Hi all.
Nice forum and lots of great info.
I've been researching kayaks for the last several months and planning on pulling the trigger on a new Revo in the New year.
I'm pretty much sold on this yak, but I have some questions.
I've relocated several months ago and have been watching the steelheaders fishing the Snake and Clearwater Rivers here in N. Idaho.
I'm surprised that the kayak is not a more common fishing platform here. I see so many oar drift boats and of course many of the $30-40K steelheading jetboats. The drift boats seem to work well as long as there is two on board - one to row, and one to fish. It seems to me the mirage drive would be excellent in this capacity and I intend to test this theory soon.
My first questions are:
1. Is it possible to turn the mirage drive backwards in it's well where position on the river might be maintained while facing down-stream?
2. Does anyone on this forum have any experience steelheading these waters from a kayak? Comments and suggestions would be appreciated.
Besides fishing, I would enjoy touring these rivers as well. While doing some homework on the Snake River in particular, there are some serious rapids where even a portage is not possible. Namely in the Hells Canyon Nat'l Rec Area.
I've viewed the post where the Hobie gang floated to Hoover Dam in December last year:
http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=2789
It looks like great fun, but also mostly flat water.
My question is:
3. With adequate experience, is white water rapids something the Revo would be capable of?
4. And if so, to what class of Rapids would be a within it's capability considering the paddler had the experience?
Most of the white water kayaking I see appears to be in small. nimble SIT kayaks specifically built more for the skateboarding/surfer set.
I've enjoyed motorcycle touring for many years and especially the dual purpose variety that allows me to get to where the street machines can't. But still not a serious dirt bike either. I'd like a boat that fits a similar profile.
I'm guessing that class II and III rapids are probably the most that can be expected, but I honestly don't see much on this topic. Seeing some of the great fish taken from a kayak, I expect steelheading in one will be great fun.
There are also the occasional sturgeon hook-ups too. woooohooo.
Thanks in advance for any comments, and congrats to Hobie on a truly innovative product.
CamoGreg