Gary,

This scar hole thing is a myth, this is actually a hole through which the dolphin "breathes", because of this boats like the mystere are actually faster, the sudden rush of speed you are describing when on a Hobie 18 is due mainly to the initial panic of the dolphin as you block its airway, but this speed cannot be maintained as the dolphin soon passes out.

Hooking the fold does not panic the dolphin quite as much but allows you to ride for longer maintaining a higher overall speed.

I have had trouble tacking and gybing when using the dolphin striker does anyone know how to get them to turn?