Straight tracking is important for open water paddling on large bodies of water. It's critical to be able to trust that the kayak is going where you want it to go without having to turn onthe GPS to confirm direction. For smaller ponds, no problem. I would probably cut my kayak into little pieces in frustration if the kayak had a penchant for making it difficult to avoid water hazzards, especially in the fast water I tend to paddle in. I deliberately broke my bow end keel while building it after I discovered an ess-curve that I missed when gluing the panels together. I knew if I didn't straighten it I would spend my life fighting it. If I was to compensate for the bent yak by using a rudder, I would be paddling moreoften to keep the kayak moving. Ever tried driving with the parking brake left engaged? It really slows the car down, doesn't it? That would effectively ruin the beautiful scenic paddles I enjoy while NOT having to pay attention to where the kayak is going. I'd be so distracted by making correctional strokes I'd probably rather be watching TV, and I hate watching TV ('cept for good movies).

Robert N Pruden