HOW-TO: Choose Between a or No Rudder

Most 11 feet and longer can be outfitted with either a rudder or skeg. Both a rudder and a skeg serve the same general purpose, to control the tracking of the . A rudder has the added advantage of also allowing assistance in steering and/or crabbing to the wind while a skeg simply in one position. (Tracking is the ability of the kayak to move straight through the water versus wandering left and right as you paddle.) Why would I want a rudder?

Are you paddling larger open waters where the wind affects you, places where there is a current or a tide that you have to work with or against? A rudder can be useful in all of these circumstances.

The biggest benefit by far for a rudder is when you are paddling across a current or a wind. A rudder gives you the ability to ‘crab’ to the wind, meaning that you turn the rudder to counter the winds push on the kayak. This allows you to paddle with normal strokes versus multiple strokes on one side of the kayak to correct for the wind thereby allowing you to maintain your momentum, making you more efficient.

Additionally, when drifting in waters where there is a current, the rudder can help Rudder when not in use rests on the control the direction in which you move. This is especially helpful for kayak anglers, (rear) of the kayak as shown. bird watchers or those who just want to sit back and enjoy their surroundings without having to use their paddles.

Rudders are controlled with your feet when paddling by use of the kayaks’s footpegs. The footpegs are attached to the with a series of cables. When one footpeg is pushed, it pulls one end of rudder causing it to turn. Some kayak rudders are controlled by hand, this is usually the case with pedal (foot) driven kayaks.

The main concern for many is their cost. At $200 and up they may not be for everyone but for the paddler that needs the added control, it’s worth every penny.

Water Line Rudders are controlled with your feet via the foot pegs located here

Rudder placement when deployed.

Still have questions? Call us or email us [email protected] and we are happy to discuss and what is right for you.

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