How to Sail a Hobie Kayak

By Kelsey Childress

It doesn't get much better than feeling a nice breeze while you sail on a beautiful lake, ocean, or body of water. What you might not know is you don't need a sailboat to do it. If you've got a Hobie kayak, you can easily add a sail to it. After the sail is set up, you'll be out on the lake in no time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need:

Hobie Sail Kit
Hobie kayak

Step 1

Purchase a Hobie Sail Kit for your kayak. Coming in four colors, this kit is an easy way to add a sail. Follow the instructions to attach the sail. Make sure everything is secure, and get out on the water.

Step 2

Launch the kayak by pointing it into the wind, if possible. This will keep the kayak from gaining wind power until you get further out on the lake. Drift into deeper water, and pull on the sail to make it more taut.

Step 3

Balance the kayak by sitting in front of the tiller with the wind at your back. If the kayak begins to tip, move your weight further to the opposite, outer edge of the kayak to counteract the tipping. Adjust your position at anytime to prevent tipping. Also, adjusting the sail to account for wind changes will help keep the boat sailing smoothly.

Step 4

Steer the kayak by turning the tiller toward or away from you. If you'd like to sail toward the wind, turn the tiller away from you. If you'd like to sail away from the wind, turn the tiller toward you. To sail in a straight line, continue to make minute adjustments with the tiller, moving it back and forth.

Step 5

Harness the wind efficiently by paying close attention to your sail. If the front of the sail flutters, you will be losing wind power. To get that power back, pull on the sail slightly, making it tighter until the fluttering ceases. Don't pull the sail too tight. Pay attention, because pulling the sail too much will cause you to lose wind power.

Tips & Warnings

If the kayak tips over, don't worry, because it will not sink. Stay with the kayak, and try to right it with the mast pointing toward the wind, as this will make it easier. Just right the kayak as you normally would, but be mindful that the sail does not get caught in the wind, as this will make your job more difficult.

About The Author

Kelsey Childress is a social media and search marketing specialist and also runs a freelance creative business that specializes in SEO Web content, social media marketing, and blogging. She has been writing for online and in-print publications for over six years and has a bachelor's degree in English literature and creative writing from Kansas State University.

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