Small Craft Advisory - How to Sail a Kayak

[@chrisandrew852]

I'm a sailor and have to say that you explained sailing in a brilliant 12.32min video!.. well done. I think adding the stabilizing floats might be a good idea. Tipping over when you're just out having fun is ok, but if you have all your gear onboard the added stability would be worthwhile.

[@MoneyPitBoating]

Just learning to sail and I think you nailed it!

[@craigwhite7894]

Good job Ryan. I have owned two Hobie kayaks with sails. I blasted across the water and never flipped. I watch so many Hobie kayak sailing videos where nobody knows how to sail. They never get up to speed and their sail trim is nonexistent. I'm glad that you made the video. Peddle while you sail to double your speed! Peddling will improve your ability to sail closer to the wind. Oh ya, use your body weight to keep your kayak upright. Hang a knee or leg over the gunnel. Leaning forward helps. If you feel tippy let the sail out. A larger sailing rudder is a must.

[@Cain-x]

This is the best "getting started vid" I've seen yet. Good stuff. One "tip" to prevent from capsizing is when the gust of wind hits, quickly release tension from the mainsail sheet so that it flaps in the wind. Should help mitigate tipping, if done in time.

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Those gusts sneak up quick!

[@Michael-id7uh]

Just rigged up my kayak with a homemade sail. Going to take her for her maiden voyage in a few hours. I’ve been so excited to do it that I haven’t slept so I started looking up kayak sailing tips. Great video!

[@iamgabriel5823]

I have SO MUCH FUN sailing my Hobie! A word of caution -- in a good wind the Hobie sport will easily capsize. Then because the sail is under water it is VERY difficult to get the kayak back upright. I would never again attempt to sail the Hobie Sort kayak without the pontoon kit. Pontoon kit is a good idea even on the Outback. Sailing a Hobie is so easy and so fun!

[@woodskid4ever]

Nicely done! Good intro to the physics of sailing and how it pertains to yaks.

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@jamesrobertson4035]

This video is from 5 years ago, so I don't know if you are still monitoring comments. I have the most fun, narrow, and "unstable" pedal kayak Hobie makes. I've NEVER capsized even though I've been in crazy waves while CROSSING the Chesapeake Bay. I love my kayak! I am a skilled sailor, but I don't think my 180 drive Revolution 11 kayak would be a good fit for the sail kit. Plus, I LOVE using my telescoping golfball retrieval tool in the kayak's sail mount as a 12-foot mast to fly the American flag! PS: Great job on the video!

[@handsometripod.6546]

One of the best and informative videos on KZbin, cheers.

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thank you!!

[@jden1019]

@@RWoodOutdoors good morning bro.where can I buy this sail I have a boat 8 foot i use paddle sometime my hand get hurt.

[@RWoodOutdoors]

You can get them online or from a hobie dealer. Just search hobie sail kit.

[@jden1019]

@@RWoodOutdoors ok thank you bro for the information you are the best.

[@wisenber]

Very well composed video. That was a lot of information conveyed in under 13 minutes without the confusion. Now that you've launched all of these new kayak sailors off into the wind, you might want to tell them how to stop or reduce power. You explained the accelerator in great detail but never really mentioned the brakes. :)

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thanks for the kind words. Great topic! Stopping is fairly straight forward. The art of sailing fast is trimming your sail perfectly, so doing the opposite and making the shape of the sail less efficient will stop you pretty quick. Usually this is done by loosening the tension on your sail rope (aka "dumping the main sheet"). The other option is to quickly turn the rudder and point the kayak directly upwind. Either of these options would have prevented my wipeout! Then of course throwing your pedal drive in reverse is really like hitting the brakes!

[@wisenber]

@@RWoodOutdoors I have a 1 meter sail on a skinny Epic 18x (22 inches wide) kayak. Reducing power is pretty important for staying upright in a puff while you're in chop. My trimaran has two reef points on the mainsail, but she's not as tippy. That being said, I don't think I could explain the points of sail nearly as clearly in two hours as you did in under 13 minutes. Heck, a Hobie 16 rigging video is twice that long and it doesn't even talk about how to use it once you're set up.

[@MrChico809]

Excellent instruction. Where you said you were doing a starboard tack and went port had me messed up for a second 😂

[@ron9543]

Excellent video Well-produced. Explained very clearly the basics of sailing a kayak, including terminology.

