[Paddlewise] comments on rudders

I have read (and been told) not to use my rudder until I had learned how to
paddle correctly.  My reaction was to put the rudder up for a while, get
frustrated, and then put it back down.  That was last summer.  Since then I
have had a couple of classes (GRO's 1 & 2 day classes), and lots of
practice.  When we went out this last weekend I didn't use my rudder at
all.  This was at Perry Lake in Kansas in fairly high winds and a bit of
wave.  There was even a small craft warning for Perry because of the wind,
but the park ranger we talked to about where to put in (the usual dock was
flooded) didn't bother to mention it.

I just needed to use my rudder to help me learn how to paddle in a straight
line, and not get frustrated.  Just like I learned how to drive an
automatic, but now always drive a stick.  Learn the basics, then work on
technique.  I'm not commenting on teaching styles, or the best way for
everyone to learn, just what worked for me.  Too bad what I've read and
what everyone else seems to think goes against what might work for others...

Gee.... the skeg on the British boats might be just the thing for me....
This means I NEED that fiberglass Romany 16!  :)

Julie :)



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