Hi Tempo Hobie Kayaks Blog

In the history of human-powered boats, four distinct styles emerged: the umiak or open boat similar to today’s rowboat, dinghy, dory, etc; the canoe; the traditional closed deck kayak and coracles, the basket boats used throughout the world.  Modern technology, and a creative dose of marketing have expanded these categories far beyond the basic designs of the past.

Of all the modified styles and designs available in the 21st Century, one stands out, unique among the rest – the Hobie Mirage. It’s not a kayak, a canoe or any other modified hybrid. It is clearly in a class by itself.

As more water enthusiasts are drawn to recreational paddling, basic requirements for paddleboats became industry standards. The general recreational boater wanted stability, easy maneuverability, and a boat that would provide an efficient and secure ride for a variety of waters. Paddling became as much a means to an end as the enjoyable end itself.

Hobie has excelled in achieving an inviting watercraft that by its inherent stability and ease of use begs the user to explore a variety of activities while on the water. Wildlife viewers can concentrate on watching without a constant need to maintain stability. Anglers can work on an effective, stealth like approach instead of worrying about flailing paddles. As a platform for photography, Hobie Mirage Kayaks provide a stable, secure platform so the photographer can concentrate getting that perfect shot. The “hands free” propulsion provided by the ingenious flipper system, coupled with simple but effective hand-toggle steering puts a Hobie Mirage at the top of the list for the ideal photography platform.

Variations in width, length and storage capacity gives the Hobie user a broad selection of choices. Hobie has designed models that are short, boxy and ultra stable. They have also designed models that are long and sleek that cut through waves easily and are very fast.  Hobie Cat has addressed every want and need of today’s recreational paddler.

To fully appreciate all that a Hobie Mirage Kayak offers, make a point of trying out a variety of models during a “demo day”. There are many kinds of boats on the market today, most all of which are a variation on the basic themes – and then there’s Hobie Mirage Kayaks!

Click here to schedule a on the water demo of a Hobie Kayak

Click here to visit our online store to buy a Hobie Kayak

We received this nice note from customer earlier this summer. What really struck me was how they mentioned they were using the Hobie Kayak to build strength, stamina and lose weight. Their new kayak is so stable they feel comfortable on the water. And if you think about it, pedaling a Hobie Kayak does not create the “pounding” on your body that running does.

Hi Brad and guys at HiTempo,

Well, we’ve had our Hobie Mirage Oasis for three weeks tomorrow, (Mon, June 19) and LOVE it. Have been all over the lake with it both solo and tandem, taken every neighbor and stranger for a ride that we’ve seen, and hope to send more business your way. We’re working up strength and stamina to start portaging into our ‘chain of lakes’ up here in NW Ontario, losing weight and getting in shape. Even my 84 year-young mom loves it and enjoys wildlife watching from a front row seat early of mornings when we head out. First time she hasn’t been afraid to get on the water. The Hobie Oasis Kayak is so stable my husband and I haven’t been able to tip it over even when we tried. Rides over waves and in windy conditions like a dream. Really like the fact that there’s no lower back pain, almost no need for the paddles–as the rudder system and pedals do it all–and don’t think we could or would ever go back to a paddle kayak for any reason. Thanks for all your help, advise and encouragement.

Sincerely,

Jim & Anita P.

If you need help selecting the perfect Hobie Kayak for your needs you can call us at 800-429-3446.

Or if your ready to buy a Hobie Kayak we ship anywhere in the United States, click here.

Combat Fishing

On many occasions I have experienced the fishing phenomenon called “combat” fishing. The first time I heard the term was over 20 years ago when I was planning a fishing trip to Alaska. My brother-in-law lived in Anchorage and helped me plan my Kenai Peninsula trip.  We planned on fishing the Russian River during the Salmon migration. He smiled and said “so you’re gonna do some combat fishing”. I had never heard the term before, but I experienced it in Alaska and have come to realize it happens where ever fish are plentiful, they’re feeding and the area is easily accessible. If you fish much at all, you know that human nature is to assume that others know something that you don’t. So fisherman naturally follow other fisherman assuming they “know something”.

I’ve experienced combat fishing on Mille Lacs Lake, The Rainy River and many other popular Minnesota fishing spots.

Certain areas turn in to floating armadas with boats going shoulder to shoulder and toe to toe in pursuit of the species that’s hitting. It can be exhilarating when fish are being landed left and right and the “wooohooos” are flying. It can also be exhausting and in stark contrast to the peacefulness and solitude you can experience while kayak fishing.

