Re: [Paddlewise] Question for Doug Lloyd

Ya..... here we go again?  <grin>  Well, it's probably useful to revisit
these topics from time to time as there are always new thoughts and insights
and new people to contribute. I liked Matt's reply and I think we all have
more in common than in conflict. I'm just wondering if the huge carp in
Moses Lake that my rudder occasionally hits are actually training to be
sharks.

On 6/27/07, Doug Lloyd <douglloyd_at_shaw.ca> wrote:
(numerous snips made to suit my fancy)

>
> I dare say using Paul Caffyn as a case study for rudder use efficiencies
> doesn't hold water when contrasting with say, Chris Duff's
> rudderless/skegless pursuits along various coastline in his Romany
> Explorer.


I dunno about that. I think the major value in using Caffyn as a case study
is that he kept records of his trips using all of these: no rudder, skeg,
normal rudder, and deep rudder.  I realize that, like all data, it can be
misused and interpreted badly, but the raw data collected over years stands
by itself as a testament to the effective use of a rudder for traveling many
miles from point-to-point. It would be nice if other long-distance,
expeditionary, obsessed, multi-year paddlers had done the same in other
kayaks. It may help not to have a job.

Caffyn's data says nothing about using a rudder in rock gardens, maneuvering
through tight places, spins, quick turns, etc. Since I use my rudder mostly
to allow me to concentrate on stroke cadence, body position, etc. during a
point-to-point workout or trip his data is of value to me and, I think, to
others. But there is a lot of value in Matt's opinions regarding the
technical points of paddling without a rudder and in his points about
paddling a kayak that performs well without a rudder.


> I also have a very fast uphaul line that lets me use the rudder until
> the last possible moment during surf landings. A good shock-corded
> down-haul
> line is also a great addition for a rudder, to permit constant engagement
> under the waterline when paddling through kelp, etc.


I think it is absolutely essential to have a sturdy, convenient rudder
deployment system. I'm still using the reach-behind, struggle with the
toggles and pull system and even though Nimbus did a pretty good job of
this, I'm thinking about extending this up past the cockpit so I can just
reach forward and do it. Interference with the cockpit coaming and possibly
inhibiting a spray-skirt release has made me hesitant. That and I'm lazy.

Hey, if your knees give out on the ski slopes some day, let's talk about
> designing some cable-attenuated turning devices.  :-)


My knees gave it up for downhill; well, the left knee, anyway. But
cross-country skiing turned out to work ok once I got over being terrified
of falling and re-injuring that knee. Since I walk with a cane or even, when
I'm at anything that requires a lot of walking (like the kayak do at Port
Townsend), with forearm crutches, people have asked me how I can x/c ski.
It's easy: they give you two long poles to lean on and then all you have to
do is shuffle your feet. Even *I* can do that. :)


> Doug Lloyd (rudder puppeteer extraordinaire)


There's a nice turn of phrase. :)


Craig Jungers
Royal City, WA
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