Paddles

Hey guys,

I searched but couldn't really find much -

What type of paddle do people use, a canoe, kayak, or something else?

Then brand specific brand/model do you guys use?

Thanks,

Lou

Something else.

Telescoping looks nice and compact, but is the handle strong enough - I would think it would flex a lot? Also, that paddle design doesn't look like what I would call efficient, but I guess it doesn't matter that much since we aren't strictly paddling.

I got one of these:

http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1026768&cp=2674158&sr=1

It appears similar the the one that Matt has but smaller(shorter extension) I think. It's relatively cheap, works well and it floats which is a real plus on my boat.

Dave W

We have a few of these around the house from our "other" sport.

http://www.kialoa.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=95

I use a standard wood paddle threaded through the center tramp lacings from behind (under the tramp). It is out of the way and easily accessible and helps keep the main and jib sheets on deck.

I prefer to do it surfer style. If I need to paddle, I lay on the bow like a surfboard and off we go.

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

That's the only way I've ever done it - surfer style on the bows.
Our daughters sometimes sit on the bows and hand paddle too... but only if the wind totally dies.

Matt surfer style may work on a lake or with a current, but anywhere you have to fight a current you just don't have enough pull to go against the flow.

Done the surfer style. For 3 miles in the rain, with the mast and sails laying across the tramp. From then on, I have 2 telescoping paddles from Walmart ($14.89) bungied under the back lacing on the tramp.

That's the one I use as well. $18 from Amazon. It's amazingly stiff, even when fully extended. Certainly enough for occasional use. It's called "Kwik Tek P-3 Telescoping Paddle With Boat Hook (24-Inches - 72-Inches)."

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-Roland
Sailing vintage Hobie Cats in West Africa.

It really doesn't take a lot to get the boat moving, and the handles are stronger than you would think. My telescoping paddle works great!

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Washington, DC/Port Tobacco, MD
1981 Hobie 16

I also use the telescoping paddle (Pictured in the previous posts) and bungee it along the center lacing with the blade end under the very first tramp lace. fits snug as a bug and is very easy to get to. Surprisingly it does not get in the way when moving about the tramp. No issues paddling at a fair clip when needed, except my crew's arms get tired after about a mile LOL

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1985 Prindle 16