Page 153 - 2022-08-01 Paddling Magazine

KAYAKING

YES, THIS REALLY IS KAYAKING'S
MOST CONTENTIOUS TOPIC.
PHOTO: ANDREW STRAIN

Skeg phenomenon is called weathercocking.

Weathercocking works like this: crosswinds and
quartering winds push your kayak sideways. If you are
sitting still, your kayak will simply drift sideways. But
vs.
Rudder when you start paddling forward, the kayak’s bow cuts
through the water and is held in place by the pressure
from its bow wake. Behind the paddler, there is less pres-
sure on the kayak’s stern, leaving it free to keep drifting
sideways. The upshot: your kayak turns into the wind.
Paddling in following seas can be just as problem-
atic. When the wind and waves are at your back, the
Here's what they are, what they do, how to choose, and why it doesn't matter bow of the kayak tends to bury in the wave troughs,
by virginia marshall while the stern rises and is pushed sideways by the
faster-moving wave crests. This tendency to turn
FOR AVID KAYAKERS, few debates are as popu- WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF sideways to following waves is called broaching.
lar—or as polarizing—as the controversy over skeg A KAYAK SKEG OR RUDDER? Unless you are paddling directly into the wind, your
versus rudder. Which system is easier to use, more First and foremost, the primary purpose of both skegs kayak will require some correction to compensate for
effective, more efficient, more reliable—in a word, and rudders is to aid in tracking, meaning the ability weathercocking or broaching.
which is better? A kayak skeg or rudder? to run in a straight line without using your paddle Without a skeg or rudder, the paddler can only
Like all great debates, however, there is no right to make major correction strokes. counteract the kayak’s tendency to wander in the
or wrong answer. Both rudders and skegs have their In ideal conditions, well-designed sea kayaks and wind by edging and making corrective strokes. Con-
merits and their limitations. Kayak design, paddling recreational kayaks should track well without the stantly battling to maintain your course by endlessly
style and wind and water conditions all play a role in need to use a skeg or rudder. But even the most well- sweeping on one side or trying to hold your kayak
which system will perform the best. Ultimately, each behaved, straight-tracking kayak can start to wander on edge for extended distances can be punishing to
paddler has to make his or her own decision based off course when you add in the dynamics of wind, your body and inefficient overall. This is where a skeg
on need and personal preference. waves and weight distribution. The most common or rudder can play a valuable role in kayak control.

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