Motorized Kayaks? Paddling Without The Paddle

Power to the paddle? Here are a few more ways to go paddling without using a paddle at all.

Lakewood, N.J.-based Surfango is now offering a full line of motorized kayaks, sit-on-tops and surfboards, just in case you want to get out and rip, but don't want to put the human-powered effort into it.

The company's Adventurer GT is a traditional, sit-inside cruising kayak, but with a 9.5 horsepower, 4-stroke, electric start motor.

On it's Web site, Surfango says the motorized boat "redefines traditional kayaking, allowing you to glide through the water with ease. With more leg-room and a dry storage compartment you can bring enough gear to make that trip up the coast."

The company goes further to say "No longer will the wind and current get in the way of your destination!" as well as "you can now enjoy the freedom of the great outdoors, along with freedom from paddles."

Far be it for me to tell people how to kayak. If a motorized kayak floats your boat, more power to you. (Bada bing!)

But for me, it's actually having a paddle in my hands that makes me feel free.

Call me a purist, but I don't think I'm alone. In fact, this blog on kayaking the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta refers to Surfango's creations as "anti-kayaks," and bemoans the fact that they burn fossil fuels.


While I wouldn't go that far -- having a motor could serve you well in a pinch to get into shore when conditions deteriorate, or even power your way out of a rip tide if you're caught in one -- I don't think I'll be lining up to add one of these to my kayaking quiver any time soon.

Surfango isn't the only one who's putting a little extra power behind what's traditionally a paddle craft.

John Anson, a retired Lockheed Martin engineer who lives in Boulder Creek, Calif., recently built an electric motor for his own kayak. Powered by two 12-volt, 70 amp marine batteries, the kayak can cruise at 6 miles per hour for six hours.

Still, Anson told the San Lorenzo Valley Press Banner that the motor isn't meant to replace a paddle. Instead, he envisions it to be used in case of fatigue, to help folks with less upper body strength get into the sport, and for people who like to fish from their kayaks, while keeping their hands free.

"It's for all types of people," Anson told the paper. "It opens the door for everybody."

From that perspective, I can see the usefulness of having a motor in your boat.

Still, if I had to kayak without a traditional paddle, I think I'd prefer the WindPaddle, a cool kayak sail that easily snaps onto the rigging on your deck.

Inspired by trying to hold an umbrella up while paddling in the rain, the WindPaddle actually allows your hands to be free, while helping propel your boat. And it's got a clear window so you can see through it, too. To me, that's cool.

The Hood River, ore.-based company has an entertaining history of how the WindPaddle came to be here, complete with photos.

Maybe the best part? You don't have to burn any more dinosaurs to use it.

Now that's power to the paddlers.