[Paddlewise] controlling a rudderless kayak

Karen Hancock asked:
BTW, I'd be interested in knowing how others control the direction of a
rudderless boat in similar conditions. Also, any thoughts on the effect
of deckbags and other gear tied on the deck in regard to wind?

Kirk Olsen was right on about loading stern heavy and adding windage at the
bow rather than the stern. If the windage you add to the bow also has weight
it might be best to put it right behind the seat though. Tilting the kayak
as Ralph suggests is excellent advice most of the time but may not be that
feasible if the kayak is wide, gear laden, and paddled by a small paddler.
Then leaning just takes too much effort.
Our new website www.marinerkayaks.com has a detailed discussion of the
techniques to help control weathercocking in a rudderless kayak, rated from
the easiest to do to those that require more effort. You can find it in the
"Course Keeping" section of the Paddling Manual.
Matt Broze

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************