Hobie Mirage iTrek Fiesta

Size, weight, capacity

When fully inflated, the Itrek Fiesta measures a massive 15 ft. (4.57 m) and 80 in. (2.03 m) wide. These dimensions make this almost pontoon-like in its stability, but somehow Hobie has managed to shape this platform into a streamlined and easy to maneuver kayak.

Unsurprisingly, a hull this large has a high capacity. In fact, the capacity of 999 lbs. (453 kg) is more than enough for the whole family to take to the water, with enough space for a cooler, and spare gear.

The hull of the Itrek Fiesta weighs 77 lbs. (35 kg), without the Mirage GT drives and the seats. Fortunately, Hobie sells this kayak in its own Wheely bag, so you can easily haul it down to the water’s edge.

Features

The Itrek Fiesta is the family version of some of Hobie’s successful Itrek range and features the same high specification and quality design. The 1000 D construction is strong enough to withstand years of use, as well as everything that children can throw at it and beach landings.

Hobie has used drop stitch technology on the seams of all their Itrek range and this allows the kayak to inflate up to 10 PSI. The high pressure of this design is integral to its stability and performance. Once fully inflated, this kayak feels like it’s made from rigid plastic, rather than inflated.

The Itrek Fiesta is sold with two Mirage Drives, but another two can be added to give the kayak four lots of pedal power. These drives are easily adjusted to be comfortable for your leg length and they drive efficient fins that power you across the water. These Kick-up fins are designed to lift if they come into contact with rocks, or shallows, to avoid breaking.

The four removable seats have full aluminum frames, with adjustable backrests. The mesh seatbacks are breathable and allow any splashes to pass through, so you can dry out quickly and remain comfortable all day. The front two seats can be turned around to face each other for an on-the-water picnic.

At the rear of the Itrek Fiesta, Hobie has fitted a rudder system, the controls for which can be attached to either of the rear seats. This rudder helps keep the kayak on course and allows you to turn in tight spaces. It can be raised and lowered quickly, with one pull of a cord.

The Itrek Fiesta also comes with a collapsible SUP paddle, so you can use it just as the hull if you want a quick and easy way to get on the water, as well as an electric pump and a high-pressure hand pump.

Performance

We’ll start with the obvious. The Itrek Fiesta is never going to be a performance kayak. However, if you want a safe and effective way of getting the whole family out on the water, you can’t get much better.

The kayak inflates to such large dimensions that it feels as though you’re walking around on a pontoon. The three-chamber hull construction, with outrigger-style chambers on either side of a central platform, couples well with the high-pressure design to give you one of the most stable kayaks on the market.

The Itrek Fiesta is easy to drive and the rudder system makes it straightforward to maneuver, as well as keeping you in a straight line. That said, the limited depth of the board-style hull does limit this kayak’s ability in the wind.

It’s a shame that Hobie only includes two Mirage Drives in the cost – which is high, by the way – and that they also only include a single SUP paddle. If you had to try to paddle this alone with just a SUP paddle, you would have a tough time of it.

The bottom line is that Hobie has made another high-quality kayak. It’s easy to transport and store, quick to inflate, and comfortable to spend a whole day out on the water.