Pedal Kayak

This is not your mama's kayak.  It's not my kayak, either: our friend Lisa let us borrow hers while she was out of town.  Trish owns 2 kayaks, but seldom uses her older, paddle type now that she has the pedal-driven model.  I wanted to test drive the pedal type; thanks for the loan of it, Lisa.

The pedal/fin mechanism slips through the oval hole in the hull, and extends 1' into the water.  As you pedal, the fins move in a scissor-like fashion, propelling the kayak.  These are made by Hobie and are well designed.  Trish and several of our friends bought these in the last 2-3 years.

The fleet.  Inflatable models front and rear.  Hard shell models in the middle.  There are other models, too, including one designed for fishing that has all kinds of bells and whistles.  Friends David and Elaine joined us for a couple of outings; they have the inflatables.

Preparing to launch, Castle Rock in background.

The kayaks have their own wheels, very handy.

The view from the bridge.

Awesome pair of legs, huh?

Lisa, David and Trish pedaling northward from Castle Rock on Lake Havasu.  

Great horned owls, swallows and other birds nest in the rocks.

Emerging from a short, narrow tunnel that's only navigable when the Lake is high, as it is now.  It's still a tight fit, barely wider than the kayak, takes some maneuvering - but no big deal really.

David and I, north of Castle Rock.  The paddles are rarely used but are helpful if you get hung up or need to push yourself away from an obstacle.  The wheels go along for the ride.