Hobie Pro Angler in the surf

I'm not sure if Nate posted this yet - I don't think he did...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-GJ9LAGp94

Awesome!

We'll do it again soon with some more normal surf conditions and actually pay attention to the goal. I was all gung-ho with no "pay attention to detail". Paid for it with a pair of Hobie sunglasses. :*(

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Drew Clark
Co-owner OEX Dive & Kayak - Oceanside, CA
(760) 721-6195

You know we have lid leashes and Croakies so that you don't lose your hats or glasses man! haha

Might try going through the surf next time and not side-shore -

Sure, kick a man when he's down!

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Drew Clark
Co-owner OEX Dive & Kayak - Oceanside, CA
(760) 721-6195

Drew,
Thanks for what you are doing to show how the Pro Angler does in all situations. For those of us that
are hours from dealers, and many times even in test paddles it isn't in the conditions you will be actually using it in.
The more blanks that get filled in by those who have access, the easier the decision is for the rest of us.
I am currently in the market for a Hobie, because shoulder problems are limiting any long distance paddling
or fighting tides, etc while fishing. So with no Hobie experience, I hadn't thought about beach landings till I watched your video. With my current Tarpon, or in my whitewater yak, when you get spun sideways like that, I just lean the boat back into the wave, throw a brace on the ocean side, and bounce right in to shore, or cut back over the top of the wave, but this is with a whitewater boat, or SOT set up with leg straps for leaning the boat. How do you normally handle it with say an adventure or Revo - does anyone rig straps for when you are not using the mirage drive? And with something like the Pro Angler, could you lean it, even if you did have straps?
Since you have already given a pair of sunglasses to Neptune, how about throwing a cheap fishing rod into one of the neat new rod holders the next time you go out, to see how that setup works in landings.
Thanks again
John

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The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know

As a "Prangler" owner i think because of the hull and the large chine it what makes it hard to come in sideways. That large chine is like a rudder when paddleing or peddleing. Some of the other yaks out there have more of a round smooth bottom.

Works like any other kayak in the surf...

Best to use a full paddle in surf. Especially when landing.

You need to retract the fins and rudder so the boat can slide
You need to lean / brace with the paddle into the wave face

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

Thanks for the feedback on paddle, leaning, etc. In a previous posting, RoadRunner very nicely laid out the Hobies
that would work well with my 36" inseam - with Pro Angler being at the top of the list. For fishing in areas with overhanging branches, etc. I think the horizontal rod holders are the greatest idea. The PA has gotten alot of dishing online from those who haven't tried one yet, but all reviews make it sound great. Sometimes bigger is better. Especially if it handles as well as the PA appears to. Now I just have to get my wife as enthused - with the stability, that shouldn't be too hard.

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The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know