Re: [Paddlewise] Another batch of new kayaker questions/comments

on 8/11/00 12:50 PM, John Fereira at jaf30_at_cornell.edu wrote:

snip
> As someone else suggested
> learning how to control your boat without relying on a rudder is a good
> thing.  However, I wouldn't go as far as to suggest that one should avoid a
> rudder entirely.  As Audrey Sutherland said, "most people that suggest that
> you never need a rudder haven't spent three days straight, paddling 8 hours
> a day, in 25 knot crosswinds".  Sure, with sufiecient skill levels one can
> control their boat under those conditions but the rudder will your life a
> lot easier.  Personally I prefer paddling without a rudder and if you buy a
> boat with a rudder suggest that you spend at least 95% of your time
> learning how to paddle without one
snip

With all due respect to Audrey Sutherland, this logic only justifies a
rudder for the kayak design that she was using.  There are many different
kayak designs.  I'm not trying to start another battle in the on going holy
war between the Rudderites and Norudderites.  Aaron should spend some time
in both camps before he decides.  Sometimes new converts to the sport of sea
kayaking just assume they need a rudder without really knowing the pro and
con.  When someone is new to the sport and they are trying to decide what
boat to buy I always give them this advice:  Buy a kayak that is designed to
carve turns and is balanced to behave well in the wind.  Take some lessons
on paddle strokes from a good instructor that does not use a rudder.  If you
can, take these lessons before you decide on what kayak to buy.

Rex





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