Skegs are for tracking. Rudders are for steering. Don’t overthink it. Try them both and see which you prefer. I personally believe rudders are more efficient (given the same boat) because then all your energy can go into the most efficient stroke you can muster without any correcting strokes, which, of course, sacrifice some efficiency. That said, 99% of paddlers aren’t trying to be 100% efficient.
I think it’s very boat dependent. My toughest days in wind have been in tandems with my wife. The tandem hybrid folding kayak we throw in the back of the minivan on camping trips exposes a lot of area to wind and I’m glad to have a rudder on that, although on calmer days I don’t even bother taking the rudder out of the bag. I was also really happy to have a rudder on the Wilderness Systems Northstar we used to take trips with. And a rental exploring Milford Sound. And a few other times I can remember.
I don’t think I’d want one on a typical solo sea kayak. Sea kayaks are already low profile except for a raised bow, and low enough to be somewhat protected from the wind by surrounding waves. I’d rather have the simpler skeg.
And sometimes I think I’m spoiled now, because I was into canoeing first and canoes get blown around a lot more.
You’re still giving up efficiency.
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that is 100% more efficient design than wa wilderness systems rudder. which looks like a rectangle.
Thats it maybe but its still good enough to hit an average of 6.2 Mph over 2.5 miles. besides The Brachial Plexus Paulsey makes me give up more efficiency than that so I might as well do something that gives up the least amount of efficiency.
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In my opinion the primary purpose of both is for tracking, although a rudder can be used to steer the boat as well. There are other means to steer a boat, but a boat without either in a strong crosswind is very limited in its ability to track well in an efficient manner.
I would never deploy a rudder just to steer my boat. It’s inefficient and creates drag.
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Wilderness Systems are more recreation designs. I hope I can tweek my 175 Tsunamu to behave like the 145. Then I’d take the contraption off.
I read an old Barton article and he said Epic uses rudders because their 2% drag is better than the much higher percent wasted energy in corrective strokes…and allows most efficient use of the wing paddle.
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Unless you want to operate a camera 
?
reading materials from various sources about kayak building it’s said some kayaks are made to be rudder dependent. In marketing that is considered a wise way to make them from a standpoint of all consumers using the kayak the same way.
I can’t say I’d agree with that commercial overview, but in the 3 dozen kayaks I have bought and re-sold I have found a few that definitely seems to be made that way. Take the rudder out of the water and they act like a drunk water skipper bug. Drop the rudder and they steer like a well made road car.
For myself I like kayaks that are not dependent on rudders, but I have to admit, paddling the ones that are makes your performance on the water very predictable and uncomplicated.
So I guess it all comes down to who is buying, and what conditions they intend to use them for.
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Just for grins, I thought I’d drop this subject into some AI to see what comes back.
"A skeg and a rudder serve similar purposes in improving a kayak’s tracking (the ability to go straight) and maneuverability, but they function differently and are used in different situations.
Skeg:
- Design: A skeg is usually a fixed or retractable fin located on the bottom of the kayak, typically at the stern (the back).
- Function: The primary function of a skeg is to provide stability and improve tracking by reducing side-to-side movement while paddling. It helps keep the kayak moving in a straight line, particularly in windy conditions or choppy waters.
- Operation: Skegs are generally simpler to operate, as they can be set to a fixed position or deployed/retracted as needed. Some kayaks come with a built-in skeg that can be adjusted, while others have a retractable skeg that can be stowed away when not in use.
Rudder:
- Design: A rudder is a movable control surface typically located at the stern and is attached to a system of cables or pedals.
- Function: The main purpose of a rudder is to provide steering control, allowing the paddler to maneuver and turn the kayak more effectively. It helps with directional control, especially when the kayak is traveling fast or in strong currents.
- Operation: The rudder is controlled by foot pedals or a handle, allowing the paddler to steer without having to reposition their paddle. This makes it easier to navigate tight turns or avoid obstacles.
Summary:
In summary, a skeg is primarily for tracking and stability, while a rudder is mainly for steering and maneuverability. Depending on the type of kayaking and the conditions, paddlers may choose to use one or both for optimal performance."
Or learn to edge, and even with a low angle stroke, you can track straight in a 10 to 15 mph wind on the rear quarter.
This is a good test for AI.
Put something in you know about, then see how it responds.
I won’t be counting on AI anytime soon.
I disagree that the primary purpose of a rudder on a kayak is for steering. Though it can be used for steering, in my opinion the primary purpose of both a rudder or skeg on a kayak is for improved tracking in crosswinds.
Don’t see what moving at high speeds has to do with tracking unless you are moving so fast that the hull loses contact with the water.
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Me: Hey AI, is everything on the internet true?
AI: Yes! Because I found it on the internet, it must be true.
Me: Hey AI, on a forum, whose opinion of a subject is true?
AI: Whoever repeats their position most often and most vociferously.