: Also, could it be that all my problems are due to my paddling technique? I am
: a complete novice, and this is the first kayak I have ever paddled.

Hi Charlie,
I have a round deck Great Auk (full length) I finished last year (That's me at the top of Nick's Great Auk picture page). Anyway, I had the same tracking problem you are talking about. I switched to (1) a shorter paddle that (2) allowed me to use more vertical strokes closer to the kayak sides. (3) the position of the seat + or - 2" makes a big difference. Since you are likely paddling at well under the Auk's design weight load, you may not be getting the stern deep enough in the water to act as a good rudder. (4) add weight or move the seat back. Caution: moving the seat too far back or adding too much weight in the back only, will increase the weather cocking of the bow. Guess trying to balance all of these factors is why it's best to let the designers design and the builders build.