Paddling Smart in the Wind with the Eddyline Sitka Kayak and Adjustable Skeg
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- If you have heard a Retractable Skeg described as “put it down and your kayak can track better” then the purpose of this useful device has not been properly explained to you! The skeg (or a rudder if your boat is outfitted with one) is a WIND MANAGEMENT TOOL.
This video introduces you to some of the concepts of boat control in the wind using both a Retractable Skeg and seat or gear positioning.
The second half of the video features on water examples while I voice over what is happening to the kayak.
I’m paddling an Eddyline Sitka ST in this video. I am 6 foot tall 165 pounds. There was no gear in the Sitka ST.
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Thanks, Ethan. These videos you put out, where you help us newbies understand how our new boats work and how to best "drive" them, are really helpful. I tested this out this morning in my LT.
That’s awesome Rick! Thanks for the feedback and watching. Hope it helped a bit!
Thank you for all the Videos And I am looking for some advice I am wanting to get a eddyline kayak And keep going between the equinox and the Sitka LT I am a hundred and fifty pounds And do mostly Slow-moving Rivers In the Patterson and Modesto Area And want to do some big open body Lakes I have experience in recreational kayaks But want something smoother and faster Any advice between these two kayaks am considering would be appreciated
Go LT (or ST). You’ll appreciate the better maneuverability, speed and fit. You may find the ST a more performance fit but the LT will be easier entry and a nice relaxed fit.
Thanks Moto, this was my exact question, and thanks HP for the answer.
After all my comments, I went and bought a Sitka LT. Thanks to all for the advice. I was able to get an end of season demo unit.
Thank you for explaining this feature in greater detail. Very helpful to understand for when my Aventura 125 arrives. One day I would love to upgrade to an Eddyline. I'm 5'8" 130 Ibs - so either the Rio, Skylark or ST.
Took our Whisper to Yellowstone this year. 10 days and 70+ miles. It was amazing and handled all the different weather challenges.
Nice video, very informative. Thanks for sharing
Thank you. Been waiting for a new Eddyline video. Saving patiently for an XT.
The low profile in the stern helps a lot by not presenting much surface area to the wind. I normally store my paddle float and pump behind the seat so it doesn't act as a "sail" on the surface of the deck.
Great idea and thanks for the added tips!
Thoughts on skeg vs. rudder?
Sounds like a video idea! But, there is lots of info out there and debates on this subject and I will just share my preference. I’d put a rudder on any kayak over 18’ that I planned to load the heck out of and paddle big expedition trips where I would want to take pics, fish and zone out and just be a gear hauler. Everything else = skeg.
Great stuff thanks! Next boat is either going to be a Sitka or a Northstar trillium pack boat thanks to your videos.
I’ve been dreaming of owning an ST, but at 186# I might be a bit heavy. What do you think?
I’m 165 6’ and it is a snug fit. Go w the LT and you will have so much more versatility, comfort, speed,etc
happy paddlin , I’m 5’7" so a bit chunkier than you. I’m working on getting back down to 150# or less and want to reward myself with an eddyline when I get there. It probably won’t be until next spring before eddyline catches up with present market demand and I can safely go to a dealer and try out the ST and The LT.
That’s Awesome!!
I'm 6' @ 195lbs, my LT is perfect fit at hips and foot braces.
Thanks for a very good video. Will try these tips on my next Sitka LT outing. 👍👍
Dewd,
My next boat will be an LT.
Thanks for a Sitka feature!
Great video! Would you recommend the ST or LT for me at 5 10" 125 lbs? I plan on doing a little camping but I'm an ultralight backpacker, so less and smaller gear than the average Joe.
ST!
@@HappyPaddlin thx for your input! The LT would be a bit roomier than I need in the cockpit and not quite as dialed in I take it? I also have a 28” waist...
Love all your vids! Very helpful for a developing kayaker 👍🏻
Indeed the LT would be way roomy and when unloaded not as optimal for you in the wind. But, if you like a way roomy fit and just want it big then you could do the LT. With 40-50 lbs of gear, you’d look like I do in that vid. (~170 lbs).
@@HappyPaddlin thanks man, super helpful! Well I called all over and found a place 234 miles away that can get one for me in July, can’t wait :)
Recommendation for 5' 9" 153lbs 31" inseam? ST or LT