Page 155 - 2022-08-01 Paddling Magazine

PADDLING WITH A RUDDER +

GIVEN THE POPULARITY of skegs on sea, surf, HOW TO USE A KAYAK RUDDER PROS
river and recreational kayaks, when does a kayak need If rudders are most effective on larger kayaks and
a rudder? One common misconception is that rudders racing and expedition designs, why are they com- • Adds maneuverability to large or heavy kayaks,
are most helpful for novice paddlers. However, the monplace on general touring kayaks and entry-level such as double kayaks and fishing kayaks
usefulness of a rudder has more to do with the type boats? Unfortunately, in some cases, rudders are used • Because it allows you to focus on paddling
of kayak and its intended purpose than with the skill to cover up poor designs and compensate for lack- forward fast, a rudder is integral to most
level of the person paddling it. luster hull performance. flatwater racing and surfski designs
Where appropriate, the main advantage of a rudder Too often, beginners are encouraged to rely on • Expedition paddlers can focus on making
is it allows paddlers to effectively steer the kayak by rudders to quickly gain control over their kayaks, miles, rather than steering control
foot, without the need to interrupt or modify their even though this over-dependence is likely to slow
forward stroke. This means you can focus all your skill development. Remember, just because a kayak –
energy on powering forward, maximizing speed is equipped with a skeg or rudder, doesn’t mean you CONS
and distance. For this reason, the vast majority of have to use it all the time.
competitive racing kayaks and go-fast surfskis are When conditions are fine and the wind calm, there’s • More moving parts to service and maintain
designed with rudders. Many renowned expedition simply no need for the average recreational paddler to • Outdated rudder systems with sliding foot
sea kayakers also choose ruddered kayaks for the deploy a rudder the minute they leave the shore. Of rests don’t provide solid contact points for
same reasons. course, when you are paddling in crosswind, waves power transfer and bracing. Look for gas
Because they can assist with steering, rudders also or current, a rudder can be used similar to a skeg to pedal-style systems with a fixed pedal base
aid in maneuvering kayaks that are inherently less help you stay on track. instead
maneuverable—for example, long tandem sea kayaks • Rudders are more at risk of damage from a
or wide, stable fishing kayaks. Finally, rudders are collision or hitting bottom. Always pull your
helpful to control boat drift and direction when a rudder up before landing or backing up in
kayaker’s hands are occupied with something other shallow water
than paddling—such as fishing or sailing.

SKEG OR RUDDER: WHICH SHOULD YOU USE?

WHEN IT COMES TO THE DEBATE of which kayak is faster when racing, more ef-
is better, a kayak skeg or rudder, the answer is: ficient on long expeditions and helpful
it depends. Before choosing sides, you should to beginners who are just getting the
decide what sort of kayaking you will be doing hang of paddling.
most often and the environments where you will For many touring, recreational and
spend most of your time. Different kayak designs sea kayakers, a skeg provides an opti-
often suit one system better than the other. mal blend of tracking and maneuver-
Rudders work great on various specialized ability, enhancing versatility in a broad
kayaks—from surfskis and fishing kayaks range of conditions.
to tandems and sailing set-ups. A ruddered If you are still unsure whether a sea PHOTO: ANDREW STRAIN
kayak rudder or skeg is the way to
go—not to worry. Most kayaks come
ready from the manufacturer with the
system that best suits their design. Some skeg- Above all, don’t worry too much about what
equipped sea kayaks are also “rudder-ready” equipment you should or shouldn’t use. You
so you can order them with an optional rudder, don’t need a rudder or skeg to enjoy kayaking
or choose to add one later. It’s also worth and paddle efficiently. Learn good paddling
noting that many sub-14-foot kayaks have technique so you know how to control your
neither. These boats are skeg- and rudder-less kayak without a skeg or rudder. That way, if
by design, since they are already exceptionally your skeg jams or your rudder cable breaks,
maneuverable and aren’t intended for cranking you won’t be completely lost at sea. PM
out serious miles in windy conditions.

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