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@stian222]

Great video which not only let’s kayakers know how to get there hulls moving for free but also has real info about sailing. Have taken several courses on sailing and you are spitting straight facts. I have added a sail to one of my kayaks and I’d like to share that adding amas to your set up will help you from capsizing when a gust takes you unawares. Not crazy about the banana shaped inflatable from Hobie which I have tried. Better than nothing but there is a nicer one out there. Sorry I can’t remember which one right now or supply a link. Just saying with a little research you can be super safe and stylin. Cheers!

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@Mac-di1yf]

Thank you for the insight into kayak sailing. My family had a catamaran years ago in Florida and as kid it was alot of fun. As an adult in Knoxville, TN sailing with anything bigger than a kayak is not appealing to me with the average low winds in my area. This looks like a good way to scratch the sailing itch but can double as a simple kayak activity if the weather is not ideal. Also would be easy to take it on the road to better locations.

[@mickeyhavoc939]

I've always been interested in sailing but the little dingy's weren't too interesting to me and the big boats were way too much of a logistics issue. A sailing KAYAK on the other hand, sounds absolutely perfect! Wish I stumbled across these before I got my new yak! It's a good thing it's easy to store kayaks haha

[@efkdmk]

This may be the best video I have ever seen produced, next to Mike Jordan''s many at iTOOLco? Ha, ha. Perhaps your video is even better than the previous front runner, "Jacques Pepin omelette omelet" which was a great example of instruction you would have to think very hard on how to to improve. But back to you Ryan. The "clam cleat" closeup you showed I was unaware of previously. I was using a product made by RAM which while better than nothing, has the big drawback of needing to be hand tightened to avoid failure and movement. Even falling in was essential showing how you climbed back in. As an old guy, when the sail has me leaning a bit too much, I wonder how much of a pain it is going to be getting back on. But now I know I can do it without an issue and is liable to even be fun in our warm St. Petersburg' waters. Showing the kayak out of the water on blocks from a side view was another excellent decision. I have a 12' Pro Angler that I taught myself how to sail poorly. Your instruction and explanation for how a sail works and the terminology will improve my enjoyment a lot. I am going to recommend that our local distributor, Andy and Jimmy, give a card to each customer of their Hob with a QR code captioned: "Ryan Wood RWoods Outdoors - How to Sail a Kayak", which takes them right to this video. It will improve both their sales and customer experiences for sure. Hell, I think I will just make up the cards and present them to them and then track how much their sails and sails accessories sales go up. Since you have this in you, I can't wait to see what else I will find on my new Subscription to Ryan Wood - RWoodoutdoors. Ed Kelley

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thanks Ed!

[@johnholmes6897]

One of my favorite kayaks. Perfect kayak for the Florida keys

[@DanielGuillette]

Very helpful. Might try making a sail for my old ocean kayak, but before that I think it'll need a rudder.

[@The1stGurehaundo]

This gotta be one of the best videos on youtube.

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@JohnnyCab]

What a great instructional video , I'm thinking of figuring out how to do a sail hook-up on my 2021 hobie compass Duo . Looks like so much fun !

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@tassosmanolas5344]

Tassos Manolas. Greece. Dear Ryan .I think its time to make a second part of your first fantastic video for beginners with more details.For example the cause to capsize in your firs video etc .Manny greetings from Greece.

[@dougdoug2243]

Where was this video last night when I was trying to explain this to a person using a beer can and plastic knife stuck in it? Great explanation. Fair weather sailors are just yachtsman, and no one has money for that. If it's rough stand on the side!

[@entertextimagebelow]

Looks like fun but it dawned on me watching you fall in that its a good thing you were able to hold onto it, otherwise you have a good chance of your kayak sailing off in to the sunset without you in it.

[@awesomeNERF1]

not really it was in the water halfway

[@stefanmayer5807]

The sail will turn the kayak into the wind automatically if you lose controll of the steering

[@bubbajeph]

Excellent sailing education. You are a great instructor. Just what I learned on Flying Juniors. I’ve sale 65’ in the ocean. Would be fun to sail a kayak. .

[@raybaker9636]

I have been looking into getting into a hobby kayak for sailing on lakes and really enjoyed some of your tips.

