How to Sit on Top of a Hobie Kayak

Hobie Products makes several kinds of kayaks including a standard sit-on-top with and without a back rest, models that come with a foot pedal rudder, and the Mirage which has a unique pedal drive system that drives the kayak by means of canted fins underneath the hull and is powered by foot pedals. Mounting any of these kayaks is relatively simple.

Things You'll Need

  • Double-bladed kayak paddle
  • Life jacket
Show More

Instructions

  1. Shore Launch

    • 1

      Push the kayak out into at least knee-deep water with the bow facing toward any waves. Make sure you are out deep enough so that the fin-like pedal drive sails clear the bottom after you board.

    • 2

      Secure the paddle to the paddle straps on either side of the hull or to the straps across the bow where they will be easy to reach.

    • 3

      Stand beside the kayak at the center along one side. Lean forward and grasp the sides of the kayak hull in front of the seat.

    • 4

      Throw your inside leg across the hull and lower your behind into the seat. Pick up the paddle.

    • 5

      Lift both legs at the same time and place them into the footrests or onto the pedals and drive the kayak forward with the paddle. Get underway quickly to help stabilize the boat. If you have the pedal drive, make sure you are clear of the sand underneath before starting to pedal to avoid damaging the Mirage pedal drive sails.

    Dockside Launch

    • 6

      Float the kayak fully-loaded alongside the dock. Make sure the paddle is hooked to the hull someplace where you can easily get hold of it once you've boarded.

    • 7

      Cast off any lines holding the kayak to the dock. If possible, ask someone to steady the hull from dockside. If not, hold the bow and sternlines to keep the kayak from drifting away from the dock.

    • 8

      Sit on the edge of the dock. If the water is more than 6 inches to a foot below the dock, step down onto the top of the cockpit just in front of the seat or throw your leg across the hull before sliding onto the hull.

    • 9

      Shift your weight over the center of the boat as you place a hand on the center of the hull. If mounting from a higher level, lower your weight down to a kneeling position, then slide back into the seat with your legs dropping over the sides to help balance the weight. If mounting from lower, slide your weight over the center and let your legs hang over the sides to balance the boat as you lower your behind into the seat.

    • 10

      Lift your legs as you push clear of the dock. Set them in the footrests, steering pedals or drive pedals---whichever you have. Clip the bow and sternlines to the hull and push away from the dock. Take several strong strokes to clear the dock so a wave doesn't bump you back into it.

    Deep Water Mount

    • 11

      Swim up beside the kayak at the cockpit. Secure loose gear and the paddle where it can be easily reached.

    • 12

      Turn the boat over if it's upside down. Swim over the hull, grasp the far edge of the hull and pull it after you as you slide back into the water, flipping the boat rightside up.

    • 13

      Swim across the hull, kicking up onto the hull and coming to rest on your belly across the seat. Roll over so your behind is in the seat and your head and legs are balancing the kayak on either side.

    • 14

      Sit up and turn as you lift your legs aboard and set your feet in the footrests, rudder pedals or pedal drive straps.

    • 15

      Pick up the paddle to help you balance the boat. Take a couple of strokes to get underway and turn into any waves to reduce instability.