AlohaDan wrote:
I would not recommend it except for a very short distance like powering through surf.
A canoe paddle? Yikes. I've found that one paddle stroke with a kayak paddle to two or four pedal strokes works best, and leave the rudder up. Steer with the paddles.
Start out paddling/pedaling hard to get the speed up, then ease off paddling hard and just paddle to steer. You can bump up the speed of the Outback from about 3-4 mph to 5-6 mph by pedaling and paddling together.
It is good to know how to significantly increase your speed should a lightning storm pop up and you need to head to the beach quick.
Plus, it is quite invigorating to catch waves pedaling and paddling, and once on a wave, ride it steering with the paddle.
It does take a little time learning how not to over compensate or how not to under compensate using the combination of the pedal positions with the paddle to keep the kayak gliding straight in the wind and waves. You don't always have to use a full pedal stroke, leaving more fin deeper in the water. You can also change up paddle steering control depending whether you use more of a horizontal stroke or more of a power vertical stroke.
I'd really like to see what speed the adventure can do with the large pedal mast fins paddling and pedaling. Anyone know how fast they can cover a mile in?