip. Don't be scared, the hobies are much more stable than any sit inside i've ever paddled.