So ive been paddling for almost 40 years and worked in construction for almost 30 years. All that and now my elbows and shoulders are feeling bad. Ive always been able to paddle as far as anyone but went to the coast a month or so ago and had to stop at 2 miles. Now I dont feel like I can really grip my paddle at all. I guess im trying to figure out what I should do. I still want to kayak fish. I'd sure prefer to paddle but seems not likely, sure dont want a motor boat. Not sure if I should sell my kayaks and get a couple hobies or what...

Come to the dark side Christain. LOL.

Seriously, I would hate to see you give up something that you enjoy. It's quite apparent that you love to fish and love to be on the water. A 2018 or older outback can be paddled... granted, not nearly as efficiently as your current kayaks, but you can scratch your paddle itch in an outback from time to time while using the pedals to muscle through long hauls. A compass can also be paddled and is more in line with the weight that you are accustomed to.

Just a thought. Im not trying to push Hobie... it's just the brand that I have the most knowledge of. I'm sure there are other options out there to consider.

If pedals is what it has to be hobie would be the direction without question.

Welcome to old age. Try Ibuprofen before dropping several grand on a Hobie.

I bet that on the stealth would mean warp speed. I'd have to move in to the kayak though. As I wouldn't have any money for rent.

Torqueedo is the path to the Dark Side. Should be able to be installed on the kayaks you have.
That way you can use the motor to cover water, but then paddle once you get there.

And go see your primary care physician, they will likely refer you to a sports medicine specialist/ortho/PM&R

Or you could go full on Dark Side and install these on the kayaks you have

Try steroid shot for the inflammation, it worked for my elbows, just had to take one shot and it hasn't returned in over five years.

I had "tennis elbow" a few years ago caused by overworking a topwater lure with a sidearm pop. Took about two months of rest to fully recover. Now careful to use overhand pop - no problems.

I've been there Christian. Steroid shots can help but are bad long term IMO. This is the sole reason why I went to the peddle kayaks. It solved my shoulder and back issues for the most part. Now my knees are bad

Crazy what a body does when it hits 50!

I'm there again, this time the left elbow. Not nearly as bad as when I had it in my right elbow and I couldn't turn the key to start my car. Just being more conscious of what I'm doing and a semi rest seemed to work last time. Had a chiropractor, years ago tell me my pain was in elbow but the problem was with my wrist. Just wore a wrist band for a while and it got better. Thinking about trying that on my left wrist. Just walk it off and keep plugging.

I know what happened to cause the damage. Ive spent 15 years as a stone Mason. Thats all hammer and chisel. I also tore one of my bicep muscles in my left arm. Got in a car accident that I still feel in my left shoulder. I got shot on my right side in 98'. Im just not thinking any of my issues are fixable.