ace wrote:
I'm really conflicted about whether to use rudder. I had a heck of a
time when I was rounding two small islands on the course. ALso, it was
difficult if not impossible to stay in the wake of boats ahead of me
that i was drafting off of.

The Solstice responds well to edging. If you know how to do that and use it
effectively, the rudder is not necessary. The Solstice GTS edges easily; the GT
is a bit of a challenge due to its high secondary stability.

In general, many ruddered kayaks handle reasonably well without rudder deployed
if the wind and current conditions are not too bad. As a rule, you should
paddle without the rudder until conditions really require it and then deploy.
If you find that you need the rudder almost all the time, the kayak is a poor
design. If you are paddling a Solstice and need the rudder a lot, you need
paddling lessons - the problem is in your technique.

If you use the rudder all the time regardless of need, you'll never learn to use
the kayak and paddle effectively and will be vulnerable if the rudder ever
breaks. If you have a problem with bracing on mushy pedals, remember that there
are gas-pedal style foot pedals that allow rudder use with firm bracing. You
can buy after market retrofit kits for most kayaks. I put Seaward pedals in my
Solstice (sold it a few years ago).

Unlike sea kayaks, racing kayaks are designed under the assumption that the
rudder will be used. They are not retractable and are always deployed.

You never see paddlers insist on rudders for canoes, racing or otherwise.
Personally, I don't see why kayaks should require them either.

Mike