Re: [Paddlewise] comments on rudders

It would sure help me understand if posters talking about paddling would
tell me what boat they paddled. In this case I suspect, but don't know, that
the kayak didn't track well even on calm water without a rudder. I'm tempted
to guess at the possible models here but as a potential competitor I will
hold my tongue.

-----Original Message-----
From: Julie Grindol <grindolj_at_lhl.lib.mo.us>
To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Date: Tuesday, July 06, 1999 9:56 AM
Subject: [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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