As you embark on your kayaking journey, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing between a British ‘Skeg’ style sea kayak or a North American ‘Rudder’ style sea kayak. Both have their pros and cons, so let’s dive in and explore each type in detail.
Key Takeaways
Skeg Style Sea Kayaks: Enhancing Control and Stability
A skeg is like a sleek, triangular fin that deploys from the stern section of a kayak’s hull. Unlike rudders, skegs are not meant for steering. Instead, they aid in tracking (maintaining a straight course) in challenging conditions and provide added stability.
Skegs easily adjust up or down by sliding a hand control forward or aft. When fully deployed, they enhance the kayak’s ability to turn downwind. Lowered halfway, they help the kayak turn crosswind. And when raised completely, maneuverability increases, and the kayak naturally turns upwind unless countered by edging.
Mastering a kayak with a skeg requires learning to control the boat through paddle and body movements, specifically through edging. By changing the hull shape in the water, edging enables the paddler to give the kayak direction. Skeg-designed kayaks offer builders greater flexibility to incorporate more rocker (curve) in their designs. This added rocker enhances maneuverability and quick turns. The only downside is that the skeg box inside the stern hatch limits storage space for longer items like tents.
Rudder Style Sea Kayaks: Perfecting Control and Maneuverability
In contrast, a rudder is a mechanism mounted on the stern of a kayak that can be lowered or raised using a hand-controlled pulley system. Foot pedals in the cockpit operate this directional device, with the rudder blade typically sitting 4 to 6 inches in the water when deployed.
Rudders can be misused by beginners and experts alike when they rely too heavily on them for steering. This dependency hinders the development of essential paddling skills. Problems arise when kayakers encounter challenging water situations that render the rudder ineffective. Paddlers who haven’t learned to control and steer their craft without a rudder may find themselves in situations beyond their capabilities.
Compared to skegs, rudders limit a kayak’s maneuverability due to their longer waterline, which restricts the amount of rocker (curve) in the hull. However, if properly used, a rudder can be a valuable choice. We highly recommend all kayakers learn to confidently control their kayak without relying solely on a rudder.
Different Types of Rudders: What Sets Them Apart
There are two main types of rudder systems: Sliding Foot Pedal Rudder Systems and Smart or Gas Pedal Rudder Systems.
Sliding Foot Pedal Rudder Systems are commonly found in less expensive and older kayak models. Unfortunately, these systems limit paddlers’ ability to brace and steer simultaneously. On the other hand, Smart or Gas Pedal Rudder Systems are far superior. They enable paddlers to steer and brace independently, without sacrificing one function for the other.
Paddler Fit: Comfort and Performance
British Skeg Style sea kayaks tend to be narrower, have lower decks, and offer more contact points within the cockpit (such as adjustable hip and thigh pads). A snug fit is crucial in skeg style kayaks, as paddlers often shift their body weight to edge the kayak and maneuver it effectively. Think of it like a running shoe – the better the fit, the better the performance.
North American Rudder Style sea kayaks, on the other hand, are slightly wider, have higher decks, and fewer contact points. Paddlers in these kayaks focus more on paddling with their hulls flat on the water, rather than edging. As a result, ruddered kayaks have a wider fit range compared to those with skegs.
Finding Your Perfect Match
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between a skeg or rudder kayak. Your choice should reflect your own personality and paddling style. It’s worth noting that both skegs and rudders increase a kayak’s resistance and can slow forward progress. By developing proper kayaking techniques, you can paddle more efficiently without relying on either device.
To truly determine which sea kayak style suits you best, we highly recommend test paddling new Skeg and Rudder Style Sea Kayaks at our waterfront Paddlesports Centre. With over two hundred of the world’s finest kayaks available, you can make your decision the right way – on the water!
If you’re looking to refine your kayak skills, we offer a full range of kayak clinics, courses, and private lessons right on site. Visit our website to explore and register for the courses we offer.
Got questions or recommendations? We’re here to help. Contact us at 613.376.6220 or email [email protected].
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