KMAN wrote in
:
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.
I'm not sure who I am talking to either but I know of at least one paddler
who has very impressive credentials that can describe a compelling reason
for using a rudder. This particular paddler does hundreds of miles
expeditions every summer and describes days where one might paddle 8-10
hours a day with a strong rear quartering wind. While she has the skills to
paddle under those conditions without a rudder, having one makes the day go
a lot easier.
As I see it, using a rudder shouldn't be used as a crutch in lieu of
developing strong paddling skills, however it can come in really handy under
certain conditions. Most paddlers aren't going to put themselves in
conditions where a rudder will become really useful but **** happens.
If you were in the middle of a several mile open water crossing and
conditions got so bad that it taxed your ability to maintain a course would
you deploy your rudder or maintain a "I'm too macho to use a rudder" image?