In 2014, British brand Venture Kayaks turned traditional steering systems on their head with the Skudder—an under-hull steering aid that deploys like a skeg, but can be turned like a rudder. Expect more innovation for 2015 with the debut of two new rudder systems. Lighter and more durable than its aluminum predecessor, West Coast-based Delta Kayaks’ new composite rudder also deploys faster and holds position better thanks to a single, spring-loaded control cable. Meanwhile, Kayak Distribution designer Felix Martin looked beneath the sea to create the unusual-looking rudder that will be available on all Boreal Design, Seaward and Riot kayaks. “It is bio-inspired from a humpback whale flipper,” says Martin. “They have the shortest turning radius for whales.” The plastic rudder tapers in thickness and is shaped to reduce drag in the water.
This article originally appeared in the 2015 Paddling Buyer’s Guide.
