This is what I wrote in response to Tom's query 3 weeks ago:

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Hi Tom,

Enjoy the Guillemot--it is a boat in which you can learn a great deal.

It is highly maneuverable and responsive. What you tell it to do, it does. Even if you don't think you're telling it to do something.

Take a class from a reputable instructor. Lee's advice is awesome, and having someone who can physically show you those concepts will help a great deal.

: I just did my first launch in my guillemot. I found I had to constantly work : at keeping going were I wanted it to go. As a novice paddler, and use to : using a rudder, I have some questions/comments.

The rudder provides a TON of "directional stability". With that tool in place, it dampens the effects of the nuances of your stroke to the point you don't even feel what your stroke is doing. This is not a bad thing...it's just not a good way to be able to fine tune your stroke.

If your stroke is uneven enough that you really need the rudder to go in a straight line, going in the straight line comes at the cost of drag--every time your boat's angle is corrected by the rudder, it slows you down a little. If you learn to paddle so that you don't need the rudder to go straight, when you paddle with the rudder, it will cause much less drag.

: I noticed that once a slight turn is initiated, the kayak wants to keep : turning, requiring an additional stroke or two to correct things. Once I : actually notice a corrective turn take place, it seems to have a lot of : follow through and I find myself making corrective strokes on the other : side. Is this normal behavior....of the kayak...not me.

Yes--the boat will continue to turn as long as you let it turn. When you really accelerate into a turn, the stern "breaks free" and sort of skids--this is a great feature in rough water when you want to change directions in a hurry. If you don't do as aggressive of turns, you won't do these huge, sweeping skids. I think it was Brian Nystrom who first described this "skidding" to me. It's not a bad thing--but it is a very descriptive term for what happens. It's not like skidding on a road--skidding means you lose traction--in a boat, your paddle is your traction.

: With gentle paddling this effect is hardly noticable, but the faster I am : moving the harder it is to keep going straight.

Relax--don't force your strokes. Plant far forward, recover early (at your hip)

: I tried to coast to see the effects of turning my leaning and it always : turned in the direction of any initiated turn, not in the direction of the : lean.

This boat doesn't carve turns like the Mariners or a Redfish King. Leaning or edging does accelerate your turn, whether you lean to the inside or outside of a turn. (Most boats do this--the true "carving" boats are the exception, not the rule)

: I also tried to coast straight ahead, but it would alway turn one way or the : other. I tried changing my side to side balance and this had no effect on : going straight.

This will be a bit frustrating for awhile...your strokes will become more balanced and you won't have this problem soon.

: Also, I need some advice on leans and turns. This is what I noticed and again : I don't know if this is normal. If I lean into a turn, coming out of the : lean causes a more abrupt turn. I also tried leaning out of a turn and : when returning to no lean the turn again increased more abruptly than as : when I was leaning.

Probably after your stern "breaks free" (you'll hear the water churning behind you), and you again set upright, the flattish
bottom will continue to let water slide underneath... (not positive, just my educated guess).

: Is it all in my technique, or should I look at adding a bit of skeg?

Totally depends--if you find the boat's maneuverability frustrating to the point of annoyance, add the skeg. I certainly won't ridicule you for it. If you really want a nice forward stroke, keep the boat clean and work on your technique--this a wonderful boat that will offer you lots of feedback.

If you take this boat in the surf someday, trust me, you'll love it!!

Shawn