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in article , Suds at
wrote on 9/18/05 9:18 AM:

"KMAN" wrote in message
...

I was actually suggesting buying a kayak that doesn't need a rudder to be
paddled...or as someone else said, maybe it is more about learning to
paddle
so that a rudder is not required. My kayak came with a rudder on it but I
have never used it nor understood why I would want to.

"KMAN" or "caveman?"

These folks who scream against rudders remind me of the "driving
enthusiasts" who said the world would end with the introduction of anti-lock
brakes.

Silly comparison.

You don't actually need a rudder to paddle efficiently and accurately.
That's the whole point.

Rudder or not? It depends on what type of kayaking you're doing. I kayak
on the open ocean around the Hawaiian Islands. For the first year that I
had my kayak, I did not have a rudder. I can do just fine w/o the rudder.
I'm a big, strong, physically fit guy. But out here, on the open ocean, I
deal with currents, tides, large swells, and very strong winds. While I
have yet to meet a situation I can't paddle out of (and hope/plan never to)
I can't say the same for those I paddle with. I frequently have to tow
other paddlers out of bad situations. My rudder makes such emergencies much
easier to deal with. Using my rudder I can turn on a dime, easily position
myself next to a needy paddle, and correct my path while towing another boat
(or two.) My rudder was the best investment into kayaking I have made.

I would recommend getting a rudder. If you paddle enough that it's a
question, and your boat won't support a rudder, than maybe it's time to look
into a new boat.

Just my 2 cents.

Not sure who you are talking to, but since the post was initially addressed
to me, I already said that my kayak does have a rudder. I don't use it and
have no idea why I would need to use it. I've paddle on the ocean too. In
squalls, in big swells, etc and so on.

suds