RE: [Paddlewise] Rudder story

Here's a non-expert follow on to Doug's comments.

At 11:13 PM 10/07/1999 -0700, Doug Lloyd wrote:
>Woody wrote:
>> There are only 2 reasons I've seen to use a rudder. Someone tell me if I
>> missed any: 1) To compensate for a design shortfall. 2) To compensate for
>lack of >paddler skill.<snip>

Doug wrote:
...
>fast-tracking them (pardon the pun) into the sport with minimum training
>efforts and maximum enjoyment.
...
There's much of the point.  Many of the pros seem to be believe that all kayakers should be kayakers first and all else second.  Many of the people getting kayaks these days are bird watchers or nature lovers, or just want exercise or outdoors time.  Fast tracking people in is a good thing except when people are encouraged to get in places far above their skill and boat levels.  Encourage diversity.  Encourage enjoyment.

>5. Don't paddle with rudder-dependent kayakers or kayakers with
>rudder-dependent kayaks in questionable conditions, unless you really like
>towing your companions if their rudder stops working.

Here's something I learned from.  My used kayak came with a rudder.  I agreed with my wife that I would not go out in it before I took the Kayak I class.  They taught the class and we did the following weekend's paddle in rudderless boats.  A half dozen times they emphasized how one should always learn without a rudder in case one's rudder suddenly failed.  (Their river/surfing kayaks lacked even a hint of keel).  After the class, the first time I took my boat out I did not use the rudder.  The next time I planned to split my time 50-50.  1-1/2 hours without the rudder, then I put the rudder down, and within 15 seconds had a rudder failure!  The left pedal fell off completely.  Because I had at least learned the basics without the rudder, it was no problem.  Had I been dependent on the rudder, I would still be going in circles on Del Valle Reservoir.  Nonetheless, I still use my rudder the majority of the time because I enjoy the more relaxed way I can paddle with it, emphasizing the forward racing or touring stroke.


>7. Screw the rudder vs non-rudder, vs skeg, vs rudderless Mariner type
>kayaks with skeggy little keelsons, and just get out their and enjoy the
>sea, lake, estuary, or whatever. 

That's the real point.

>
>Doug Lloyd
jerry.
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