Kayaking On The Willamette River In My New Hobiecat
When I told my hubby that I wanted to start kayaking, it was a good thing that he wasn't sipping a drink at that time or it would have sprayed everywhere. You see, I'm kinda a klutz and have never really been athletically inclined. There is also the fact that as one gets older, the balance (for me anyway) isn't as good as it once was, but I was determined! Like home buyers starting on their journey, I searched the web to see what was out there and was very curious to try the Hobie kayaks. These not only have the typical paddle, but also "mirage drive" fins that you can slip in and peddle with easy steering with a rudder.
When a local company called Next Adventure was holding a free kayak (and other watercrafts) tryout on the Willamette River, I went for it. Of course when I was signing the waiver and slipping on my life preserver which are now called PFD's (personal floatation devices), my hubby was telling everyone that I was going to be IN the river. I of course was a tad bit nervous as well since the river IS a bit cold and there is that klutz factor. I'm happy to say that I stayed very dry when I tried the Pro Angler model. This baby is wide, large and sturdy. Not your "typical" kayak in that its more a small boat and a bit wide to to lots of paddling, but moves fantastic for peddling and great for fisherman..thus the name.
We purchased the Pro Angler 12 and the Revolution 11 models since the Revolution is half the weight and much narrower than the Pro Angler so I can get it in and out of the water myself with ease. I gotta say, I'm addicted! It's not only a great workout but it's my meditation. There's nothing like watching the fish jump out of the water in front of you, the swallows skimming the water's edge and the Bald Eagles, Hawks and Herons flying over you!
Enjoying the outdoors is just another great reason to love living in Portland!
Heading toward Lake Oswego
At the Oregon City Bridge with the Willamette Falls in the distance
My son and I heading toward the Willamette Falls in Oregon City
Video of my first time out test driving the Hobie Mirage Revolution 11
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