Jane in the Hobie Cat Mirage Sport Kayak

The kayak has foot pedals as well as a paddle and you can do both at the same time but I usually pedal for a while and then paddle – just to exercise my arms and legs. I really like the foot pedals because it is quite like riding a recumbent bicycle. You get a pretty good workout in it, especially if you are heading into the waves. It also goes into very shallow water – I guess about a foot so you can go close to shore.

What I don’t really like is getting it ready. We store the paddle, seat and pedals in a storage locker at the back of the boat, so it is a big pain to have to set the seat in as well as putting the pedals in. I am always worried that I will drop the pedals into the water and then I know I’d never get them back. They are very expensive to replace.

Overall though, I would highly recommend this boat. It is great for getting away and checking out the anchorage as well as getting some exercise. I have had no problems with it whatsoever. I would recommend though that you secure the paddle. I lost mine at Harbour Island near Gore Bay. I had the kayak tied up to the big boat and had hooked the paddle into its elastic snaps, but a strong wind was blowing and it must have carried it away because I never found it again.

For more information, check out this link: Hobie Cat – Mirage Sport Kayak.

One more thing, there is dry storage available – there’s a place for your tackle box if you want to go fishing but I use that place for my camera. There is also a water bottle holder which is great because you do work up quite a thirst on the water.