While I'm mostly into surfing dedicated surf kayaks in the ocean, there are days when it is just fun to play with a WW boat in the shorebreak. I started with my Z when it first came out, then got (and sold) an InaZone 240, and now also have the Pyranha Zone L. While I could paddle the Z for miles if I had to, I just can't get comfortable in the Zone. The stern keeps swinging out in front of me. When I think I finally have paddling it straight down, it will go on auto-pilot and do a 180. I have the seat in the middle position, but the rear position didn't help much (though that's where I had full control over both the Z and InaZone). Any tips on how to control this boat? I've been so bummed out by it's handling in flatwater that I'm afraid to try to play in the ocean with it--and a bit afraid to do any downriver boating in it also. Granted, I'm at the upper weight limit of the boat (106 kg, 170cm), but I don't think things should be this out of control.

Any tips would be appreciated. Also, as you might imagine, the seat is a bit narrow for me. Any ideas on what to do about that? Pyranha didn't have any.

Thanks a lot for any help you can offer,

Stiletto

I should have responded to this much earlier, but forgot about my own post. Through Pyranha's help, I realized my legs are really too short for the cockpit of the boat, so that they really had nowhere to grab hold of anything. At Pyhanha's suggestion, together with an outfitting article link they sent, I made and glued in closed cell foam knee braces to the sides of the boat so that my knees have solid contact with the boat. The result is greatly increased control and confidence in using the boat. Turns out that some of us heavier (but not taller guys) have to order the larger boats, only to find that sometimes the cockpits must be thus modified with knee braces.

Interesting, sorry I missed this 9 months ago I would have suggested to use some stern rudder strokes to keep control but making very sure to rotate at the waist and perform them correctly to keep the shoulders safe.

In every boat I've ever owned I glue foam blocks to the side of my boats to support the outside of my knees. This way I can lift up on one edge whilst being able to push down on the opposite knee. My legs are also flexible and I can put them behind my head so hence I need the support too

Better late than never! Yes, judicious paddle usage is always helpful, but alas, some of us cannot put our knees behind our heads (and are grateful when they don't buckle with the arthritic pain--but that is another story), but basically, the only control I had before the foam blocks I added was inner pressure against the thigh braces, and you can only do that for so long before muscle pain sets in. Foam on the outside of the knees was the answer for the lack of control I was experiencing.

Now, if you can direct me to one of your excellent teaching videos on stern rudder technique, I will be happy to add just that much more to my paltry skill set. Being self-taught is not always the best way to go.

Keeping cool in the coldest spring I can remember since I came to Hokkaido, Japan in 1976!

Thanks

Best video I could come up with as I've never made a stern rudder video Not a surf or WW kayak but the concept is pretty much the same, check it out:


Just remember to keep your hands in front of your shoulder line Rotating at the waist is important. I would recommend some stretches and exercises to get the core of your body stronger too, it's always useful for any type of paddling.

Stay warm!!

Thanks! Somehow I missed the notification of your response, if I got one. Yeah, good advice about the hands in front of the shoulders. Maybe that's why I needed that shoulder operation 2 1/2 year ago! Getting stronger all the time, so form should help to keep things together. Thanks again.