In a message dated 9/3/99 6:09:21 PM, nickjean_at_speakeasy.org writes: << My experiences paddling the Looksha iv, without the rudder, was that it tracked fine in light winds but that it weathercocked (turned toward the wind) in winds of 10 knots or more, unsless I put the rudder down and countersteered. The boat turns fairly easily, so if you are used to boats that track very well it might seem harder to keep on track, but if you are having a real problem getting the boat to track in light winds you may have a bent boat, the seat might be in the wrong spot, or you may paddle unevenly. If you are used to a very straight tracking boat it may have been masking slight unevenness in your paddling. >> Hummm, if it is my paddling how do I find out? I usually paddle my CD Breeze, a short boat with a lot of rocker that I think tracks beautifully, short boat or not. She can turn on a dime so I don't know what that proves. I admit to having paddled only a few boats so I can't say I have enough experience to tell much. The Sea Lion had no problem and the little Dagger Bayou, a recreational boat, tracks like an arrow for me but I don't know that tells me much. This Looksha is the only boat I've ever had any problem with. No wind, no problem but even the slightest wind and there she goes. I have to choke up on my paddle and sit with both legs on the right side of the boat to even approach pointing the direction I want to go, without the rudder. With the rudder, of course there is no problem. I just keep forgetting which foot to push to go in which direction, very frustrating. I avoid the rudder whenever I can. When I do use it, it keeps me pushing very gently. Makes my paddling a bit hesitant because I'm so used to having my feet on firm pegs and I can just see me flopping over when I forget that I don't have those pegs to use. Can you suggest a way to test my paddling? Or is there something others could look at to tell if I'm off balance? Thanks for the reply, Joan *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Joan, I also have a Looksha IV in plastic, and I have paddled it a lot in rough weather, on crossings and in the surf. I really love the kayak, but it doesn't behave in even a mild crosswind with the rudder up. Of course, with the rudder down, it is just fine in the wind. The kayak has more rocker than I have seen on any other kayak, and because of that, it is also the most maneuverable 17 foot long kayak I have paddled. That double hard chine is also nice for sharp edge turning. But the price for the maneuverability is reduced tracking and increased weathercocking. I love the kayak so much that I am willing to deal with the weathercocking. When a beam wind hits me, I just flip the rudder down. By the way, that rocker makes the Looksha IV great in really rough water. It is also a very forgiving sea kayak in the surf. The maneuverability makes it great for rock gardens and caves. For long crossings, flip the rudder down and everything is fine. I'll tell you though, I hope that rudder doesn't break when the nearest land on a crossing is 10 miles and I've got a nasty beam wind. Make sure you do some good preventive maintenance on it and inspect it before each trip. Try taking advantage of the double hard chine to correct for off tracking. If your bow is going to the right, edge it to the right a little and keep paddling. The kayak will then turn to the left. The same is true for the opposite side. It is a lot easier to correct by edging the kayak rather than doing corrective strokes. Or do a little of both. Enjoy your fine kayak! Or if you want to get rid of it, I'll be glad to buy it cheap to replace my Looksha when it wears out from all of the fun I am having with it. Duane Strosaker Southern California *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
" Can you suggest a way to test my paddling? Or is there something others could look at to tell if I'm off balance? Hummm, if it is my paddling how do I find out? I usually paddle my CD Breeze, a short boat with a lot of rocker that I think tracks beautifully, short boat or not. She can turn on a dime so I don't know what that proves. I admit to having paddled only a few boats so I can't say I have enough experience to tell much. The Sea Lion had no problem and the little Dagger Bayou, a recreational boat, tracks like an arrow for me but I don't know that tells me much. This Looksha is the only boat I've ever had any problem with." Joan, It sounds to me like your paddle technique is fine, since those other boats track for you. Your experience sounds like the weathercocking that I was talking about. I had a hard time getting the Looksha iv to track straight in the wind too. I didn't like this. I have heard of people having someone video tape them paddling (from the rear, side, etc.) and then playing the tape back in slow motion etc. to analyse technique. I wouldn't bother. If three out of four boats track for you your technique is probably fine. Blame the boat. Nick Lyle *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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