Hobie Mirage Kayaks and sail Kayaks refused entry

New Zealand will host the Kayak Fishing World Cup in 2012, but not everyone will be able to enter.

As at 19 October 2011, the rules state :
(2)The contest is restricted to Manually Paddled self propelled Kayaks. Any other form of propulsion or watercraft is prohibited in this section.

As a kayak fisherman, who has been promoting the sport for the last 2 years since buying an adventure island, (for the sole purpose of fishing), this is digusting to say the least.

It seems that hobie in this case is being penalised for being cutting edge, and making the sport more accesible to those who cant paddle a 'standard paddle kayak'.

Hobe has certainly re-defined what a Kayak really is, but it looks like others are still slow to catch on.

(I wonder it this is what the wright brothers felt, when they invented the 'aeroplane', I suppose, some people will never adopt new technology).

see link here
http://www.beachandboat.co.nz/kayak.php

The fact that it's hosted/sponsored by Ocean Kayaks probably has something to do with it...

I'm sure they don't want to be shown up by the far superior Hobie product...

Mike.

well a hobie with mirage drive is still a 'Manually Paddled self propelled Kayak'

they don't say you absolutely need to use your hands to propell yourself

A question was posted by another forum member, and it was said that the mirage drive was 'pedal' not paddle.

And sailing kayaks well, that was an absolute no-no

If you ever heard the debate about the euro paddle, the wing paddle and the greenland paddle, you would understand that the "foot" paddle is totally out of range.
But the main reason is probably something else.

Of course Ocean Kayaks is not intrested in having Hobies at the same race. The fact that it is a fishing race and not a speed race especially points out that Mirage drive kayaks is a dangerous competition even when fishing. A lot of happy Hobie owners is the last thing Ocean Kayaks want to see in this fishing contest.

thomas

You may be right, but I would have thought that they would be bigget than that.

Maybe I should arrange a flotilla of Hobie saling kayaks to show up in protest.

The real problem is the sponsorship... the Hobie kayaks so clearly offer greater range, speed and versatility than any of the other manufacturers' boats that there is no way they will be allowing any boats which offer a game-changing advantage to participate if they can possibly avoid it.

There's also considerable resistance from the diehard paddle purists who want to argue that black is white with respect to the clear and undeniable advantages of the Hobie mirage drive vs the neolithic paddle.

So my suggestion is that it is not worth it: just let it wash over you & find somewhere else to fish that day

Of course,
Andy,
You are right, but I do tend to like allowing them to show how antiquated their ideas are.
I would have liked to compete in the comp but it isn't the end of the world for me.

What I do like to point out is that they are all non purists, paddling using carbon fibre paddles, on rotomoulded kayaks, with gps fish finders, chart plotters, downscan imaging etc etc..

It shows that they are selective rather than inclusive.

The sponsors sales manager points out maybe I should goto the hobie world cup, maybe they have a bitter taste in their mouth because they weren't invited to the hobie comp.
I don't see an issue, though, as any manufacturer has the right to sponsor a 'best of breed competition'.

Is is however a bit rude to extend an invitation to all then refuse entry to some.
..
P.s. we should catch up sometime.
I have been out a few times with Kevin, another TI owner in Auckland.
Both successful fishing outings.

I wonder if I tied one hand behind my back and closed one eye would they let me fish?

_________________
Hobie Fishing Team Rider
Stay Fit, Go Fish, and Have Fun
SpinfisherBob
http://www.youtube.com/user/SpinfisherBob

Nope, you still look too happy in your Hobie!

thomas

I would think that you can enter a Hobie, you just have to insert the plug and paddle it. Pick any definition of fair in terms of a boat and there will always be a way in which it isn't. They're paying the tab, they get to make the rules. If you want an event where pedals are welcome, get Hobie to sponsor it!

I just love the admiring looks of the people on the beach as I launch.

I think I will create a nickname for the 'others'.

Scoffers
Def: people that point the finger and say your different, even though at the bottom of it they say to themselves, ... I Wish....

Tournament organizers need only publish the rules prior to the event. If you know going in what is allowed and what isn't, there isn't much to complain about. They could state that only yellow kayaks could compete, and that would be that.

However, this sort of thing is going to raise its head more and more as the variety of kayaks continues to increase. I like the idea of only "human powered" (paddle, pedal, row, etc.) craft as the dividing line but each tournament organizer has to decide on those rules for themselves.

Leave the Mirage drives at home, bring the paddle. Unfortunate, but shouldn't they let you in then?

I can't imagine paddling and fishing at the same time without a mirage drive (or 3 hands ).

_________________
2011 Oasis - Lunalilo Express
2012 Revo 11 - Lunalilo

Go with a buddy that really likes to paddle but not fish. Take 2 boats. Once on the water hook your boat to his. He paddles, you fish. Drives the judges nuts. Big banner on the side of your boat, [I LOVE MY HOBIE!]