Re: [Paddlewise] Rudder redux

On 7/2/07, Nick Schade <nick_at_guillemot-kayaks.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> Caffyn's data is undoubtedly accurate. That doesn't mean you can draw
> any generalized conclusions from it. There are a lot of variables
> that can effect the results.


Which is why I suggest that people go out and replicate the data in
different kayaks and on different waters; preferably on long trips but any
set of trips would be useful.

Most of us have the tools for this now. Simply choose a month (say, July) to
paddle without the rudder and another month (say, August) to paddle with it.
Record your trips and your paddling times (a Garmin conveniently gives you
both average speed while moving and average speed for the entire trip
including stops). Post them here. Let's see some data. Don't expect everyone
to agree with any conclusions, but just raw data would be useful.

Lets assume the boats he used for each
> trip were identical except for the rudder. Lets further assume that
> he loaded the boat identically and the weather and ocean conditions
> were identical.


Let's cut to the chase. Assume, for a moment, that Caffyn's results showed
that his daily mileage decreased after the installation of the rudder. Do
you think, for even a moment, that the anti-rudder zealots wouldn't be
pointing this out at every opportunity?

What this discussion has proven, at least to me, is that there are people
who view rudders as a satanic device and nothing will dissuade them. Someone
could provide test measurements galore, data by the bucketful, and enough
statistics to choke a Cray and there would always be some problem. Some lack
of "control", or "subjectivity" to complain about. If it were done in a test
tank then that would be used to show that "real world" is different and if
it were done outside then "weather conditions" would be the grounds.

This is fine. If someone wants to believe that the use of a rudder under any
circumstances is inherently evil then I have no problem with it.

My problem was labeling a recorded set of data as "anecdotal" and dismissed
by someone who is supposed to be a professional. It just got my scientific
dander up. Caffyn doesn't deserve that, I don't think. His accomplishments
certainly stand on their own.

The data is not anecdotal. But all the opinions are.

The bottom line right now is: if you want to use a rudder by all means do
it; there is, at present, more evidence that it will enhance your
point-to-point paddling performance than there is evidence that it will
diminish it. If it doesn't then document it and post it here.


Craig Jungers
Royal City, WA
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