[Paddlewise] Rudder Rant (was The Only True Rudder Wisdom)

> In the wonderful rudder debate, the only true wisdom was expressed by Doug 
> Lloyd, to whom we should all be grateful.  Here it is, and I quote:
>
> "I don't use my rudder when I don't
> want to and I do use my rudder when I do want to. I use it sometimes when 
> I
> don't need it and sometimes don't use it when I would, well, "benefit" 
> from
> its use."

There is no true rudder wisdom, though the maxim to not become a rudder 
dependant paddler is about as close to perfect advice as the paddling 
community should promote.

Personally, I find paddling can become a bit monotonous at times. Chris 
Cunningham made an interesting observation recently about the difficulty 
enticing a younger demographic to the enjoyment of paddling, when that same 
demographic probably isn't too interested in an activity that requires hours 
of constant, slow moving activity - given the current generation of younger 
adults who's penchant for media action and fast-paced recreation may 
preclude the commitment necessary for sea kayaking..

I'm still young at heart. Always will be I figure. So, I like to mix it up. 
Rudder up, rudder down; rudder healed over, rudder stayed in an in-line 
(skeg-like) fashion (no breaking). Sometimes I like the foot placement of a 
butterfly rudder tiller, sometimes I like to haul the rudder up and position 
my feet and legs or even my toes someplace else. Sometimes I like a slow 
paddle cadence, sometimes a fast cadence with more rotation - and even 
rocking the boat from side to side with each consecutive stroke, heaven 
forbid. Sometimes I like a super-low open water stroke with not much glide, 
other times I'll let the seas push me along. Sometimes I'll barrel on up the 
faces of swell, even though it is less efficient to do so, just for the 
workout and grunt factor; other times I'll back off until on the swell's 
downslope and dig in hard like you are supposed to. I'll zig zag without the 
rudder to find the best track in a kooky sea state, or even maximize my 
direction to get bigger "air time" over each wave peak, mesmarized for hours 
in such useless jubilation. Sometimes I'll reposition my butt uncomfortably, 
lean hard over to edge, and paddle the now more acutely, apparent rocked 
hull avoiding rudder use for hours on endless hours, just to keep skills and 
an acute sense of balance well honed. Other times I get tired of this 
position, and haul the rudder down, making best use of a fast, evenly sided 
stroke - especially if outrunning dangerously changing condition during a 
long transit. Well you get the picture. Sameness is death.

To be frank, I paddle a sea kayak because of the freedom it affords and I 
can and may do essentially what I want in terms of technique and conditions. 
In other words, to be blunt, everyone else with their opinions and 
pre-dilections can go to H-E-double L. Right?  Why not? I respect their 
opinion, but don't foist it on me or constrain me to some accepted norm. I 
don't care about statistics, unsupported data or evidentiary proof. If I 
live in ignorance, so be it. If I'm way ahead of the curve, who cares. As 
long as I get out paddling with my "chosen system" and it works for me.

My penchant is for solo-paddled rough water. I'll never be a Caffyn or a 
Duff though. I'm just me. My goals modest. And the boat I have is the boat I 
have for some very good reasons. So it can benefit from a rudder once and 
awhile. I'm fine with that. And I have no vested interest in campaigning a 
trendy merchandising and coaching plan that includes slogans like "I don't 
need no stinking rudder," as do some individuals. I love Matt and Cam. They 
are amongst the Seven Wonders of the kayak design world. Irreplaceable gems 
never to be duplicated. But I don't want to paddle a Mariner. And I would 
like to have someone give me a list of kayaks that have little or no 
inherent lee helm or weather helm, while capable of performing with aplomb 
in every other regard.

Doug Lloyd
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