Great article Chris!

And no I don't feel guilty about having a "Cadillac". I worked my [censored] off to get it.

Then I would have to compare peddle to using a caddy and paddle carrying your own bag. I still would choose peddle over paddle for larger waters. I give all you guys props that paddle big waters and make 200+ casts.

You must have never pedaled a Hobie or Slayer because you still get tired. Not exactly the same as having someone carry your clubs even though I see what your trying to say.

Try hitting a golf ball with the bag still strapped to your back.

Lol.


Sometimes I pedal, sometimes I paddle.....and sometimes I peddle. Hey, buy what you want and works best for you - and if that requires you to stay within a budget, so be it.

Main thing is GET OUT AND FISH!

Chris, I couldn't agree more with your assessment. I own both a paddle (Jackson Cuda 12, although now it does have a TM) and a pedal (Hobie PA12). With regards to the original poll, I think you are spot on. Most people who don't own the specific object being discussed will argue against it because they don't or can't obtain it. It's almost the "Sour Grapes" mentality. It's unfortunate and does create a riff in the kayak community.

Now, I came to the Kayak world from a Ranger Z21 and tournament fished for the better part of my adult life but life choices (returning to school at 40) forced me to consider the $50K+ in the garage not being used 150 days a year any longer. But after making that painful choice to sell the Ranger until I finish with school, I couldn't resist being able to get back to my spots. So the Kayak was a logical choice. Soon after purchasing my Jackson, I found kayak tournament fishing so of course I was in! My main problem was the constant adjustments which caused me to pick up the paddle. Annoying to say the least when you are use to always having a reel in your hand. I knew I couldn't use the TM in tournaments but i could take advantage of the extended range while pre fishing. Eliminating water without having to paddle was crucial.

I always hear the "Human power" comments circulating in tournament circles and it makes me wonder, where does it stop? OK, my TM is not legal for use during the tournament, but then there are guys who say "but you have a graph" and I don't, so they should not be allowed. Well do we consider the cost of one rod/reel combo that at $500 compared to another anglers Bass Pro Qualifier combo that sold for $50? Is that fair? Of course I think so, I mean there is nothing prohibiting other anglers without these "tools" from going out and purchasing them to level the playing field. However, it is the kayaker with them who is being restricted. I think this directly relates to your blog "Paddle vs Pedal". Believe me, if all anglers had the ability to fill their "toolbox" with the same tools as others I bet none of these features would be restricted.

But until such time as they are all legal, I went to the dark side. I can't use my TM/Jackson setup on tournament day but I can use a Hobie PA, so thats what I do. It still allows me to use both hands freely but lacks a bit of boat positioning convenience, so it is as close as I can get and still be "human powered". Our society is one which I disagree with many things these days, but it is based on the "haves" and the "have not" mentality. I have somehow developed some local enemies because my passion is tournament fishing. I think a need exists for tournaments, social paddles, clinics and demo days, but because I chose to put most of my energy into the aspect of kayaking that fits my passion some of these (purists) have labeled me as only doing things in and around kayaking that are tournament (or money) related. Now, I can defend that by the numerous charity (HOW, FFCC, Kids Burn Camp) organizations I have contributed to with both my time and financial means. But since most of my effort is in tournament fishing/organization that's the label I wear! Can't we all just get along? lol

In short, I think we need to take a long hard look at the choices we make as kayakers and how this creates high school like cliques and how we could be working together to grow the sport as a whole instead.

Jeff