Fish Sniffer On Demand Digital Edition Issue 3823 Oct 25-Nov 8 | Page 7

5
Oct 25 - Nov 8, 2019
VOL.38 • ISS. 23
Spotlight On Kayak Fishing...
Sponsered by
Kayak City
in Citrus Heights, CA
Kayak City.Com
916.565.1400
A History Of Kayak
Foot Propulsion
The popularity of kayak fishing – and recreational kayaking in
general – is at an all-time high. These versatile, economical and
portable watercraft unlock access to beautiful places and experiences.
Overall advances in design, technology and manufacturing have
combined to fuel this expanding popularity, but the most revolutionary
advancement – the birth and continued evolution of leg propulsion –
has probably done more to expand kayaking’s reach than any other
innovation.
While various kayak manufacturers now offer some version of
leg-propulsion technology to consumers, the very first pedal-drive
system originated more than 20 years ago, when engineers at iconic
watercraft brand, Hobie, introduced a leg-powered technological
solution.
In 1997, Hobie permanently revolutionized kayaking with the
invention of the original MirageDrive, which replaced the paddle with
the sheer efficiency of this patented, pedal-driven
system. With the largest human muscle group
now in play – the legs – kayaking became less
tiring, easier, and more fun than ever. And
because it also freed the
hands to fish, it’s easy
to point to the Hobie
MirageDrive as the single,
most significant advancement
that has driven kayak-fishing’s
exponential growth over the past
two decades.
The birth of the MirageDrive is a
fascinating story that stems from the seminal
research and design work of Hobie engineers Greg
Ketterman and Jim Czarnowski, along with an extensive
team of contributing technical staff. From 1997 through 2019
there have been many milestones worth noting – changes to the
original MirageDrive that have resulted in greater mobility and
increased ease-of-use for kayak anglers across the globe.
The MirageDrive existed in its original form for nine years, from
1997 to 2006. During those years, the first fishing-specific Hobie
watercraft with MirageDrive was introduced, the Mirage Outback,
in 2001. The Mirage Outback featured a much wider platform and
more stability than other previous MirageDrive watercraft, boats that
were designed, built and marketed specifically for pure kayaking, not
fishing. Response to the Mirage Outback was tremendous, and kayak
anglers quickly took note of the advantages afforded by leg propul-
sion – for starters, more time casting and less time maneuvering
with the paddle.
Four years later, in 2006, the MirageDrive’s fins went through a
major redesign in terms of shape, the result being the Turbo Fin.
One of the Turbo Fin’s major new features was a square tip that
produced more thrust with less effort. This increase in thrust was
due to the way
it twisted when
it interacted
with the water,
creating more
productive lift
surfaces out near
the tips of the
fins.
The summer
of 2016 marked
a significant
milestone in the
history of the
MirageDrive,
as engineers
unveiled
the patented MirageDrive 180, which was similar to the previous
MirageDrive but allowed users to pull a lever on the drive that would
flip the fins around 180 degrees to produce instant thrust in reverse.
Earlier this year, Hobie engineers designed and brought to market
an even more amazing drive, aptly dubbed MirageDrive 360. Now,
with Hobie MirageDrive 360, the boat can not only be moved in
forward or reverse, but also sideways, diagonally, and even
spun on its own axis.
Upping the ante with all-new Kick-Up Fins, which
automatically retract upon impact, the new
MirageDrive 360 delivers precision boat
control and close-quarter maneuver-
ability that’s unrivaled by any other
human-powered watercraft.
From the inception of the first
pedal-driven kayak through this
year’s release of MirageDrive 360
and Kick-Up Fins, Hobie’s ongoing
innovation in engineering and design
have consistently resulted in more enjoyment, more capability and
less worry for all kayakers. Today’s Hobie 360 Pro Angler 12 and 14
represent the pinnacle of Hobie innovation and performance. Both
are currently shipping to dealers, and Kick-Up fins will be standard
equipment on all new 2020 Hobie Mirage kayaks with exception of
Passport models.
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