After a lot of thought and contemplation, I have decided that it is time to sell my Hobie Adventure. While I love this Kayak, I have also fallen in love with paddling, and I need to do the right thing, and sell it, and use the money for my families x-mas (namely an appropriate kayak for my 6-year ld daughter). It seems that the way our economy has changed, it will be a very lean x-mas otherwise. Who ever thought the price of gas would have such a profound effect on the lives of all of us. At least it seems to be opening the eyes of many of us as to the dire condition we are leaving our planet. While I had made a commitment to myself to begin to do my part making changes to leave our planet a better place long ago, It seems to be in my nature to not to try as hard until their is pain involved. The pain is coming to all of us, beware. Perhaps it is a good thing… only time will tell.

The Adventure is a fantastic boat, the mirage pedal drive is revolutionary in kayak propulsion, and it is what got me into Kayaking. I did not have the confidence that I could paddle well, and the mirage drive gave me an alternative. I was more interested in fishing than in kayaking to start. I only really considered the kayak as a healthy alternative to a gas powered boat. Things have changed in the 4-years since I picked up my first Hobie, and tentatively ventured out in Mission bay. I have grown to love kayaking as much as fishing, and the progression of boats have reflected my growing love of kayaking.

The Adventure is a speed machine, and there is not another SOT that can keep up the the 16′ long 28″ wide hull. The only other strictly paddle SOT that comes close is the Wilderness Systems 160i (the boat I am currently paddling). The Adventure has great secondary stability, and is a long range fishing machine. You do pay a price when paddling any Mirage drive Hobie, and if you are committed to the paddle, they may not be the best choice.

I am going to miss my Adventure, but it has increasingly been collecting dust as my paddling priorities grow and change, and will allow room a other kayaks that will meet the needs of my family and I. Most pressing is an appropriate sized kayak for my 6-year old who is sooooo ready to get out of the front seat of Mom’s tandem, and gain some independence on the water. I also have been itching to add a surf kayak to the stable. Stay tuned….

The kayakblog.com  has a good post on Hobie Kayaks