WHY.

Where the Pedal Paddle System Excels.

Weeds.

The majority of propulsion systems get tangled in weeds. The Pedal Paddle system goes even faster!

Shallow Water.

The Pedal Paddle system is the only mechanical drive system to have zero draft during the power cycle. When the paddles are held at the same level, the tips will be above the level of the water reducing the chances of damage to the propulsion system.

Re-Cycle.

It is one of the only propulsion system that can be made from scrap bikes using simple methods and readily available materials. Without the need for hull penetrations or 90 degree converters in the drivetrain the system is ideal for retrofitting to open vessels.

Gear Ratio.

The gear ratio can be set by the user to suit the size of vessel, distance and wind conditions. Without hills to contend with, the gear ratio does not need to be changed frequently.

Pedal Paddle vs.

A simple comparison between common forms of human powered propulsion.

  • Propeller systems are light, compact and efficient but they are hard to make and expensive to buy. They struggle in weedy water and get damaged in shallow water.

  • The Hobie Mirage works like a set of penguin wings when underwater. An excellent innovation that is both lightweight and compact however they are hard to make and expensive to buy. They struggle in weedy and shallow water and some versions do not support reverse. The gear ratio is fixed.

  • Water wheels are one of the oldest forms of water propulsion. They are best suited to wide vessels. The larger the radius the better. Small water wheels tend to push water down on entry and pull it up on exit. This produces losses and the characteristic splashiness. A water wheel with an equivalent radius to a pedal paddle would be very large with a higher centre of gravity.