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@southernangler6478]

Great video Ryan, thank for sharing your knowledge on a great detail way!

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@williamallmand7331]

Thank you for showing me what to expect when I tip it over. Great video.

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@stephensmith-mj6dj]

The bungie cord at the foot of the sail should be fixed to a cleat. If it’s loose like in the video and the kayak turns over the mast can slide out of the socket.

[@steeevo0136]

I've been sailing small boats for years, then a Hobie Outfitter tandem and now just starting to sail my Hobie PA12. This is a very well presented instructional video. How did your sail bungee get released at 11.05 ? You really need a sail furler.

[@DiyEcoProjects]

Awesome video, thank you. Im new to this and your video has revealed a lot. Ill give this a try when i save up for a Kayak. All the best, have a good year

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@juanmercado2577]

I flipped 😢over on my Hobie Outback with a sail kit and stabilizers . A gust of wind around 15 knots caught me by surprise and off I went . Ok , I was on the cell phone and I didn’t let go off the sheet . I lost my fishing pole , all my fishing gear . I didn’t think it would happen to me and I was too confident with the stabilizer. Because I had the Hobie floating stabilizers I couldn’t flip the kayak over , had yo be rescue by a nearby boat . If you think it would happen to you, think again . 20 mph winds is a bit too much for a kayak with a sail kit .

[@BarryAdams777]

Decking my Perception out with a sail & outriggers. Thanks for the education !!! Solid video!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@Captain_Bartolo]

Last month I was trying a Hobie Island Tandem with biggest sailing rig. It was very interesting but for fun we haven't enough wind. Have a good time on the water and fair winds 🍀

[@jeffc6038]

Very helpful info thanks for taking the time to share nice quality and sound

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thanks! I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@FaizHedzir]

Great video bro.. Im planing to sail with my mirage sport with my diy sail. Your video really help me a lot. Greating from Malaysia

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks!

[@waltercabral871]

Good job Ryan, excellent sailing education.. Thanks and Congrats!

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@andreromeros1780]

Very practical and objective explanation! Thanks and Congrats!

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@lengthmuldoon]

Great vid, informative and entertaining - thank you.

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@Beinhartwie1chopper]

Got my sail today at Sound Bike and Kajak today

[@donaldfiesta8666]

As an old school windsurfer, very cool.😊

[@BernPisarcikJr]

Thank you very much. I’ve considered sails for our 2019 and 2020 outbacks, can’t always be about bass fishin.

[@vincentmonet6172]

Great vid. Thanks, Ryan

[@josephinebennington7247]

Funny sailing terms include “mast step” not “mast receptacle”. But still a fascinating development.

[@ianrowan5156]

Well done thanks, very informative!

[@darrenjones3681]

I sail my Hobie Revolution 13 as much as I use it as a normal kayak or more it’s great fun

[@CheekyMonkey888]

with or without amas? I m thinking of buying the Rev 13 but wonder if it is too tippy.

[@tomforstik4899]

Excellent video!!

[@darrenjones3681]

With sidekicks fitted I’ve never felt mine would flip

[@davids7476]

Great video. Good info. Thanks for sharing.

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@mmusico48]

Excellent video , thanks

[@spork1125]

This was so helpful. Thank you!

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jeremyyork3538]

That was very good, well done.

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@diegodevops4151]

Great video! Thank you!

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@wippdriver1]

Clam cleat info please!Awesome video!

[@zdrummero1]

Awesome video I am going to get me one for my PA14

[@RWoodOutdoors]

That's great! Does your PA have the keel? If so I bet that will help a lot. Let me know how it goes!

[@zdrummero1]

@@RWoodOutdoors I have the 2019 PA.

[@zdrummero1]

I am thinking it does.

[@joharimazlan9904]

hello ryan thanks for share this video

[@mikephelan5940]

Well done!

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

It looks like you didn't tie down the downhaul down 😆 Great kayak 👍

[@steveroberts9804]

Just got myself a Hobie Lynx, partially for the sailing! Great video. Can you tell me what clam cleat and track mounting hardware you used? After day 1 with the sail kit I realized that the cleat is a must!

