Kayak Rudder

[Fis_Hunter]

I have a kayak that does not have a rudder. I have not looked at one which has one yet. So I have a couple of questions.

Is the rudder stationary or does it move from side to side. If it moves how is it controled foot peddle? does this present any problems for someone who wants to dive from the yak?

Sometimes when I am coming in to shore a wave hits the yak just right from the side it will push the yak sidways will a rudder help with this?

[Seth]

my sit in kayak has a rudder, they are controlled by foot pedals, but are not to be used for steering, rudders are for keeping the kayak going straight in a crosswind, and will bleed off a lot of speed if u try to use them for steering the yak, ive never seen a sit on top with a rudder, but thats not to mean that it wouldnt be useful.


when coming to shore, your rudder shouldnt be deployed, hitting the sand sideways can cause it to bend, and they are a nuisance to get straight again.

[ROCK HUNTER]

my sit on top has a rudder works great when crossing the wind dont use when coming into the surf can use for stering what a waste of energy. look for used yak with rudder installed use as is or transplant on your boat. good luck.

[cmburch]

I purchased an aluminum rudder with adjustable aluminum foot braces from Western Mountaineering. Since the foot pegs move to control the rudder you will not be in a proper solid brace. There are new foot brace track systems with stationary foot pegs for proper bracing.

Link to rudders - may also have pdf instructions available:
http://www.clcboats.com/shop/boatgear/footbraces_rudders/

You can try mine out sometime at the marina.