My friend Mike was out cruising the other day when he spotted an Osprey fishing. Those familiar with the bird know they are shy when it comes to humans. Nevertheless, Mike got his camera out and silently stalked the bird to a nearby perch. Drifting in almost motionlessly, he got some great pictures while I hung back:
In case you didn't notice, the bird had bagged this nice Bluegill!
Photo by MikeI wondered if he could have gotten this shot without the Mirage Drive. Doubtful.
Mike doesn't just use his Hobie for photographing fishing birds. Like many Hobie owners, he enjoys a little fishing himself, both freshwater and salt. He'll be the first to say there is nothing like hands free fishing from your kayak!
Photo by Gill ParsleyIt can be a long haul out through the harbor to the fishing grounds and Mike's Adventure with Turbofins gets him there (and back) in short order. In fact, Mike has gotten to be so fast, he won his class in this year's Bay 2 Bay race (he's the one with the big plaque). He exemplifies the expression "Further and Faster".
When he's not shooting pics, fishing or racing, he uses his Hobie to enjoy some sailing -- carries his sail along for whenever the wind shows up.
Nowhere do the Mirage Drive's unique qualities pay off better than in emergency situations. For example here you can see Mike (on right) preparing to accept the tow line from disabled boat while the rest of the passengers attend to their "Texas BBQ".
Whenever there is a local clean-up project, the guy with the Hobie is the first on the call list. You. guessed it, it's Mike again, shown here hauling one of many loads.
Well, that's just about it. How many other kayaks can support any of these activities as well as a Hobie, not to mention such a broad spectrum? To be fair, for someone whose only use of the water is to paddle around, there is no real advantage to having the Mirage Drive. But if you're like Mike, you'll do that too with your Hobie and still make it look good!
There is one more thing. Mike didn't pose for any of this stuff (except the trophy) -- this is what he does every week. Hands down, he gets my nomination for Boatman of the Year! Thanks Mike for showing us what is possible and thanks Hobie for making it possible!