Getting Started With Pedal Paddle Boarding

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You’ve heard of paddle boarding, but have you heard of pedal paddle boarding? Pedal paddle boarding isn’t a step up or down from paddle boarding itself; it’s more like another layer. Another layer of exercise, activity, and most importantly, fun!

I’m going to guide you through this variation of paddle boarding that is worth the try at least once. Who knows, you might like it.

What is Pedal Paddle Boarding?

To understand a pedal paddle board, you just need to picture a SUP with attachable handlebars and built-in pedals. It sounds almost ridiculous at first read, but it’s actually pretty cool once you see it and experience it in person.

Pedal Paddle Boards use the built-in pedals to activate mechanisms that propel you forward. It’s just like pedals on a bike would work with the mechanisms and bike chain to make the wheels turn.

How is Pedal Paddle Boarding Different To SUP?

When it comes to SUP versus pedal paddle boards, they can appear to have very few fundamental differences other than the stark contrast of the pedals and no pedals aspect between the boards. However, there’s a variety of differences that exists between these two types of boards.

Some of the most significant differences include;

  • Smoother Ride – This is primarily due to the decreased reliance on upper body strength, considering you’re now relying on your legs to pedal instead of your arms to move the SUP.
  • Less energy required – Arms get tired, and after a long day out at sea, you can feel particularly drained due to the use of your upper body. This isn’t so much an issue with pedal paddle boards because you can get further with less effort.
  • You can go a lot faster with a pedal paddle board for obvious reasons – as I said earlier, it’s almost like a bike. The faster you pedal, the more speed you gain because of the fins underneath. Unfortunately, the level of speed achieved with a pedal paddle board is tough to do to the same effect on a SUP.

Benefits of Pedal Paddle Boarding

Many of the same benefits apply to pedal paddle boarding as they do SUP. You’re still getting a great workout, reducing stress, burning calories, and, depending on the weather, getting a good dose of Vitamin D.

One interesting benefit that comes from a pedal paddle board is more present when you’re a paddle boarder who uses both a standard SUP and a pedal paddle board. When you diversify your board usage, you’re giving your body two tools that really focus on working out different parts of your body. For example, a SUP is a great arm workout, while a pedal paddle board is perfect for a leg workout.

Hobie Mirage Eclipse: Best Pedal Paddle Boards

The unanimous leaders in the pedal paddle boarding market are Hobie with their Mirage Eclipse series. They’ve got three pedal paddle boards that are all various shapes, sizes, and weights!

MIRAGE IECLIPSE

Length 11′ / 3.35 M
Width 40″ / 1.02 M
Weight (Fitted Hull) 28 LBS / 12.7 KG
Weight (Fully Rigged) 40 LBS / 18.1 KG
Capacity 300 LBS / 136 KG
MIRAGE IECLIPSE

>>Check price on Hobie

Hobie decided to build up their signature creation, the Mirage Eclipse – the first pedal paddle board to hit the market – and went all out to create the Mirage iEclipse! Hobie clearly likes being known for pioneering the pedal paddle boarding space because the iEclipse is the first inflatable-pedal powered SUP!

With the iEclipse, you’re getting a wide board with plenty of room for standing on the EVA standing pads that provide the ultimate stability. In addition, they’ve really worked on making this new and improved model lighter and more durable with an improved hull construction.

You get the best of Hobie’s craftsmanship as they’ve included their MirageDrive GT pedal propulsion to make zipping through the water smooth and effortless. You’ll wonder how much work you’re actually putting into moving around after a while. Finally, they’re so easy to cart around because of their inflatable nature, and Hobie’s got you covered with an electric and hand pump included, so you’ve got options.

Key Features:

  • Front, rear, and side carry handles
  • Height adjustable handlebar (also able to be removed)
  • Rudder control
  • Removable MirageDrive with flow fins
  • Removable rudder system
  • High-pressure hand pump
  • High-volume electric pump
  • EVA deck pad
  • Bungee tie-downs

 

MIRAGE ECLIPSE ACX

  10-5 12-0

Length
10′ 6″ / 3.2 M 12′ / 3.66 M
Width 33.5″ / 0.85 M 35″ / 0.89 M
Weight (Fitted Board) 43.2 LBS / 19.6 KG 48 LBS / 21.7 KG
Weight (Fully Rigged) 54 LBS / 24.5 KG 58.9 LBS / 26.7 KG
Capacity 225 LBS / 102 KG 275 LBS / 125 KG

MIRAGE ECLIPSE ACX

>>Check price on Hobie

If you’re looking for a board with great speed, agility, and almost too easy to control, you’re looking for the Mirage Eclipse ACX. This advanced composite epoxy hull makes this board one of the most durable out of the Mirage Eclipse collection! Lightweight, powerful, and filled with great features like the Hobie standards and going a step further by being the first of its kind dual-use paddle board! Yup, that’s right, Eclipse ACX can be used as both a standard SUP and as a pedal paddle board!

