: Without something to resist sidesways movement the kayak's not
: going to go upwind regardless of which way it's pointed. It'll
: just get blown downwind even if the side of the kayak is pointed
: that way.

: Bill H.

I'm aware of sailing theory Bill. The question is: does it work anyway for the paddlers in Tasmania? Perhaps it does, although like Mr. Gentry says above, no matter how well it points, paddling into wind is much faster than sailing into it. I'm curious to learn about the hulls used down under. I've seen some big rudders hanging off the back of loooong kayaks. Perhaps the hull has enough lateral resistance by itself, which is why it needs a big 'ol rudder to turn it. Perhaps there's a retractable "skeg" between the paddlers legs. My solution to add lateral resistance, if needed, would likely be a greenland paddle stuffed under a line holding it fast to the gunwale. I wish I could remember where I read about them. A google search doesn't find what I'm looking for. Anyone know exactly what they do down there?