Different rudder types provide improved performance for certain conditions while typically giving away something in another aspect of performance or handling. There are also some hybrids or crossover rudders that are in-between the main styles listed below, as you will notice if you look at what Epic now offers for their surfskis.

• Epic Kayaks Rudders - Epic Rudder Types, Recommended Use And Setup (includes chart of Epic rudder shaft lengths at end of article)
• Surf - typically larger, designed to provide more control on wave faces so one can turn better and at sharper angles without losing control (broaching). Don Kiesling (custom rudder maker) reports that going beyond some size limit starts to contribute to handling quirkiness and diminished control. 9“-10” is usually about as long as most surfski surfing rudders go.
• Weedless - more swept back (more rake) to allow weeds to slide off, larger ones can provide some surfing control while still being less likely to keep weeds, but less steering control than the same size rudder with less rake. Some brands offer more than one size, including longer ones that do not give up as much surfing control with the weed shedding slope.
  • Weed Guards - Weed guards are typically either built-in to boat or small glue-ons (or tape-ons) that go directly in front of rudder to prevent catching of weeds, particularly in the gap between the rudder and boat. The spacing between guard and rudder has to allow for full turn of rudder.
• Postage Stamp - small rudders 4“ long or less, meant primarily for flat water. Typically these don't have a lot of turning power. See DIY shortened rudder mod below.
• Speed difference - somewhat guess work, local paddlers in Bellingham, WA estimate the speed difference between their 4” and surfing rudders (7“) may be roughly 0.1 mph on flat water (the small rudder gives them 1/10 mph more speed). Needless to say - in rough water that speed difference is more than reversed by the instability of a small rudder if you have to brace more and cannot confidently apply stroke power. You can use smaller rudders in rough water to work on improving balance.
  • Discussion 2019
• Skegs (additional stability)
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Rudders

• Your Boat Manufacturer - Sometimes you can buy rudders for your boat from the manufacturers website and for some brands you have to buy from a distributor of your brand of surfski or OC.
• Custom Rudders
  • Don Kiesling (DK Rudders) - in Hood River, OR makes custom rudders (plastic or plastic core with carbon fiber skin) for many different brands of surfski. Tiny to supersize including “weedless” options. Hollow stainless steel shaft. Usually quite prompt to build and ship unless he's off paddling. Quality is professional grade. Cost is competitive with boat manufacturer's rudders. Around 2024-25 Don added a number of new color options, inquire if interested.
    • email: surfski@gmail.com
    • Most paddlers are very happy with Don's rudders and give him high marks on customer support and responsiveness. Admittedly, not all DK rudders will work equally well for all different surfskis and paddling conditions, but sometimes that is just a matter of sorting out what styles, lengths, etc. work better for you. DK rudder discussion on surfski.info
      • Some expert surfskiers theorize that some average surfskiers get large rudders and overuse them or rely on them too much, essentially reducing their stability or progress in surfing. Keep your mind open and keep experimenting - something to consider if a new rudder doesn't seem to deliver for you instantly.
    • Don's paddling background
  • Orka South Africa. On the main rudder page they say they need the rudder shaft measurement. On order page for specific rudders they ask for make and model of surfski. We do not know how many different brands/models they cover. You will have to ask about your specific surfski.
• DIY modification
  • Shorter Rudder if you have a large rudder that is extra or one you don't particular like or use, you can experiment with making it a shorter rudder and possibly derive one that is faster for flat water but has more turning power than typical small/short rudders, because yours will have more surface area than a typical short rudder.

Securing Rudder/Shaft

Rudder Hatches/Covers

• You probably can get cover replacements from a dealer or from your surfski manufacturer. Be aware that if you leave the cover off that some of the screw holes open into the hull (e.g Fenn) and can allow enough water inside the hull during rough water paddling to ruin handling and performance.
• Securing Rudder Cover/Hatch
  • If you have a rudder cover which is secured by a screw/bolt you may be able to find a screw with a handle sold for your surfski brand that does not require a separate tool for attachment and removal (Fenn and Carbonology Sport seem to have gone to such a tool free knob as of 2023). Otherwise you may be able to find a correctly sized screw with a knob handle at a hardware store that you can use without a support tool.
    • Fenn
      • ​​​​​ ​​Ocean Paddler Hatch Screw with Knob
    • DIY
      • Create your own screw knob head using baking soda & superglue? video we haven't tested this one and are not sure how durable the adhesion will be with relatively small screws & bolts. Maybe better to use a bolt with the correct threading instead of a screw?
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Other Rudder/Steering Accessories

• Stellar USA Steering Accessories is one of the better USA sources of accessories without excessive shipping fees. Most parts are probably Stellar specific, but some, like rudder line adjusters are generic.
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Spacers

• PTFE (Teflon) washers
  • Amazon
  • McMaster-Carr
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Weed Guards

• See Weed Guards under Modifications
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