Do you love spending time on the water, but hate having to use your arms to paddle the entire time? If so, a pedal drive kayak may be the perfect option for you! These unique pedal kayaks allow you to use your feet to power them, making it much easier to get around.
You may be wondering, what is a pedal drive kayak? A pedal drive kayak is a type of kayak that has a mechanism for you to propel yourself with pedals. This is an excellent option if you want to cover more ground in your kayaking journey, or if you want to have more power and control over your vessel.
Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at pedal drive kayaks and the benefits that they provide.
Note: If you have a kayak and looking for a full pedal drive system so I recommend you to buy Wilderness Systems Helix PD Pedal Drive.
Table of Contents
What is a Pedal Drive Kayak?
A pedal drives kayak is a unique type of kayak that uses pedals for power rather than paddles. A mechanism beneath the adjustable seat of the kayak allows you to operate the mechanics and use your feet to power and steer. This makes it possible to propel yourself around on calm water without having to rely only on splash-based propulsion or an electrical motor.
As you can probably imagine, these types of pedal kayaks have become quite popular with users who have limited mobility, want a quiet form of transportation, or simply don’t feel like paddling for a change. They allow a whole new level of freedom to people that may not have been able to enjoy going out on the coastal waters otherwise.
How Does a Pedal Drive Kayak Work?
Pedaling a kayak may seem like an odd concept, but it actually works quite well when you think about it. A pedal drive kayak operates with the same basic principles as any other boat; when your foot rotates the mechanism in one direction, the kayak moves in that direction. Since most of the drivetrain of a pedal drive kayak is under the seat, there’s no need for a heavy engine or bulky gearbox to get in the way.
Being that they are relatively new, there isn’t anybody that offers any official training for these kayaks yet. However, most users have found it quite simple to pick up and will have no problem being able to use them right away as long as they understand the basics of how a perfect boat works. If this sounds like something you might want to try out, be sure to read through some more reviews here so you can find the best one for your needs.
Who Can Use a Pedal Drive Kayak?
Pedal drive kayaks can be used by nearly anyone. If you’re looking for a way to get out on the water and enjoy some time away from your daily routine without putting too much strain on your body, these boats may be perfect for you. Whether it’s because of a handicap or injury that has limited your ability to paddle normally or if you just want an easier way to go out on the water, this is a great option.
Some users have reported being able to use these kayaks with ease from the very first day they got theirs. However, you should keep in mind that there really isn’t any official training available yet so some trial and error will probably be required if you don’t have any experience using boats before.
What are the Benefits of Using a Pedal Drive Kayak?
Pedal drive kayaks provide many benefits. Since they can be used quite easily and don’t require as much energy to paddle, they’re great for people that don’t have as much upper body strength or stamina. You can also cover more distance this way since you won’t have to stop and rest in between strokes.
Pedal drive kayaks also tend to be much more stable than other options on the market making them perfect kayak for fishing, exploring, or even hunting. Their unique design goes a long way toward protecting your gear too, so you don’t have to worry about having something valuable getting knocked around every time you come to a stop.
Since these kayaks are battery-powered, they’re also much quieter than other native watercraft. If you’re looking for an alternative means of transportation that won’t disturb wildlife or other people enjoying the water nearby, this is definitely the best choice.
Some users have also found pedal drive kayaks to be surprisingly easy to handle in comparison to other boats. This makes them much more versatile for people that are just getting started since you won’t have to be quite as careful when operating them.
Are There Any Downsides or Disadvantages of Pedal Drive Kayaks?
Because pedal drive kayaks are fairly new, it may take some time before you’re able to find a good manufacturer that produces a high-quality model. In the meantime, you may have to deal with a few different issues that can be frustrating to work around.
One of the biggest complaints users have about pedal drive kayaks is their weight. Because they’re designed for weaker individuals or those recovering from injuries, these boats are not very heavy-duty and some of them can be quite difficult to move around. This means it can be a bit more challenging to transport them from one place to another, especially if you don’t have the proper equipment on hand.
If you’re interested in buying a pedal drive kayak, you should also keep in mind that they are not cheap. Even the lower-end models can cost a good deal of money and most people will probably not be able to afford them without having a few different options to choose from.
How to Choose the Right Pedal Drive Kayak?
When you’re trying to decide which pedal drive kayak is best for your needs, there are a few things that you’ll have to think about. For example, how often do you plan on using the boat? If it will just be used occasionally, then it may not make sense to spend too much money on something high-end. On the other hand, you may want to invest more money if you’re going to be making this a common activity.
Similarly, you should also take some time to think about how much storage space you have available. If you don’t have any extra room for something like this, then it would probably make more sense to buy one without pedals instead.
Finally, you should also consider how much strength you have. If you need something that is easily navigable for everyone in your family, then a pedal drive kayak may be the perfect choice for you. However, if you only have enough energy to power yourself around, then buying one of these would not be very practical.
If you’re still unsure about whether or not pedal drive kayaks are right for you, it may be helpful to look at head more reviews on Amazon. Be sure to also take a look at some of the other alternatives on the site too so that you can choose the best option for your needs and budget.
Conclusion
A pedal drive kayak is an excellent investment for anyone who wants to spend time on the water but doesn’t have the energy for an oar or paddleboard otherwise. This unique boat can be used by your feet, meaning you’ll never have to stop moving. Despite their innovative design, not all models are created equal so if possible, it’s best to get an idea of what people are saying about different models before you invest in one.
In the end, we hope that now you are well aware of what is a pedal drive kayak? How doest it work.
FAQs
What do pedal drive kayaks look like?
A: The most well-known models of pedal drive kayaks are designed to be relatively similar in terms of size, shape, and comfortable features. However, different manufacturers may opt for a slightly different approach when it comes to exterior and interior design so keep that in mind too.
Q: Which pedal drive kayak is best for me?
A: When you’re trying to find the perfect pedal drive kayak, there are a few different things that you should keep in mind. For example, how often do you plan on using the boat? How much storage space will it need? Do you want one with pedals or not? Being aware of these qualities can help you find a model that’s right for your specific needs and goals.
Q: How much does a pedal drive kayak cost?
A: Generally speaking, you should expect to pay quite a bit more for a pedal drive kayak than you would an ordinary one. However, there are some affordable options out there so it’s worth taking the time to look at more reviews before making a final decision.
Q: How much weight can pedal drive kayaks hold?
A: If you’re trying to carry cargo while using your pedal drive kayak, then you should plan on being able to haul up to about 20 pounds. This is a good amount for most people, but you may have to consider other options if you’re going to need something much more powerful.