: There've been previous threads on this point, especially with Guillemots; the
: boat is known for being more maneuverable and looser tracking than many,
: but this does have some advantages in ocean conditions. The question comes
: up especially for folks who aren't longtime paddlers, and the general
: summary has been that careful attention to paddling technique will get you
: to the point of being able to handle your boat easily; some folks do
: decide to add a skeg, and fewer seem to add rudders.

: There may be merit in not losing the maneuverability by adding something
: permanent, but instead adding a retractable skeg that can be used when
: desired and retracted when you want to play; the boat has enough ability
: to grow your technique that you may not want to permanently change it and
: later wish you hadn't.

: Craig

Hey Craig.

Judging from my very brief assessment of the performance of my wife with her new Guillemot single, I think you may be right on the money. It seems to us that you must pay close attention to what the boat is doing and respond immediately to counter-act or correct any unwanted change in direction.

We have only been out a couple of times with the new boat, but I can already see a big difference in my wife controling the boat. The two rivers that we have been on, with a little breeze and swirling current, seems to be a good place to practice. We alwaye paddle upstream first and then make it a leisure trip back downstream. And she now uses (only) the Greenland style paddle.

At first, I mentioned putting a rudder on but she flatly refused and then she uttered almost the exact same words that you have stated here in your post. (WOW!!! SPOOKY!!!) I think she likes the maneuverability. At any rate, she seems to be gaining control very quickly.

Now, all who read this, please keep in mind that our kayaking experience, knowledge of kayaks, and paddling techniques are very limited. So take everything here with a grain of salt!

I believe the whole idea here is to build your boat in a way that makes you happy. If you want a skeg or a rudder, but won't put one on because of something someone said or because your kayaking friends don't have one, then you may only be "satisfied" with your new boat instead of being "totally ecstatic" over your accomplishment. Happy Paddling.

Charles