How to improve tracking while Paddling an Outback...

Snakecharmer - There is a very good reason that whitewater and river kayaks don't "track" terribly well (as pmmpete pointed out). In a river, you need to be able to make quick adjustments. Anything you do to provide better "tracking" will reduce your ability to make quick, decisive changes in your course.

Snakecharmer - There is a very good reason that whitewater and river kayaks don't "track" terribly well (as pmmpete pointed out). In a river, you need to be able to make quite adjustments. Anything you do to provide better "tracking" will reduce your ability to make quite, decisive changes in your course.

Yeah, don't worry about tracking on a small river.

I take my revo13 down the American at 1200cfs (rather low flows). I keep the fins in except when I am likely to hit bottom in a fast moving section. I also hunt an area our of my revo13 that is between 3 and 1.5 ft deep. I keep the rudder down, but not locked, and I take very short and high cadence pedal stroke. It's a pain in the ass, cuz I gotta pull the ridderline all the goddam time, and it looks ridiculous, but it works.

Sorry... My iPhone botched that post. Quite = Quick

I'm gonna focus on paddling technique and longer paddle for now.

I do have a love for burst of creative engineering, which my lovely fiancee refers to as tinker-tantrums... 

It can pull me away from rational thoughts such as learning and gaining experience...

I'm gonna focus on paddling technique and longer paddle for now.

I do have a love for burst of creative engineering, which my lovely fiancee refers to as tinker-tantrums... 

It can pull me away from rational thoughts such as learning and gaining experience...

I'm an engineer. So ya, I have my share of "tinker tantrums", too...

 So it reads like you want to try and use the Hobie OB instead of buying a more traditional river boat and you want to use it during this current steelhead window.
The only thing that I might suggest is, during the forward stroke, keep the paddle shaft as close to the side of the boat as possible, then as the blade arrives at your hip, give it a touch of J STROKE. Yes, the J STROKE can add a bit of drag like the STERN RUDDER will, but it can help keep that wandering bow on your line.

Instead of counting on mechanical rudder on your boat just use the paddle. A static or hanging rudder is easy to learn. The boat will follow the leading edge of the blade once you engage your core.

Hope that helps

So it reads like you want to try and use the Hobie OB instead of buying a more traditional river boat and you want to use it during this current steelhead window.

Exactamundo, my friend! 

I had a great time with LoletaEric on the Eel in one of his Malibu X-Factors.  Those things track like they are on a rail, and inspired confidence when shooting from one side of the river to another to stay in safe water.

I currently don't feel as "directional" in my Hobie, and I liked the safe feeling of being able to get in one direction easily.  I'd like to get it on the Russian when another window pops up (not as pretty, but MUCH closer to home).