No paddle?
I paddled the Hobie 14 I had years ago many times...when the wind shuts down,as it often does here around sunset…Once, I had to paddle it over three miles against a stiff incoming tide, with a 85’ “Head boat” passing thru the narrow cannel under a bridge from the opposite direction... both of us in the slot at the same time (the captain was in a hurry and obviously couldn’t wait). When I cleared the bridge I had to paddle up current a good mile in the Ft. Pierce inlet with the tide approaching full bore…I would like to see someone dog paddle that scenario.

I can guarantee you, that the average sailor can generate a great deal more thrust, for a longer period of time with a paddle than he/she could laying on the front of a hull paddling it with their hands like a surfboard. Being a sailor (since 1976), surfer(since 1968)and kayaker(since 1999), I have total confidence in my statement.

As far as using it to get out thru the break...hey whatever works for you...if a $20 paddle can keep you from trashing your mast and a set of sails, I would think it would be well worth the bother.

Regards,

Bob