> I have started building an Osprey triple. I am thinking about the rudder,
> I know I need it to steer the boat but I don't like the 'squishy' feeling
> you get with the foor pedals. Is there any other way to operate the rudder
> other than making the foot pedals the only control? Can they be
> "locked down" when it's not necessary to use the rudder?

Ed,

The footbrace described in Nick's book can be made to pivot for use with a rudder. Looks like it would be very solid. I've paddled a Guillemot with a fixed version and found it VERY comfortable.

Mike