Pedal Power
Hobie’s Ruth Triglia shares the fun of the Hobie Mirage Eclipse Pedalboard.
LB: We understand the Mirage Eclipse is the
world’s first leg-powered stand-up pedalboard.
What was the idea behind this invention?
Triglia: We thought stand-up paddling was ready for the
next step: A board that is comfortable to more people for
longer distances using the strength in their legs. Pedaling
the Eclipse is effortless, graceful and incredibly fun.LB: How does it work?
Triglia: Two large, flat pedals connect to our MirageDrive
propulsion system, which is powered by fins. They
work like the motion of a penguin swimming:You
glide along with barely a ripple on the surface, yet move
quickly and remain dry. The handlebars are equipped with
calipers for steering the rudder; simply pull the left caliper to
go left and the right one to go right.LB: How is it stabilized?
Triglia: Having the handlebars
for a third balance point provides
night and day stability verses standing on a
board with only a paddle in your hand. The board
shape was also carefully designed to provide a stable,
comfortable ride for people of all ages.LB: How fast can the Mirage Eclipse go?
Triglia: The power of your legs makes the board much
faster than if it were propelled simply with your arms and
shoulders. The beauty of the Mirage Eclipse is that you
can choose to walk, jog or sprint, so to speak. Even by just
“walking,” the MirageDrive is so efficient you will glide
along at a great pace.LB: How do you slow or stop the Mirage Eclipse?
Triglia: When you stop pedaling, the board slows down
and gradually comes to a stop.LB: What happens to the fins and rudder in
shallow water or on the beach?
Triglia: By stepping all the way down on either pedal,
the fins tuck up against the board, allowing you to ride
up the beach until the sand stops you. In shallow water,
the rudder kicks up automatically, then redeploys with no
action required by the rider.LB: How much weight can the Mirage Eclipse handle?
Triglia: Our 10.5 model will carry 225 pounds, and the
12.0 carries 275 pounds comfortably. The handlebars also
adjust up and down to accommodate a range of heights.LB: How do you assemble the pedalboard
and how long does it take?
Triglia: You drop the MirageDrive into the well (this
takes 3 seconds), place the handlebars into the receptacle
and connect the steering lines (15 seconds), turn the
board on its side and then insert the rudder (10 seconds).LB: How much does the Mirage Eclipse weigh?
Triglia: The weight of the board with the
pedals installed is 43 pounds for
the 10.5 and 48 pounds for
the 12.0.LB: Is there a way to transport a cooler or
livewell on the Eclipse?
Triglia: The Eclipse includes a bungee cord system on
the rear of the board that easily accommodates a pack or
small cooler.LB: What other accessories are available?
Triglia: We have the new H-Crate JR, with room for
plenty of fishing gear. We also offer drink holders, phone
mounts, tie-downs for car-top transport and a bag to keep
your board pristine. In addition, we have a cart specifically
designed for the Eclipse.LB: What if someone likes to boat with their dog?
Triglia: Dogs love the Eclipse. We even offer dog life jackets
in case your dog decides to jump in the water to cool off!LB: What if a rider wants to paddleboard instead
of pedalboard?
Triglia: The Eclipse board was designed to do double
duty as a SUP. Simply leave your handlebars and drive
on shore, drop in the included plug to fill the well, grab
a paddle and off you go.LB: How much does the Hobie Mirage Eclipse cost?
Triglia: The 10.5 sells for $2,499, and the 12.0 for $2,599. ★ PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOBIEELIZABETH ALTICK
specializes in recreational
marine, cultural and human-
interest subjects. She was
formerly executive editor
of a recreational boating
magazine.by Elizabeth AltickASK THE EXPERT
propulsion system, which is powered by fins. They
work like the motion of a penguin swimming:You
glide along with barely a ripple on the surface, yet move
quickly and remain dry. The handlebars are equipped with
calipers for steering the rudder; simply pull the left caliper to
go left and the right one to go right.for a third balance point provides
night and day stability verses standing on a
board with only a paddle in your hand. The board
shape was also carefully designed to provide a stable,LB: How do you assemble the pedalboard
and how long does it take?
Triglia:Triglia:Triglia: You drop the MirageDrive into the well (this You drop the MirageDrive into the well (this
takes 3 seconds), place the handlebars into the receptacle
and connect the steering lines (15 seconds), turn the
board on its side and then insert the rudder (10 seconds).LB: How much does the Mirage Eclipse weigh?
Triglia: The weight of the board with the
pedals installed is 43 pounds forCONTACT
Hobie Cat Company
4925 Oceanside Blvd.
Oceanside, CA
92056-3044
760-758-9100
HOBIE.COM32 JULY 2017 | LAKELANDBOATING.COMAsktheExpert_JUL17.indd 32 5/25/17 9:35 AM