I’m and early riser. When we are at the cabin, I like to get up and hop in to a Hobie Pro Angler Fishing Kayak and quietly find my way to fish. The keyword being “quiet”. This is early morning, no power boats or jet ski cowboys on the lake. No herd mentality fisherman jousting for that prime hump to fish over. Just me, the Hobie Kayak and some loons, deer or other wild life. I can sneak up on fish, the Hobie Mirage Drive is quiet and efficient. I love to fish and enjoy all types of fishing. But kayak fishing feels more intimate in the sense that you are closer to the water and the fish. It’s quieter, doesn’t smell of gas and oil and I don’t need to argue with fishing buddies on what the “correct speed, depth or drift is”.

Do battle with the fish…not other anglers!

All these thoughts came to me after reading a post by Ron Hustvedt of www.writeoutdoors.com. He talks about secret fishing spots, how he finds them and the portability of the Hobie Pro Angler Fishing Kayak. I found the post informational and fun to read (like all the stuff Ron does). You can even see some videos of Ron using the Hobie Pro Angler Fishing Kayak on some Minnesota lakes. Click here for the article.

Learn more about Hobie Fishing Kayaks, click here.

Buy Hobie Kayaks online, click here.

Some times it’s just nice to be alone in your Hobie Mirage Pedal Kayak. Going about things at your own pace and enjoying nature privately. Maybe you enjoy shooting nature photos and appreciate  the hands-free pedal drive on hobie kayaks. Maybe you just want to enjoy a cool drink while you pedal around a quiet lake at sunset.

But I have to tell you, some of the best times I have had in my Hobie Kayak has been with other kayakers. Sharing good times kayak fishing or touring beautiful Minnesota waters. One of our loyal Hobie Kayak customers sent the following photos. These folks know how to enjoy Hobie Kayaks! Get a whole fleet going, and not just one model. In the slide show below you can see Hobie Outbacks, Hobie Adventure Island, Kayak Fishing Models and more! And it’s not just Hobie Kayaks…but some fun Hobie accessories like sail kits and more!

Thanks for sending the photos, looks like lots of HOBIE FUN! (send more)

Ever wish you could check out a Hobie Mirage Kayak with your friends? Well you can in the Minneapolis / St. Paul Minnesota metro area. Hi Tempo WaterSports holds demos every Tuesday during the summer months. Locations vary and you must reserve a spot. You can reserve a Hobie Kayak demonstration, check our website at: http://www.hitempokayaks.com/Hobie_kayak_demo_dates.html

If your looking for an experienced Hobie Kayak Dealer, visit our online store at: http://shophitempo.com

If you want to discuss products with an experienced Hobie Kayak Sales Consultant, stop by our store or call toll-free 1-800-429-3446 from anywhere in the country.

When I first heard about the battery operated motor system Hobie was developing for their Mirage kayaks the person I spoke with said “Hobie Cat is working on a trolling motor for their kayaks, it’s going to cost about $1,900”. I thought, “you’ve got to be kidding me, a $2,000 trolling motor? Are they out of their minds?”

e-Volve motor shown mounted on the rudder of a Hobie Outback Kayak

Calling the eVolve power system “just a trolling motor” is like calling a Porsche, “just a car”.

To start with the full eVolve system, including the rechargeable battery and full mounting kit weighs in at a svelte 18 lbs. The oomph behind the eVolve is a 6.6lb, 28.8V Lithium-Manganese battery that has a GPS built in it (for speed calculations) and will last up to 8 hours. The battery is so light it actually floats.

The eVolve is controlled by a remote throttle control that mounts to a RAM mounting system (included in the mounting kit) right to the cockpit. The control has 4 read-outs: speed over ground, remaining distance (at current throttle setting), battery charge status and input power.

e-Volve motor shown as carriage assembly to replace the stock Hobie Mirage pedal drive

The coolest part about the eVolve unit is that the drive motor can be mounted to a carriage that replaces the Mirage drive unit or, the drive motor can be fixed to a section that replaces the rudder at the back of the boat. In this manner the boat can be motored and pedaled for added efficiency and for hands free maneuvering when you reach that secret fishing spot.

I tried two Hobie MirageOutbacks with eVolve system. One had the eVolve mounted in place of the Mirage drive system and one had the drive motor mounted to the rudder. My preference was the rudder mount unit. With the drive mounted at the rudder the boat was much easier to steer when backing, the boat was easier to beach (just flip up the drive motor just like flipping up the rudder system on a standard boat) and I really liked the added speed gain when pedaling and motoring at the same time.

While $1,900 for an auxiliary power system might sound spendy, when comparing a $3,900 Mirage pedaling kayak with a fully integrated auxiliary power to a small fishing boat or jet-ski, the price seems right in line.

I am 100% completely addicted to the eVolve power system. The added range it gives to Mirage kayaks is tremendous and the quiet and speed are awesome!

Buy Hobie Kayaks and accessories online: CLICK HERE