I had my first opportunity to check out the brand new Hobie Tandem Adventure Island last Sunday with My family. The Hobie Tech Rep. Walt had just picked up his demo from the factory in Oceanside California and drove through Boise en-route home. We were the first in the state to try it out! And what great conditions we had. Lake Lowell by the wildlife preserve offered us consistent 12-15 knot winds that made sailing a huge amount of fun!
My first ride was with my daughter Lauren, who had always ridden in the stern of the single Island or on the tramp. You can definitely feel the drag of the extra weight even with a kid on the single; but with the Tandem, the boat glided beautifully. Tacking was easy and when we got broadside to the wind, you really felt the magic that the boat offers. When we went back to shore and picked up my daughter's friend, we were still not dragging even though Lauren rode on the tramp.
It is super easy to use. In fact, I had my daughter do the sailing from the back cockpit. Both cockpit s have full rudder and mainline controls. The boat comes with Turbofins instead of the standard fins so getting off shore is a simple procedure.
I can't waith to get our demo, rental in so I can get it back out!
Chuck Cremer
Alpenglow
