Re: [Paddlewise] Rudders and such

>
>In the discussion of whether a kayak "needs" a rudder/skeg or not, certainly,
>as many have pointed out, design of the kayak is of first importance. 

Ok, first I suppose that everyone knows that a rudder is to go strait and
not for turning. That is why the throw is limited.More makers try to make a
general purpose kayak , by increasing rocker the kayak turns better but
does not track very well, so a rudder makes it a do all kayak. Sea kayaks
were for the most part made to go in straight lines for most of the
paddling was in the open ocean. Sense most Kayakers are not SEAkayakers but
river and lake kayakers they want to be able to turn more easily,or they
would run into the bank on the other side. Most paddlers use the rudder to
turn with and not to counter the wind.There are a few that when the rudder
breaks they are helpless because they never learned techniques for turning
or paddling with a side wind.
The Traditional kayaks were used for hunting and survival so kayakers knew
how to paddle or they would not come back from a hunt. To me about 98% of
todays kayakers would never make it with their paddling skills and are in
the need of a rudder and all the other helping aid they can get. Not that
thats bad, we use kayaks for pleasure so most of the time our lifes do not
depend on our great learned skills unless you paddle in all kind of
conditions pushing your luck a wee bit. (but staying on the safe side of
course)
 If you look at most of the books our kayaks look similar at first glance ,
but if you look close ours are made for comfort and theirs for
necessity,those of you that have "kayakers leg go to sleep syndrome" would
not make it in a traditional kayak very long and would kill to get out of
it and stand up. Boy my typing finger is getting tired. nuff said. God I
love spell check!!

Dana

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