[Paddlewise] SmartTrack Rudders (add Harvey Golden)

The question:

> Has anyone paddled the SmartTrack Rudders from SealLine (Cascade Designs).
> They look interesting, how do they work?  How hard are they to adjust?

They don't look too bad from the pics I've seen. They do not look like they
are built super tough - but then most are not. Rudders and toughness are
somewhat mutually exclusive terms. The rep is coming to Victoria to install
one on a boat at Ocean River Sports (I have no affiliation with them). I've
asked to come and watch as I'd like to get a close up view and talk to the rep
as well. I'm considering one for my wife's boat. I'm also into rudder designs,
though I like my modified VCP the best. I'll get back to you with any info.
Nick's site had some discussion on this new rudder too -- mostly neutral
comments from none-users of this new rudder if I remember.

I went to see Harvey Golden's presentation this past weekend at ORS. A real
fine man he is. For the first time the native way really shone through as it
has never done before. I had only ever given mental assent to the beauty,
simplicity, and marked functionality for rough sea survival, of skin boats;
but Harvey struck a deep cord with me that night. He's not exactly a big,
strong gorilla - kind of thin actually. Yet he had pics of himself out in 50
knot storm tossed seas. He was having fun with the other Greenlanders. His 21
pound, low volume kayak and thin stick gave him freedom to paddle in safety in
extreme conditions. I was impressed, and I don't impress easily.

Harvey's commitment to authentic reproduction did bias him a bit against
bigger North American paddlers wanting to up-scale plans for larger volume
accommodation, but it was just another reminder of his integrity to the
historical perspective.

I enjoyed his account of the Greenland national championship games, with
humorous accounts of torso rolling, rock-in-hand rolling, language barriers, a
week of terrible weather, and his respect and sensitivity toward his hosts. If
only the rest of the world were as decent as this chap. He has the lead
article in the latest Wavelength Magazine on skin boats.

Harvey managed to get out to Trial Island on a big winter tide with a bit of
wind, but most of the storm tracked further north. 20 foot swell off the mouth
of Juan de Fuca did send some nice waves down the strait. Sunday a gale sprang
up, and nailed a usually wind free area, capsizing some buddies of mine from
the Canoe & Kayak club. It wasn't that bad really. I was down at the beach,
but it wasn't wild enough to bother launching for me at that location. These
guys were all over 60, so it was a fine adventure for them, as they loaded up
and headed for warm coffee and donuts. I better go now.

DL




***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************