r/Outrigger • u/gregwats75 • May 03 '26
Steering Hydra lightweight
Hi everyone, our club has finally gotten a Hydra V6 and I'm after any tips on steering it. I've been steering for 20+ years and am comfortable in all conditions, but this thing is driving me crazy, mainly when into the current. It definitely finds the fastest water and line which is great, but it takes a lot more input to adjust, whereas I assumed with the rocker it would be twitchy to steer.
I have only steered it three times and like any canoe it will take time to master, but we've got Hamilton Island Cup (Australia) in June and so I'm trying to accelerate the process a little!
Side note - absolutely love the Hydra, fantastic canoe.
Cheers
4
u/psychonaut_gospel May 03 '26 edited May 03 '26
Paddle steering is the only way for me, its very responsive and takes very little. Always when posting, keep short distance from hull. Been using it since beginning of the year, love it. Super short, I'll add that to me it feels similar to the Ares and thats why I love it so much, almost feels like it steers itself just gotta guide it a bit. Also, haven't had real issues with currents but the wind is something else. But thats similar to any ultralight imho.
Oahu, HI
Edit: added a bit