: Looks nice

: Um...no rudder?

No rudder, Bill. The kayak tracks straight and the swivelling seat helps keep the strokes tight. Technique is everything, eh! I did well during the river marathon event when I used this kayak to compete during the Masters Games back in 2005. My only regret is that I didn't use the Raven during the sprint races. I came in dead last for those because I used a plastic TK-1 rental that had a rudder. I had never used a rudder before and it caused me to fish tail all over the place. Had I used the Raven, I am sure I would have posted a much better time even if I might have finished off in last place. I tend to be able to paddle a kayak in a straight line regardless of how fast I am trying to get it move by adjusting my strokes as I go. I guess I can only focus on one activity at a time...paddling. Toss using a rudder into that and I am all over the board. The roots of my dark brown graying hair must be blonde.

Robert N Pruden