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

>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

I think I agree with both sentiments...while I don't know the effects of
having a rudder around, but not deployed on wind, etc...I suspect that the
first boat will have one, unless I finally get some classes and don't end up
needing it (classes to come soon, and definitely before purchasing a boat...

Aaron

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