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Rudders and skegs
words: Nigel Foster
photos: Manuel Arnu
Rudders and skegs are typically used to help you steer straight rather than to make turns. As a sea kayaker I could choose a kayak with a retractable skeg, with a rudder, with both or with neither. So what are the real advantages and disadvantages of each option? What is best for you depends on where you paddle, what you like to do on the sea, and on how you like to do it. There is no right or wrong choice, but there are certainly factors to consider when deciding.
Kayaks are affected most by the wind when the sea is flat, so a rudder or skeg is a great option for paddling in archipelago and fjord conditions, reducing the potential frustration of keeping a straight course in a strong wind on a calm sea. A kayak with a high profile, and one in which balanced loading is difficult such as a tandem kayak, will benefit the most. Otherwise expect to either work harder or develop more finesse in order to cope.
Most rudders on sea kayaks drop into the water over the stern, so they can always be in the water when the water is calm, which is when the wind has the greatest effect. In rougher conditions when the stern is lifted by waves, the rudder frequently leaves the water completely. Then you are forced to rely more on your edging and paddle skills. Also on the down-side for many rudders, when retracted they add significantly to the windage at the stern, making control in wind more difficult. Rudders can also make carrying your kayak awkward and can be harsh on the shins of the unwary when launching and landing.
A retractable skeg, typically fitted beneath the hull somewhat forward from the usual rudder position, will continue to work in the water at times when a rudder might become ineffective, and will not add windage when retracted. Skegs are good in rough conditions, but are prone to jamming with small pebbles when launching. Skeg boxes also reduce your loading options.
When you explore close to shore around rocks and kelp beds, and when you want the greatest maneuverability, you’ll do best without either. Then you’ll need to use good edging and paddle control. If that’s the type of paddling you enjoy most, you might prefer a clean hull with neither skeg nor rudder, reducing the chance of damage should you make contact.
In summary, when choosing between a rudder and skeg, first consider how much your kayak will be affected by the wind and sea conditions you expect to meet. Next consider whether the inconvenience of packing gear around a skeg box outweighs the advantage of a skeg, or whether the vulnerability of a rudder outweighs its benefit. If you choose to fit both, you’ll have a back up in case one system fails, otherwise you’ll have no back-up beyond your paddling and edging skill. If you’re well practiced and enjoy the finesse of handling your kayak without skeg or rudder, choose a system that reliably stays in a retracted position out of harm's way, or a completely clean hull with nothing to go wrong.
words: Nigel Foster
photos: Manuel Arnu
Kayaks are affected most by the wind when the sea is flat, so a rudder or skeg is a great option for paddling in archipelago and fjord conditions, reducing the potential frustration of keeping a straight course in a strong wind on a calm sea. A kayak with a high profile, and one in which balanced loading is difficult such as a tandem kayak, will benefit the most. Otherwise expect to either work harder or develop more finesse in order to cope.
In summary, when choosing between a rudder and skeg, first consider how much your kayak will be affected by the wind and sea conditions you expect to meet. Next consider whether the inconvenience of packing gear around a skeg box outweighs the advantage of a skeg, or whether the vulnerability of a rudder outweighs its benefit. If you choose to fit both, you’ll have a back up in case one system fails, otherwise you’ll have no back-up beyond your paddling and edging skill. If you’re well practiced and enjoy the finesse of handling your kayak without skeg or rudder, choose a system that reliably stays in a retracted position out of harm's way, or a completely clean hull with nothing to go wrong.
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