Surfing with the Eclipse?

Hey,

Really hard to imagine with this Hobie crowd that there is absolutely no data on anyone surfing on the Eclipse, with or without the Mirage drive... Would make great GoPro videos!

I used to even surf my Hobie 16.

Understandable that one would not want to be in shallow water with the handlebars going underwater

Anyone?

_________________
Wil Thoms
Newport Beach

Hobie 16 with Tequila Sunrise sails (in the past)
Hobie Revo 11 for peddle, paddle, fishing and sailing
Hobie Eclipse 10.5 Solar Yellow
SurfTech 12' Touring SUP

Not advised for surfing at all.

All MirageDrive powered kayaks and boards have the same issues related to surfing. Too much drag once planing. This drag is forward (the drive) which causes the boat / board to yaw and or roll. I gave it a try on a Sport and the experience was not a good one. In addition way to much load on the rudders. I'll stick to a paddle kayak or board for surfing conditions. You need the planing surface to be smooth and a paddle in hand for balance and maneuvering.

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

Matt,

Sounds reasonable. Would the Eclipse and paddle be anywhere near practical for small surf with the plug in the drive hole?

Wil

_________________
Wil Thoms
Newport Beach

Hobie 16 with Tequila Sunrise sails (in the past)
Hobie Revo 11 for peddle, paddle, fishing and sailing
Hobie Eclipse 10.5 Solar Yellow
SurfTech 12' Touring SUP

Yes, as a SUP with drive removed and using a paddle. Still, not a great "surfing" shape, but yes.

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