: I paddled my guillemot for the first time yesterday. For the past two years
: I've paddled a white water perception kayak. In comaprison, the Guilemot
: tracks straight. But it's not like it has autopilot. I still need to pick
: a point ahead and head towards it with the nose pulling to one side of the
: point and then the other as I paddle. The boat will turn if I stop
: paddling.

Hey Dwight, I believe you're seeing things clearly. From your whitewater background, you realize actually how directionally unstable a kayak can be. Paddling technique is definitely the key. Also remember that the lack of tracking that hinders you on flat water can help you in rough water, as the boat will tend to broach less and actually be easier to keep on course.

Shawn