Hobie Adventure Island TANDEM Fun
The Hobie Tandem Island has been out for a bit now, but I hadn't had a chance to play with one until our Demo Day event since we can't seem to keep them in stock! I've been on the Hobie Solo Island several different times in varying conditions and always loved it, but the only downside was that you were out there by yourself and this experience should really be shared! You can always outfit the solo with the trampoline set and take a friend with you, but it's just not the same as the experience with the new Hobie Island Adventure Tandem.
My fiance and I were blown away at how AWESOME this new boat is. Per usual, Hobie made the kayak very comfortable and user friendly **No sailing experience necessary.** You can control the sail and rudder from either seating location, so if one person needs to take a break to dig in the cooler for a tasty adult beverage, you don't need to roll everything up. The sail is controlled with 2 lines, a furler line to roll the sail up, and another line to adjust the trim of the sail. The rudder is just as easy with pull cords for the up down lines and a new upgraded larger steering handle. We took turns with the controls and eventually ended up with my fiance controlling the rudder and me controlling the sail. After tooling around for a bit, we decided we should let someone else give her a try since I could see the drool on the shore from out in the water.
I have been sailing with my dad since I was young and find the Tandem Island is a great compromise for those not wanting to invest in a full on sail boat and still have the versatility of a kayak. One of the greatest things about the Tandem Island (and the solo Island for that matter) is that it's so easy to put together and take apart. From a distance it looks like it might take about an 30 minutes to an hour to set up, but in reality, it's 5 - 10 minutes. The sail is light-weight and easy to stand up and click into the secured mast receiver and the AMA arms attach to the outrigger and kayak body with untold ease.
With that said, it's also a great boat to take out without the sail and AMAs attached. Hobie has also made most of the accessories that are available for the Solo Island Adventure work for the Tandem Island as well, such as the trampoline sets and trailer cradles. This is a perfect couples/family activity boat and you can even go it solo easily, or bring along a furry friend! After our wedding, I know exactly what my next big purchase will be!
As always happy paddling, peddling, sailing or whatever the case may be!
Kate Wilder
ACK Customer Service
Kayak Sunburn
Buying a kayak can be an investment and it is important to consider your boat's value both in the immediate sense as well as down the road. When purchasing a kayak, there are certain variables that will maintain a boat’s long-term value and positively influence its resale value.
These variables include regular maintenance and care (such as replacing broken padeyes, bungee cords, carry handles, etc) and any additional improvements or added accessories that broaden the scope of a kayak’s use. Examples of accessories include items such as flush mount rod holders, a rudder, or an upgraded seat. These are some of the variables that will influence the value of your boat.
Typically the most important aspect of retaining value is the cosmetic appearance of the boat. "Looks" will have the greatest impact on perceived value. Although appearance is a non-functional aspect of the kayak, potential buyers look at the condition of a boat and envision themselves paddling it. If a kayak has been sun damaged or repaired multiple times, the intrinsic value of the boat will diminish in the buyer’s eyes. Unfortunately, repair scars are difficult to hide, but sun damage or discoloration of a kayak is incredibly easy to prevent.
Just as there are many products to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays, there are products that do the same for your kayak. 303 Aerospace UV Protectant is a product specially formulated for use on plastic surfaces. Hobie makes a comparable product called Hobie UV Protectant & Restorer. Although this product is labeled Hobie, it provides protection for all plastic kayaks. Using the Hobie Boat Cleaner will lower the number of applications of the UV protectant necessary to maintain a kayak’s cosmetic appearance. These kayak maintainers retail for between $8.99 - $14.99 and work to protect your kayak surfaces from drying out or becoming faded or discolored.
For just a few extra bucks, it is well worth it to use these kayak protectors regularly to maintain the condition of your yak throughout its lifespan.
Chris Steckel
ACK - San Marcos
Houston Bayou Bash
This Past Saturday at Minute Maid Park for the game between the Astros and Cardinals, Austin Canoe & Kayak-Houston along with Hobie Kayaks had a booth for the annual Bayou Bash weekend at Minute Maid Park. Cully and Ester from Hobie joined Jackie and I from the Houston store in raffling off a kayak trip and discussing kayaks as well as the location of the Houston Store. We helped make the game interesting by talking about Hobie Kayaks while the Cardinals dominated the Astros. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to visit with us at the booth and hope to see you at the store soon.
-Andrew Moczygemba
Store Manger - Houston
New Hobie Island Tandem Kayak
Hobie Mirage Island Adventure Kayak
I’m a sailor. Before my 7 year old son John was born I owned and raced a 23 foot class boat at our local yacht club. As a pilot I appreciate the wind and its effect on a vessel. I also like the sense of freedom I get listening to a crisp sail crackle when the wind fills it.
So when our local rep set up two Hobie Mirage Adventure Island kayaks with Hobie MirageDrive and a sail at our 2010 Demo Day I was quick to grab a PFD and hit the water.
My cheeks hurt from smiling. If you’ve ever driven a go-cart, you know how 30 miles an hour, three inches off the ground seems like 70! Well, the Hobie Island Adventure gives you that same sensation. Pick a point in the distance, trim the main sail and the acceleration is inspiring.
The only problem was there was no one there to hear my hoots and I immediately thought, “Wow, Hobie really needs a Mirage Adventure Island Tandem so the fun can be shared. That would rock.”
Well the Hobie Mirage Island Tandem is finally here! These beautiful 18’- 6” kayaks sit like ICBM missiles in our warehouse, big beautiful fun factories. And so far it appears that others share my enthusiasm as the boats continue to move out the door to new happy owners.
Here is what I appreciated about the Hobie Mirage Adventure Island Kayak.
Hobie MirageDrive – Learning to dock a sailboat takes practice, navigating to the right spot and dropping the sail with enough speed to make it in not crash the beach/dock is an art. Not so with the Hobie MirageDrive…you simply release the sail while on the water and it furls (rolls up) around the mast and you pedal your way home.
Furling sail – the ability to get the sail out of the way quickly removes much of the intimidation from learning to sail. Too much wind? Release the sail and enjoy the day using your muscles.
Did I say MirageDrive? – I’ve spent some long hours sitting in the afternoon doldrums waiting for enough breeze to get a sailboat back home. Being able to cruise at 3 – 5 miles an hour under MirageDrive is really a nice backup to a breeze.
Tacking – learning to turn a sailboat takes some practice but since the Hobie Mirage Adventure Island kayaks have the drive system, a few leg pumps and even the worst tack can look graceful.
Kick-up center board – I’ve taco-ed a center board or two in shallow water before. The Hobie centerboard solves that problem by folding up when it hits the ground.
Fun – Whether you pull the trimaran kit off, grab a paddle and go for a traditional kayak outing or fully rig it for some high speed action, the Hobie Mirage Adventure Island Single and Hobie Mirage Adventure Island Tandem are first class tickets out of life’s doldrums.