Why are most rudder controls on the left?

[duct tape]

First post here. Been researching for over 6 months looking to get a kayak. I'm able to answer most of my questions reading BWE and watching all the kayak reviews on youtube but this question I can't seem to figure out.

Why are the rudder control on the left and not on the right from factory? I know PA's and WS Radar have the option to move the control to the right side and OB having dual control but is there a reason why most are on the left?

BTW, I still can't decide on a kayak. I'm starting to lean on the side of getting a used PA 12 over the rest as my first kayak.

[Iceman]

probably...........

There's no denying it. Left-handers are the odd ones out. Sure, lefties make up about 10 percent of the population

[kirkdavis]

These kayaks were made for right-handed people. They can do a simple task (steering) with their left hand while the right hand is used for more important things like holding your pole, drinking your beverage of choice, etc. It's a conspiracy against left handed people. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

[duct tape]

Originally Posted by kirkdavis

These kayaks were made for right-handed people. They can do a simple task (steering) with their left hand while the right hand is used for more important things like holding your pole, drinking your beverage of choice, etc. It's a conspiracy against left handed people. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

For people who are right handed, does it make it difficult to control the rudder that's on the left when you're fighting a fish and trying to keep the kayak straight?

I'm right handed and I'm holding my rod with my left and reeling with my right, if I need to control the kayak I would need to switch hands and hold the rod with my right to free up my left hand to control the rudder. Is this correct? Am I over thinking this?

[makobob]

Originally Posted by duct tape

For people who are right handed, does it make it difficult to control the rudder that's on the left when you're fighting a fish and trying to keep the kayak straight?

I'm right handed and I'm holding my rod with my left and reeling with my right, if I need to control the kayak I would need to switch hands and hold the rod with my right to free up my left hand to control the rudder. Is this correct? Am I over thinking this?

With both hands free it is so simple to switch your rod or anything else from hand to hand, it becomes second nature pretty fast.

[FISH11]

It just human nature that as engineers in designing things, most happen to be, or think users will be right handed. I just think it's because most of us are masters baiters anyway.

[YakDout]

Originally Posted by duct tape

For people who are right handed, does it make it difficult to control the rudder that's on the left when you're fighting a fish and trying to keep the kayak straight?

I'm right handed and I'm holding my rod with my left and reeling with my right, if I need to control the kayak I would need to switch hands and hold the rod with my right to free up my left hand to control the rudder. Is this correct? Am I over thinking this?

Yes you’re overthinking it. Just pull your rudder up and enjoy the sleigh ride. The fish will straighten up the yak.

[Raskal311]

99% of the time you are not fighting a fish which means 99% of the time you are probably holding the rod on your right hand.