Pedal Kayak vs Paddle Kayak?? How to Choose?

Pedal kayaks have become more and more popular over the past 10 years, but they're not for everyone. The big question this video answers is whether or not a pedal kayak or paddle kayak is the right choice for you!

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[ALFarrell-kvok]

One thing that might need to be added is that one can bring along paddles on a peddle kayak for use where extra maneuverability is needed. And that while a peddled kayak is faster than a paddled kayak, it could be even faster still if one uses both the paddles and peddles in situations where some speed is necessary or desired.

Having said that, I'm a paddler by preference. The only peddling I do is on my bicycle.

[RJB]

Something else to consider is peddle driven kayaks are much heavier than paddle kayaks.

[classicarcadeamusementpark]

Definitely paddling for me.

I tried a friends Hobie Mirage kayak with the drive pedal system. I didn't like pedaling it at all. It wiped me out quickly, and wasn't fun like paddling. Pedaling a bicycle doesn't wipe me out. I can sometimes do it for over 20 miles, but on a kayak it's different.

I'd recommend not buying a pedal kayak. One exception perhaps is if your a fisherman, you can have your hands free to hold the pole. The pedal system also could help get you through some currents as you have 2 propulsion methods at once. But a motor would be a much better option. You can add a Bixpy motor to any kayak that has a skeg holder. Probably a lot cheaper too. Hobie's are very expensive.

[Mr.Bryan]

Peddle kayaks are kinda shit, the system itself takes away a lot of space on deck, and it gets caught on seaweed or plants if you are in lakes and rivers. Plus they are heavy.

[ric]

You're only actually in a kayak if you have a paddle in your hands 😁 If you're not holding a paddle, then you're just in a boat 😏

[djrtime]

I don’t mind a paddle as long as I’m not holding a fishing pole. I just love my Hobie Lynx.

[peterkitchener]

What put me off buying a pedal kayak is those nasty old pedalo boats. God they were a pain to use as a child. My neighbor got a modular fishing kayak with a pedal drive. He told me for the cost of replacing a broken pedal drive, a petrol engine was a cheaper way to go.

[samljer]

pedal drives at least here, cost more then a 35lb troller lol its absurd
in afact where im looking right now, i can get a 65lb for the same price as the pedal upgrades, bonkers.

[kg]

I upgraded to a pedal drive this year. When I run into weeds or shallow water, I just pull up the drive and paddle. That being said, I don't think this kayak (pedal Native Watercraft) is as maneuverable as my prior paddle sot (Vibe). But it works out ok.

[philschaefer]

Thanks again Ken. I love that you address all types of paddling (peddle?) unlike so many others that only show their favorite type of hard core sport. For myself, I'd love to try a peddle kayak since paddle mainly to get to the good fishing and camping spots, but that's almost always involves shallow rivers where I'm scraping bottom and bumping off rocks. Also, regarding your initial 3 choices, I've never seen a sit-in, peddle boat. ;)

[myshihtzudontstink]

I use a pedal kayak for the days I’m tired but still want to get out on the water. I use my paddle kayak when im energetic or I know I’ll be in shallows.

[slighwentwalking]

I rather paddle....the pedal kayaks I've seen are heavy.
Most are over 100 lbs...45 kilos....that's a lot to lift and carry., , solo.
Thats 90% of my paddle time.

[chrisandrews]

Not that I like pedal "kayaks" (and I have given a Hobie pedal boat a good try), but i think you have missed two advantages of a pedal boat. Using your legs will give you more stamina, and pedal boats are much quieter - you only realise how much noise the paddle makes when you go back to it after pedalling for a while.

[DDPizazz]

Thank you for the comprehensiveness of this video. Very helpful.

[ljrea]

Hi Ken, great video. How do you feel about the modular pedal kayaks?

[cpfpv]

I wish I could find a pedal driven inflatable touring style kayak rated for almost all waters and 350 - 450 lbs

[jimtaylor]

Some of the paddle ones cost as much as pedal drive .
I look for weight capacity length and price . For bad knees I prefer the sit on top.

[saucerman]

I consider a pedal drive to be a more of a paddle boat than a kayak. Nothing wrong with either, two different uses, but pedal drive has very little relation to a traditional kayak.

[mike.benton]

I'm looking at kayaks for the first time today....and this is the first kayak video for me. When trying to make a choice, don't you have the option to remove the pedal system? You then won't have the added weight or if you're going in an area with heavy vegetation or rocks. Just seems like it would be nice to have the option. Why buy two kayaks when you can purchase one. Am I missing something?

[BoomVang]

Argh, in spite of great efforts to be fair here, think the pedals get undeserved criticism. Of course you include a paddle as you do on any sail or motor boat, and freely use it to demolish complaints about maneuvering. It's effortless to combine them, like a keyboard + touchscreen, not either or. You really should get both craft, but the paddle one can be a super cheapo for special applications. You can't tell with a short test ride, but with experience and awakening large muscle groups the pedal should evolve into your main craft, opening new horizons.