gives this kayak wings. With the fins and rudder deployed, the Revo- lution dances across the water, pirouetting in tight circles and flying through wind chop.
Curious as to the Revolution’s aptitude for longer tours, I packed the eight-inch round stern and center hatches and cavernous bow hatch with enough kit for a weekend escape. The added weight barely registered. Even fully loaded, it responded promptly to rudder inputs or paddle strokes, and swiftly accelerated to cruising speed with just a few kicks of the pedals.
Excellent primary stability and a spacious on-deck cargo area make the Revolution 13 an ideal platform for kayak anglers or furry com- panions. Aspiring sailors can drop Hobie’s optional downwind sail kit into an inconspicuous footing near the bow, free from the unnerving sketchiness that accompanies attempts to harness the wind in less forgiving craft.
When it comes to rough water performance, the MirageDrive fins further increase stability, much like the daggerboard on a sailboat. If you do manage to capsize or fall overboard, self-rescue is as simple as scrambling back onto your seat and watching the floodwaters drain through the scupper holes. One addition we’d like to see is full perime- ter lines to increase the number of grab holds, in the water and on land. Perhaps the inspiration for Hobie’s clever engineering solutions came to their designers in their dreams—it worked for Thomas Edison, after all. Despite my grasping, my own recent hypnagogic revelation probably says less about the attributes of the Revolution 13 than it does my expanding paddling proclivities. The image of disparate species sharing their waters represents an unlikely admission from a diehard paddler: there’s room in my kayak for pedals. VIRGINIA MARSHALL
DIGITAL EXTRA: Click here to watch a video review.
Penguin Power
MirageDrive fins propel the Revolution forward with each pedal push, and fold flush to the hull for skimming over shallows. There’s no reverse gear—grab your paddle to back up.
Stow or Go
Use the rudder when pedaling to avoid traveling in circles. When retracted for paddling or transport, the rudder twists flat against the deck. Now that’s smart.
Lumbar Lovin’
Hobie’s high-back padded seat fea- tures an inflatable lumbar support for all-day com- fort. Rudder con- trols, center hatch, pedal adjustments and dual fishing rod holders are within easy reach.
THE 4-POUND PACKABLE KAYAK IS HERE
The PackLite™ Kayak is the perfect ultra-light kayak for paddling in the most
remote locations. It has a 3-chamber design for optimum safety and a number of unique features. The PackLite™
compresses down to hand bag size providing a quality built kayak that can travel with you anywhere!
AdvancedElements.com See our complete line of products and find a dealer near you.
The evolution of inflatable kayaks™
www.adventurekayakmag.com | 61
INSET PHOTOS: VIRGINIA MARSHALL
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