I couldn't believe weathercocking is such a powerful factor until I tried, as a beginner, paddling my 10.5 foot sit-in Delsyk Tuktu (designed by Necky) in the western afternoon wind called Maestral in the Adriatic sea (short, up to 3 feet high waves with crest)... While all went fairly well, albeit slow, paddling into the wind, as soon as I tried going back, downwind, the real rodeo started: weathercocking was so strong that it turned me sideways immediately, and I didn't have enough skill and back strength to keep an edge to counteract, and constantly doing the right bracing sweep proved exhausting. Waves started getting into the cockpit since I didn't have the spray skirt. I hope to get my technique and stamina into better shape to overcome the wind-exposed part of my route, a change of kayak or an installation of skeg/rudder is currently not an option. Would a longer kayak fair significantly better, I wander, however.
A long boat will actually weather cock WORSE! because the wind is pushing on the end of something longer, so it has more leverage and will turn the boat more. It sounds like the fix for you would have been to go faster. I think the waves were pushing the back of your boat sideways, and if you went faster they would have less effect.
@@AdventureOtaku Thanks for the quick answer. I tried to pick up the strokes to try and surf the waves but my cadence would trip as I often didn't scoop the water properly.. I'll keep trying, I'm really just a total beginner... Thanks.
The hull shape makes a big difference to performance in the wind too. A boat with a flat keel can be difficult or even impossible to turn into a strong wind, whereas a rockered hull can be much easier. Deck profile and bow shape also have significant effects on how a boat handles strong winds. Some light weight boats need to be ballasted to reduce the effect the wind has on them.
Well made video, there is certainly some work involved here. Wind in kayaking is an interesting subject, I love it. Turning in high winds can be a pain or a joy; depending on if one knows how to use the wind in stead of fighting it. Thanks for the vid, I enjoyed it.
I am building a cedar strip kayak and don’t want a rudder, nor a skeg box to deal with. I am toying with the idea of a small skeg/fin like a surfboard or paddle board. Looking for perspective...
That’s what surf ski’s have, but it isn’t little. It’s usually pretty long. I paddled a cedar strip and honestly dont remember what it had. I would also be willing to bet the original Greenland kayaks had nothing, and relied on hull shape. I think it’s time for some research.
You’re welcome. Thank you for watching and taking an interest. If there is something you have a question about that I can make a video covering, let me know.
I was just getting ready to respond. Assuming there isn’t a cross wind, the boat isn’t loaded unevenly, and all other things being equal, it is most frequently a forward stroke issue. And it is super common. I offer free stroke analysis, I have helped people on 4 continents, happy to help you too. Just send me video (its best if it is from the front) and Ill send you back notes.
I couldn't believe weathercocking is such a powerful factor until I tried, as a beginner, paddling my 10.5 foot sit-in Delsyk Tuktu (designed by Necky) in the western afternoon wind called Maestral in the Adriatic sea (short, up to 3 feet high waves with crest)... While all went fairly well, albeit slow, paddling into the wind, as soon as I tried going back, downwind, the real rodeo started: weathercocking was so strong that it turned me sideways immediately, and I didn't have enough skill and back strength to keep an edge to counteract, and constantly doing the right bracing sweep proved exhausting. Waves started getting into the cockpit since I didn't have the spray skirt. I hope to get my technique and stamina into better shape to overcome the wind-exposed part of my route, a change of kayak or an installation of skeg/rudder is currently not an option. Would a longer kayak fair significantly better, I wander, however.
A long boat will actually weather cock WORSE! because the wind is pushing on the end of something longer, so it has more leverage and will turn the boat more. It sounds like the fix for you would have been to go faster. I think the waves were pushing the back of your boat sideways, and if you went faster they would have less effect.
@@AdventureOtaku Thanks for the quick answer. I tried to pick up the strokes to try and surf the waves but my cadence would trip as I often didn't scoop the water properly.. I'll keep trying, I'm really just a total beginner... Thanks.
We learn by doing, and practice. Steep short waves are hard to manage, and a following sea is also difficult. Hard to manage in a 10.5 foot boat.
The hull shape makes a big difference to performance in the wind too. A boat with a flat keel can be difficult or even impossible to turn into a strong wind, whereas a rockered hull can be much easier. Deck profile and bow shape also have significant effects on how a boat handles strong winds. Some light weight boats need to be ballasted to reduce the effect the wind has on them.
Yup, all correct. Thanks for watching.
Well made video, there is certainly some work involved here. Wind in kayaking is an interesting subject, I love it. Turning in high winds can be a pain or a joy; depending on if one knows how to use the wind in stead of fighting it. Thanks for the vid, I enjoyed it.
Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you so much for your great videos. You taught me so much 🙂
Thanks so much for watching. Glad you found it helpful!
I am building a cedar strip kayak and don’t want a rudder, nor a skeg box to deal with. I am toying with the idea of a small skeg/fin like a surfboard or paddle board. Looking for perspective...
That’s what surf ski’s have, but it isn’t little. It’s usually pretty long. I paddled a cedar strip and honestly dont remember what it had. I would also be willing to bet the original Greenland kayaks had nothing, and relied on hull shape. I think it’s time for some research.
Excellent explanation of weather cocking . Thank you
You’re welcome. Thank you for watching and taking an interest. If there is something you have a question about that I can make a video covering, let me know.
@@AdventureOtaku
How do you keep a kayak tracking straight without a rudder.
Just watched your Teaching the Forward Stroke and read your response a comment. Thanks I will check my stroke next time out.
I was just getting ready to respond. Assuming there isn’t a cross wind, the boat isn’t loaded unevenly, and all other things being equal, it is most frequently a forward stroke issue. And it is super common. I offer free stroke analysis, I have helped people on 4 continents, happy to help you too. Just send me video (its best if it is from the front) and Ill send you back notes.
What a top informative video! Thank you! Appreciate the detail in your explanations 👍
Thanks for watching!
Yes!
I hope that means you liked it. thanks for watching.
Oh, I wish you had shown the Skeg box.
I will be honest and say I was having severe technological difficulties on that shoot… my apologies for not getting that.
The video that just went live, included the a shot of the skeg box! Just for you!
@@AdventureOtaku how about the tarp on the beach?