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lthough this article focuses on the use of skegs, it is difficult to discuss skegs without also referencing rudders. Paddlers are often divided on the topic of skegs and rudders, each side touting the necessity of their own particular system. Whether you lean one way or the other, it is important to be familiar with the basic characteristics of both practices. ere’s a quick review of the differences between a skeg and a rudder. Skegs are used only to assist in the tracking of a kayak. In cross winds and following waves you can deploy a skeg and it will help your kayak track straight. When the skeg is no longer needed it can be raised back up inside the boat and has no effect on the performance of the kayak in any way. Skegs are usually controlled by 1) a single length of cable on a slider system, or 2) a length of small diameter cord and bungee on a spring locking system. Either way, both systems are easily maintained in the field. The beauty of a skeg system is its simplicity. udders can also be used to aid with tracking. However, they are also designed to help maneuver the kayak. If a kayak and a rudder are paired properly you will see an increase in hull speed and efficiency due in part to the fact that less corrective strokes are needed. However, the downfall to the rudder is 1) kayaks designed for use with rudders usually work best with the rudder deployed at all times, encouraging the paddler to grow dependent on a mechanical system, and 2) rudders have more complex moving parts and are therefore more susceptible to breakage. or the purpose of this article, let’s say that you have chosen a kayak with a skeg. Excellent, you’ve made the choice for simplicity. This choice may sacrifice a bit of hull speed and efficiency, but in the end will make you a more versatile paddler. So, the next step is to get out on the water and take some lessons. But what’s this? Every time you try and deploy your skeg in the lesson, your instructor asks you to raise it back up. Why purchase a feature that adds, on av-
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erage, $200 and two pounds of weight to your boat if you’re not supposed to use it? Believe it or not, instructors do have a reason for not permitting your skeg. They want you to become proficient with corrective strokes before allowing you the luxury of correcting your boat with a skeg. Bottom line is, when learning to paddle, use your skeg as little as possible. In the long run, you will be a more confident kayaker. hen should you use your skeg? As you progress in your paddling skills, you’ll find that even though you can correct your course with some sweep strokes and a constant edge, it’s not necessarily enjoyable on a ten mile paddle with a stiff cross wind. At the point when you can accurately and confidently control your kayak in calm and adverse conditions, you are ready to begin experimenting with your skeg. A skeg can be deployed in various increments, and the amount used determines the responsiveness of your boat to the particular conditions you’re paddling in. few years ago I was leading a trip off the gulf coast of Florida. During a short but windy crossing between Lulu Key and Round Key, one of my clients began having some trouble. This was her first time paddling in such windy conditions and, like most everyone else on the trip, she had deployed her skeg. Unlike the others, however, she was weathercocking (turning up wind). As you can imagine, this led to quite a bit of frustration. When I paddled
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over to assist her, the problem was a simple fix. My client had fully deployed her skeg, which in calmer conditions would have made her track straight as an arrow. However, because the winds were heavy and her skeg was fully deployed, her boat was not responding to proper corrective strokes and the strong wind kept turning her slightly Supported Sweep with an edged kayak to maintain course off course. So what was the solution? By raising the skeg until it was only about ¼ of the way deployed, the skeg helped lock the stern of the kayak in place, but still allowed the paddler to maintain course with some slight corrective strokes.
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ecause each boat responds differently, it is important to experiment with various skeg positions in all types of conditions. Not only will you save energy and effort, but you will also more fully enjoy the thrill of rougher water. Remember to always be safe when putting yourself in challenging conditions by paddling with a group of kayakers whose skills and judgment you trust. Dave Hulburt - BayCreek’s Head Sea Kayak Coach, Guide & Rough Riders Founder.
Has this article made you think about how you control your boat? If you’d like to become a more confident kayaker remember to seek out some comprehensive instruction. At BayCreek Paddling Center we offer classes such as... • Introduction to Kayaking - This class will cover all the basics to get you started. Whether you’re interested in short day trips, long expeditions or getting a workout this class will give you the foundation you need to build your skills. • Intermediate Kayak Strokes - Once you’ve gotten comfortable with the basics, this class will help you take your paddling to the next level. Increase your confidence and efficiency with brace strokes and edging technique. • Advanced Kayak Strokes - In this class we’ll break down some strokes and learn how to combine edging, leaning and paddle placement to spin your kayak, draw you sideways and maintain control in rougher conditions. If this article has peaked your curiosity, you may be interested in our new course... • Introduction to Sea Kayaking - In this class we’ll start from the beginning with talk of kayak design, theory of fitting a kayak, and basic strokes. From there we’ll look at some intermediate and advanced strokes and also introduce both self and assisted rescues. This class is geared to the paddler who may be interested in longer trips, rougher water or maybe just technical paddling. Remember! BayCreek Sea Kayak owners are eligible for our very popular Rough Riders program! You can find information about these courses and more on our website, www.baycreek.com. For information on the new Into to Sea Kayaking Class or the Rough Riders program you can email Dave Hulburt directly at dave@baycreek.com.