If you're pondering the purchase of a new
touring kayak, one of the important considerations is whether or
not to your new boat should be equipped with a kayak rudder. A
rudder is not used so much for turning as it is for keeping your
boat on track, especially in strong currents or cross winds. Some
purists claim that a skilled paddler in firm control of his or her
boat should have no need for a kayak rudder, but anyone who's ever
been caught in a squall or strong surf can attest to their
effectiveness. In our opinion in only makes sense to equip your
boat with every tool you can find to make your journey safer and
more enjoyable.
In case you're not familiar with how a kayak
rudder works, it is a metal or plastic fin attached to the stern
point of a touring kayak. The rudder is flipped up onto the deck
when not in use, and lowered into the water via a line inside the
cockpit when needed. The paddler then operates the rudder by a set
of foot pedals. The rudder is a mechanical device, and like all
mechanisms it is subject to malfunction--although in a quality
modern kayak, this possibility is remote.
In short, you should definitely consider a kayak
rudder when purchasing a new touring boat. You want to learn to
paddle effectively without one, of course, but we can see no
downside to having another tool for safe and effective navigation.
And at about $100, it's a relatively inexpensive addition to your
next kayak purchase.
Need a New Touring Kayak?
Is that trusty old touring kayak getting a
little long in the tooth? Are you finding it harder and harder to
keep up with your paddling companions? Are you finding that your
current boat just doesn't have the storage capacity for those
long, multi-day excursions? Or are you in the market for your
first sea or touring kayak?
If so, you might consider purchasing your next
boat from one of the online merchants. Retail paddling shops are
great if you can find one, but most only carry one or two brands,
and expect to pay the full retail price. Online merchants, on the
other hand, often carry several brands and dozens of touring and
recreational kayaks, and usually at very competitive prices. They
have secure ordering systems, good warranty and return policies,
and will ship virtually anywhere in the world. And you won't have
to spend a weekend driving all over town in search of that perfect
new boat.
If you've got a moment, check out one of our
recommended merchants. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what you
find.
Touring
kayaks from Backcountry.com
Shop Backcountry.com for a great selection
of name brand touring kayaks, including Perception and
Dagger.
