Re: [Paddlewise] Question for Doug Lloyd

Matt said (massive snip):
> Craig Jungers [mailto:crjungers_at_gmail.com] >>>>>>answered my
> diatribe<<<<<<<< my comments are below his when I disagree.


Thanks for taking the time from your somewhat retired life to state your 
rudder reflections here on Paddlewise.

You win regardless when it comes to detailed replies. :-)

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. 
And the Explorer ain't even the same animal as a much-heralded Broze 
Brother's Mariner. Hmmm. And Chris
didn't even have a sliding seat (though he did have his seat and cockpit 
rip out I think in the nastily NZ surf).

I myself, prefer a rudder for longer expedition paddling (whether exotic 
local, or the multilayer trip variety not too far from one's geographical 
area). Sure, paddling without a rudder is an achievement in its own right - 
a sign of one's successful integration of skill, finesse, and commitment - 
and ability to procure a well-behaved kayak. But heck, an extremely 
competent paddler I know who just came out with a new book on paddle 
strokes, has added a rudder on his expedition kayak (using the rudder 
occasionally I pursume).

I have had a rudder cable slip out from its forward connection (due to metal 
fastener dissimilarity), and it did happen at the worst possible moment, but 
that was due to some poor engineering. Last few years I've been running much 
thicker, non-kinking marine cable, all staineless/stainless steal 
connentions, with the cable covered with plastic tubing, and have not had a 
problem, nor has it been a dangerous proposition in surf, though there are a 
couple of inches that could cut one's fingers I suppose. The thicker line 
helps. 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 never use toggles for carying yaks, so can't relate.

My knee/thigh support is very tight in my ruddered Nordkapp, so I can't 
relate either to all the talk about leg muscle control when and not when 
using rudders. Matt, you like a loose fit to help alleviate possible 
cramping while underway, so I well image it may be hard to relate to other 
paddler's success with outfitting cockpits for rudder use.

I do admit that in medium height, really atrocious, steep following seas, 
there is a bit of zig-zag happening while ruddering. Never having paddled a 
Mariner in such conditions, I can't comment on whether there is any zagging 
when you want to zig, etc. Having witnessed my best-talented, 
rudderless-kayak paddling buddies zigging when they wanted to zag, well, we 
was all squirmy little fellers out there. No, none of us wants to race you.

Matt, Matt, after nearly thirty years of paddling/retailing/writing/arguing, 
we're back to the great rudder debate again.

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

Doug Lloyd (rudder puppeteer extraordinaire)
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