RE:[Paddlewise] Rudder

>Date: Tue, 25 Sep 2001 12:57:17 -0400 (EDT)
>From: Kevin Whilden <kwhilden_at_yourplanetearth.org>
>Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] She needed a rudder



I have thought about this a good bit since I own a Osprey STD and a Folbot
Aleut (& a couple other boats) The Osprey is a remarkably straight tracker.
Normally this is not a problem. My wife has some challenge turning the
Osprey but I do not but I *really* have to lean it to turn. I have thought
about adding a rudder for convenience  for her and others and even for
myself since it takes me more energy to turn without one. I am NOT an
expert paddler and it is rather unlikely I will have the time and
opportunity to become (&remain) one. I am certain that a fair number of
experts are on this list but there just are not that many as a percentage
of the paddling population.
I have had a rudder fail on me once, only in a critical position and it was
the only time I have entered the water involuntarily.  I also learned how
much water a plastic double can take in, a lot. I had to swim it to shore
which was close fortunately. Despite that experience, if a rudder helps
some people some of the time what is the problem? I agree a person should
be able to paddle without one but after that it is just a convenience as
are a lot of features of modern boats. Also a rudder makes sailing workable
(yes, I know it is just barely possible without one) and I like that, even
my plastic sit on tops have rudders for that reason. Another reason for
rudders is doubles, a double without a rudder is called a "divorce boat".
So except for agreeing that a person should be skilled enough to paddle
without one, IMHO if you want one-go ahead-if you don't-thats fine too.
As someone from LA let me just say"Why can't we all get along?"


***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************