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Paddling’s long history dates back thousands of years to dugout canoes and indigenous kayaks, and innovative new systems have revolutionized the market for small man-powered boats in recent years.

Some of the most surprising twists involve companies that have kayak users actually ditching their paddles in favor of leg-powered systems.In recent years more manufacturers have jumped into the pedal drive game. But Hobie has been leading the way since it debuted its first system 25 years ago.

“They are probably the most unique company. “They always seem to be one step ahead of everyone else.”

Hobie’s system has fins that sweep back and forth mimicking the way penguins swim, while the other pedal drive rotates like a bicycle crankset, spinning a propeller underwater.

Mike Plante, owner of Travel Country Outfitters, showcases the Hobie MirageDrive GT Pedal System at Secret Lake Park in Casselbury. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Thanks to Plante’s help, I had the opportunity to try four different pedal-powered kayaks with four slightly different systems at Casselberry’s Secret Lake Park. He found the appeal of the pedal drive system growing over time as he converted more shoppers in his store.

“I always have fishermen who want to be purists,” Plante said. “You can paddle to your favorite spot, but you’re fishing all the time. People never think about it.”

In addition to using the strength of your legs to increase your endurance, pedaling frees your hands to fish, take photos, or check a map. Here’s how these pedal-powered ships stack up.

Travel Country Outfitters owner Mike Plante shows off a Hobie Passport 10.5 with optional Hobie Bimini sunshade at Casselberry’s Secret Lake Park. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

The Hobie Passport is an entry-level kayak in the Mirage series, featuring a boat with pedal drive system. At around $1,500, it might be hard to call it “entry level,” but Hobie knows its audience. Avid explorers and anglers willing to spend money on gear that lasts.

Powered by a MirageDrive GT, this setup has no reverse gear, but should satisfy the appetite and needs of casual recreational paddlers. As one of Hobie’s lighter, shorter kayaks (10 feet 6 inches long) he picks up speed quickly and steers well through turns.

The Hobie Passport 10.5 features a pedal drive system and is equipped with an optional sunshade. (Patrick Connolly)

Anglers who spend a lot of time casting big fish may look for something more dedicated, but it should also prove stable enough for occasional anglers.

Also, a note about the whole pedal drive system: If using pedals to “drive” a kayak sounds like a strange experience at first, don’t knock it until you try it. It’s very fun.

Strong Points: The Passport 10.5 is less expensive than other pedal drive kayaks. It’s also lightweight in the hobby boat line-up and can probably be transported via the top of a car with some help.

Cons: The entry-level MirageDrive GT doesn’t have a reverse gear, so have a paddle ready (you should always do this in case your equipment fails). More suitable for leisure travel than fishing.

Buy this if: Are you a recreational day paddler who wants a taste of pedal drive technology without breaking the bank.

weight: 65 lbs, 75 lbs fully loaded

price: $1,474

Mike Plante showing Hobby Lynx at Casselbury’s Secret Lake Park. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

At first glance, the Hobie Lynx resembles a paddleboard with a very flat deck and hull. This airframe may stand up comfortably, but the design is primarily aimed at maximizing stability while minimizing weight.

Considering that some pedal-drive kayaks weigh over 100 pounds fully loaded, the Lynx offers a welcome contrast for paddlers who want to lift their boat onto their vehicle with relative ease.

In addition, the ship is quiet and moves quickly through the water. In this segment of the lineup, the Lynx comes standard with her MirageDrive 180, adding a reverse gear to the setup. The pedals also kick up on impact with underwater logs and rocks. This is a feature that comes with each MirageDrive system.

Central Florida explorer Patrick Connolly tries out Hobby Lynx at Casselbury’s Secret Lake Park. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

The Lynx’s only major drawback is that the flat deck makes the paddler feel particularly exposed to the sun. So adding his optional Bimini sunshade isn’t a bad idea.

Strong Points: The Lynx is lighter than most pedal drive kayaks. The flat deck makes it easy to cast in any direction and keeps the paddler in a good vantage point above the water. There is an ample amount of cargo storage in the front and rear with bungee tie-downs.

Cons: Lynx needs shade to protect the paddlers, especially those exposed to the elements. In rough seas and swells, water can splash onto the lower deck. There may be a sticker impact factor.

Buy this if: I love the design and portability of stand-up paddleboards, but I enjoy using pedal power.

weight: 47 lbs, 63 lbs full rig

price: $2,999

Mike Plante, owner of Travel Country Outfitters, shows off the high-tech Hobie Pro Angler 360. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Most kayaks can be used for fishing, but the Hobie Pro Angler 360 stands out as a purpose-built machine for fishermen who spend every weekend on the water in search of big catches.

This boat glides like a Cadillac and is similarly priced at $5,499. But it comes with all the bells and whistles, including a skeg that can be dropped by pulling a cord, and all the controls within easy reach of the captain’s chair.

The Hobie MirageDrive 360 ​​system allows the fins to rotate in any direction to the benefit of the angler. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

The real highlight of this setup is the MirageDrive 360, which allows you to turn the pedals in any direction. Hook onto the fish and use the pedals to move laterally. The lower tier Pro Angler kayak comes with the 180 system (forward and backward) and is about $1,000 cheaper.

Regardless of the pedal system, the Pro Angler offers a large front hatch for dry storage, ample rear cargo room, rod storage and H-rails for attaching accessories. This is the fisher’s kayak that doesn’t compromise on every feature, many of which are built specifically with fishing excursions in mind.

Strong Points: Equipped with the 360 ​​system, the Pro Angler is unstoppable when it comes to fishing. At 38 inches wide and about 14 feet long, this larger version of the kayak is extremely stable and well suited for long days on the water and multi-day trips. It has all the features.

Cons: Weighing in at over 100 pounds before installing the pedal drive system and seat, this kayak is incredibly heavy and can only be transported in the back of a truck or trailer. Plus, it’s expensive, and buyers may wonder if they should splurge on a motorized boat instead.

Buy this if: If you have the money to buy a fishing boat but like the peace and quiet of a kayak and your use is primarily fishing.

weight: 124.5 lbs, 148.5 lbs (fully loaded)

price: $5,499

Mike Plante, owner of Travel Country Outfitters, shows off the Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 Pedal Drive Kayak. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Hobie’s MirageDrive is built with sweeping fins and pedals that move back and forth, while the rest of the pedal system rotates like a bicycle crankset to power a propeller underwater.

This is the case for old town pedal kayaks, including the Sportsman PDL 106. Unlike Hobie’s fins, which require the inclusion of a separate reverse gear, the propeller can be reversed simply by changing the direction of pedaling.

The Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 features a rotary pedal drive system that spins the propellers underwater in Casselbury’s Secret Lake Park. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

This method of propulsion should feel the same to anyone who has ever ridden a bike. A disadvantage of using a propeller system is that it can be prone to hitting underwater obstacles.

Ultimately, the Old Town model is a very capable fishing machine with lots of features and storage, and significantly less expensive than some of Hobie’s top models.

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Strong Points: Available in 10’6″ and 12′ variants, the Sportsman is comfortable and stable for water adventures. Even short kayaks have plenty of storage and features built for rod and tackle management. Less expensive than hobby alternatives.

Cons: This kayak is short but still heavy at 76 lbs. The pedal system requires less maintenance, but can be more complex to modify than the Hobie MirageDrive.

Buy this if: I want to enjoy fishing at about half the price of a hobby professional angler.

weight: 76 lbs, 107 lbs fully loaded

price: $2,199

For more information on these vessels, please visit: Travel Country.com Or go directly to 1101 E. Altamonte Drive in Altamonte Springs.

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