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Pumping the rudder pedals in a stall
Reivers Dustin
08/03/09 #6765
This is a new one to me, any of you whatcompaddlers know about this?
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— In surfski@…, Vineet Buch <vineet.buch@…> wrote:
I have long been prone to broaching on the short steep waves common on
SF Bay. A wise and experienced local paddler gave me a very helpful
tip last weekend - if you feel the rudder stalling, such as when
you're steering hard left but the boat is careening hard right down a
wave, pump the pedals and you're likely to recover steering control.
I tried this on a blustery 25kt downwind paddle yesterday on the US
Surfski Champs course, and I must say this technique works!
Presumably elite paddlers are always going so fast down the wave that
stalling the rudder is unlikely, but have other people experienced the
benefits of pumping the pedals?
— End forwarded message —
Erik Borgnes
08/03/09 #6766
I think there are different ways to look at this, Reivers. When my rudder stalled as it often did (Fenn rudder), I'd quickly un-rudder back to straight, then turn with the rudder again but this time either more slowly or to a less extreme rudder angle. Sometimes, you'd have to do that a couple of times quickly. All you're doing is re-establishing laminar flow around the rudder, then trying to turn again (using an effective rudder).
Erik
fennmako
08/03/09 #6767
—When we paddled with The Big O, his advice was as per Ekm, plus stop oversteering.
Simon
Bob Putnam
08/03/09 #6768
Good one! Sounds like it is worth a try. We have been paddling at Ambleside in the rip the last few days and with good SF Bay like conditions. “Steering left and careening right” sounds familiar.
There will be a group at Ambleside on Wed. at 9 AM 4 knot ebb and 5-15 variable winds forecasted. Could be good if you are not working. Even better if your supposed to be working and you skip out.
Bob