[@MegaPeedee]

Very good instruction, however I would add that the sail should be unlcipped (let go loose) before righting the kayak, and the kayak is best turned into the eye of the wind (this goes for all sailboats) as the wind won't catch it and flip it back over the other way. Also that one should sail to the conditions: if you think the wind is too strong and you feel aprehensive or uncomfortable, and if you have a sail furling kit installed, furl the sail either completely or partially. Furling kits should allow you to furl the sail in seconds, a great comfort to know when gusts are around. Learn to swallow your pride and reduce sail if you thnki it is advisable. The sail is not only like an aircraft wing - it is your accelerator so remember to "take your foot off" when things get hairy and furl the sail enough so that any danger of tipping over is past. Being in the water is fine - but where I live Great White, Bull, Hammer Heads, Tiger sharks and other hungry things swim below the surface (and sometimes breach out of the water to scare you away from fish, I suspect). I prefer to stay on my craft so I keep alert and 'work' the boats with care and attention. Plan not to tip over before you launch and keep your head in the game.

[@jimbojet8728]

A great vid. Thank you

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thank you!!

[@nightterror007]

It could be alot of fun... *flips over in high winds*... yea I'm good lol

[@aftech7268]

add outriggers for stability and use your paddle to steer it - especially going upwind or combating crosswinds this is how ancient Polynesians traveled from Samoa 6000 miles away to the Americas This was way before Columbus landing in south america

[@paultaylor3856]

Nice video dude

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@shinplayzproductions8107]

You gotta be the best pirate I’ve any seen

[@TeDoFwAr]

Looked like great fun..... Cheers...

[@dalethebelldiver7740]

I’m thinking about adding weight to the underside of the kayak including a full keel made from PVC rail fence material.

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Sweet!

[@dalethebelldiver7740]

Ryan Wood - RWood Outdoors how does that sound? I can leave it open on the ends or close it.

[@RWoodOutdoors]

@@dalethebelldiver7740 I would close it.

[@stepheneurosailor1623]

Jolly good show.👍🍺

[@sloshyjoe]

Bro I was sold till the clip of you flipping. lol. I'll stick to my drive lol

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Lol! 20 mph winds are pretty sporty!

[@anim8ted923]

That was fun and informative!

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@capn4u]

No ropes on a boat Ryan, ain't line.

[@mopedinthemalverns6661]

In the broad reach the sail isn't acting like a parachute but is still working like a wing - but with the wing flying backwards! Sails are amazing things - they act as wings with the wind flowing from mast across the sail and in reverse - where the wind flows from the back of the sail towards the mast - here the main sheet acts like the mast. Makes a mockery of how a wing is supposed to work if iyou believe the high/low pressure standard argument!. It's all Newtonian innit?

[@stevenmetz1324]

bahhaahahaha!! that was great to see you go over!! Actually, very informative video....thank you.

[@thuhguy]

can you share the model of cleat you have and how you mounted it?

[@roadnotesrv]

Nice video. I know it's been a few years, but where did you get your sail and sail mast from? Thank you

[@NutmegThumper]

Great video! Have you seen a tandem with a sail? Would be fun with a friend!

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thanks! Most Hobie tandems can be sailed.

[@domitorid177]

It seems not so much stable, at least not in the high wind. But, what about adding a pair of floats for stability, like trimaran? I guess it could be much more sail-worthy

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Hobie makes an Ama kit that works very well. Even without it, it is still very stable. 20+ mph winds is just on the extreme end of conditions before things start to break.

[@Kadir_Levrek_Pesinde]

Thanks👍

[@davehafner8734]

Thank you

[@hankwang2951]

That is bad ass!

[@JaiChavan]

Excellent, Thank you, Sir. Jai Hind.

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@brianparker6294]

Imagine your kayak sails away when you fall off and you’ve got no life vest and are a mile from shore haha

[@juanjesusmelendezreyes7156]

Very nice video, i would like to know where can I get a sail like yours...

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thanks! You can get the sails from Hobie Kayak dealers, or online by searching "Hobie Sail Kit".

[@alphasxsignal]

You need the must have roller furling.

[@deboracarlson8301]

Your video is best. I have an i9 & getting my sail kit finally this upcoming week. The claim cleat(?) is that available for inflatable? Is that a must? Should I upgrade to larger rudder? Do I need furling kit? Do you hold the rope in your left hand while sailing? I never sailed so wasn’t sure if gets clipped in somewhere as your sailing in that direction. Hopefully attaching sail to inflatable same as hard shell. I can’t find any videos on how to attach it. Thanks!

