Re: [Paddlewise] Excessive Weather Cocking

From: "D. Scanlan" <dscanlan_at_shaw.ca>

> On the way back, there was an open crossing where we hit about a 20 knot 
> wind directly from the right hand side.  It was combined with a 3 knot 
> current going the same direction, so waves were small.  My Narpa weather 
> cocked like mad all the way accross.  

Under those kinds of conditions, I usually let it weathercock some and 
take advantage of the wind and current to ferry the kayak.  That way 
you prevent crabbing to some extent.  You don't always want to 
point in the direction you're going.

The last time I had a significant wind on my beam I played with the 
skeg until I had just a hint of deployment.  That and paddling on 
one side at a low tempo let me move in the direction I wanted with 
minimum effort.  My speed in the direction of my destination was 
somewhat slower than the others in my group, but I caught them once 
we rounded an island and made for the final destination with a 
tailwind.

Using the weathercocking in this way makes me wonder why so many
folks complain about it so much.  I honestly don't think I'd want a 
kayak with no weathercocking; I find it works for me almost as
much as against.  

Mike
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