Key Features:

  • Advanced composite epoxy hull (ACX)
  • Height adjustable handlebar (also able to be removed)
  • Removable MirageDrive
  • EVA deck pad
  • Bungee tie-downs
  • Removable rudder system

 

MIRAGE ECLIPSE DURA SERIES



10-5 12-0
Length 10′ 7″ / 3.23 M 12′ / 3.66 M
Width 35″ / 0.89 M 36″ / 0.92 M
Weight (Fitted Board) 42 LBS / 19.05 KG 46 LBS / 20.87 KG
Weight (Fully Rigged) 53 LBS / 24.04 KG 57 LBS / 25.85 KG

MIRAGE ECLIPSE DURA SERIES

>>Check price on Hobie

The Mirage Eclipse Dura Series pedal paddle board is all about power and control while giving you the power to master the open waters. Powered with the Hobie signature MirageDrive, you’ll find yourself gliding in the water as graceful as a swan!

The Mirage Eclipse Dura comes with high-grip Eva deck pads, so you’re going to be able to spend all day out on the water with that comfortable, sturdy feeling beneath your feet.

The best part? Thanks to its lightweight design, bow handles, and attachable wheels, it’s so easy to cart around the beach. You’ll end up being forced out of the water before you voluntarily get out!

Key Features:

  • Bungee gear tie-downs
  • Removable MirageDrive
  • High-grip EVA deck pads
  • aluminum alloy handlebars
  • Kick-up rudder
  • Front and rear handles

Buyers Guide to Pedal Paddle Boards

Before you go and make your purchase, here are some things you need to know about pedal paddle boards. Here are some things to look out for and consider before you make the ultimate decision.

Handlebars

Handlebars are what keep you balanced and going in the right direction (which you determine). Without a functioning handlebar, well, let’s just say it’s going to be challenging to utilize your pedal paddle board the right way, if at all.

Look out for a set of handlebars that are adjustable so they can accommodate all heights, especially your own. Furthermore, you need handlebars that work well with turning so you can get the smoothest experience on your board without having to throw your back into simple maneuvers.

Fins

You’re going to want to pay attention to the makeup of the fin as this can be an annoying thing to break. You’re going to want to look for a fin made of quality materials that don’t damage easily. Seeing as fins are an essential aspect of a pedal paddle board, you need one that’s up to the task.

Budget

A big thing to know about pedal paddle boards is just how new they are to the market. This is a product that hasn’t been around that long, and therefore not many people are embracing it or making their own just yet.

Conversion

Some options are dual boards meaning they’re both a SUP and a pedal paddle board. This is because some models allow for the removal of all the things that make it a pedal paddle board. This means if you haven’t gotten a paddle board yet, or need a new one, you can get a dual board to get the best of both worlds.

Transport

Pedal paddle boars are bulky. You need to be prepared to cart these large and in charge boards, so you. It’s recommended you invest in some roof racks unless you have a car with adequate space, but even then, roof racks make more sense.

Where To Store

A 10 or 12-foot board will need some space to chill where it isn’t in the way or at risk of getting damaged. Make sure to make that space available and keep it away from people, kids, or pets, that might potentially damage your expensive investment.

FAQ

Everyone has questions about this new and exciting aspect of the great sport of paddle boarding, and I’m going to answer a few of the burning questions I frequently get asked.

Is Pedal Paddle Boarding Harder Than SUP?

No, it’s actually easier. If you’re looking for the perfect way to get super comfortable on the water and with a board, then definitely consider getting a pedal paddle board. Furthermore, if you want to progress to a SUP, look for a multipurpose paddle board that can be both a SUP and a pedal paddle board. With that said, I wouldn’t say SUP is hard. There’s just a few things you need to learn for SUP to be easy.

Is Hobie a good brand for pedal paddle boards?

At the moment, Hobie is a leader in pedal paddle boards! They’re doing an exceptional job at making this aspect of paddle boarding more mainstream as momentum picks up exponentially.

Final Thoughts

Now you know so much more than you did before about this new and exciting development in paddle boarding.

If you’re looking to get into paddle boarding but are afraid of the idea of a SUP, then start with a pedal paddle board! They’re fun, good practice, and you’re still getting almost all the benefits of a standard paddle board, so what are you waiting for? Seize adventure today and hit the open waters in style.

 

Jonathan

Paddleboarding has been one of the few activities that's allowed me to take a mental break from life and just be in the moment. Whether you're looking for an outlet, a method for physical fitness, or even just a way to meet new people, paddle boarding can put you on a path to achieving all these goals. Every article I post on this site is made with the intention to spread sup love and get more people to stand up and paddle!


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