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thanks for your questions. Clam cleat isnt necessary, but it helps. You would probably have to use something like a RAILBLAZA star port to mount it to an inflatable. You can hold the rope in either hand, whichever is more comfortable. A larger rudder is a nice upgrade. Furling kit is not necessary.

[@deboracarlson8301]

Ryan Wood - RWood Outdoors thank you for all the information. Have a great day!

[@MesquiteOutdoors]

This is an awesome video! Any idea how fast you were going ? Faster than pedal drive? I'm gonna share this on my mesquite outdoors Facebook page 👍

[@RWoodOutdoors]

I didn't have a measurement, but I was going fast! Especially with the sail AND pedals going! Will have to bring the GPS with me next time.

[@craigwhite7894]

The Outback is pretty slow but you can nearly double your speed if you sail and peddle. I had a 12' Outback as well as a basic 16' Adventure (not Adventure Island). The Adventure is sleek and fast. I went about 9 knots max on the Adventure. I used sidekicks for stability on the Adventure. Never needed them on the Outback.

[@ajw5770]

What v-cleat and mounting hardware did you use?

[@JoalHarding]

So great! Thank you so much. Couldn’t find any other instructional videos for this even by hobie! Do you have a furler kit or is it necessary?

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thanks! I do not have a furler kit. I can hand roll the sail fairly easily, so I couldn't justify the extra expense and adding the mounting hardware onto the deck. But it seems like a nifty gadget!

[@kennyshinn6547]

Ryan, great video. What is the purpose of the piece of PVC pipe you have while righting the kayak?

[@RWoodOutdoors]

No purpose for sailing. It is a camera mount.

[@kennyshinn6547]

@@RWoodOutdoors , thank you

[@KimPham1966dalat]

Would a side floater keep u from tipping over

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Yes, Hobie sells an "ama kit" which will certainly help with stability.

[@cristianioanalexandru4123]

Hi, the diagonal rod, what material is it made of? Is it something rigid? Thank you very much.

[@RWoodOutdoors]

It is a 2 piece aluminum mast that come with the Hobie Sail Kit.

[@cristianioanalexandru4123]

@@RWoodOutdoors Can you give me the measurements of these aluminum bars? I would like to make a sail like it; buying one is too expensive for me. Thank you.

[@RWoodOutdoors]

@@cristianioanalexandru4123 10ft. Long total. 1 inch diameter.

[@tassosmanolas5344]

Dear Brian .I have a hobie sport kayak 2019 model and i think to try sailing.i want your advice about it .Long time ago i went sailing with small boats and i think i forgot almost everything.Thank You so match .Athens Greece

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Thank you! Best advice I can give you is just get out and try it. You will pick it up fairly quickly. Some good tips in my video. Start on a day where winds are light.

[@Pierre50mm]

close hauled with no centerboard or keel? I have doubt. What about drifting? What about heeling?

[@zionjse]

Thank you! What's your opinion on sailing with Outfitter tandem kayak?

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Go for it! The long length of a tandem should make for a fast sailing boat!

[@lakkolee734]

I'm curious where you acquired this sail, I'm looking to buy one as I am also converting my kayak to be able to sail but actually buying the bloody sail has proven difficult

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Try Amazon or Austin Kayak for the Hobie Sail kit

[@glenwhitbeck28]

Would it help to add pontoons to your kayak?

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Definitely would help with the stability in high winds. They kind of get in the way for fishing, so it depends on your purpose.

[@perfdavid]

What do you find you can get as your top speed in knots?

[@joeblowjohnny2297]

Question ? Is that sail design to tack upwind ?

[@RWoodOutdoors]

Sure is!

[@joeblowjohnny2297]

@@RWoodOutdoors what about a lateen sail ?

[@PebblesChan]

The usual fastest point of sail is the broad reach and not the beam reach.

[@ronagee8987]

What kind and where do you get your v cleat

[@RWoodOutdoors]

I got mine at West Marine, but you can get them online too. This one is for a 3/8" rope.

[@LeonASinner]

Roughly how much was all this kit?

[@alipio44]

whats the name of the sail and where to bay ?

[@RWoodOutdoors]

It is the Hobie sail kit and can be purchased from a Hobie dealer or online.