Kari-Tek Skeg Systems - transform kayak handling

Hydro Skeg®

The Kari-Tek Hydro Skeg® provides you with ultimate control of your kayak, allowing you to react quickly and easily to wind and sea conditions. The revolutionary design uses simple, reliable hydraulics: no more wires to kink or ropes to fray. The robust, dagger blade gives you total control and retracts undamaged if knocked. The system is virtually maintenance free and totally corrosion resistant. Kayakers love it: click here to read their reviews.

Skeg Rudder System

Kari-Tek’s innovation doesn’t stop with the Hydro Skeg®. The revolutionary new Skeg Rudder System(SRS) is now available. The SRS is both a skeg and a rudder, giving you maximum flexibility. The skeg function is controlled by the deck mounted slider, the rudder is operated by an adjustable foot bar.

The robust SRS retracts undamaged if knocked, whatever the rudder setting. Just like a skeg, it mounts under the stern and so keeps the aesthetic lines of your kayak and doesn’t catch the wind. Using the same simple, reliable hydraulics as the Hydro Skeg® means it is low maintenance and corrosion resistant.

Image: Skeg slider Image: Skeg Rudder System
Image: Skeg Cassette

Try for yourself

Kari-Tek are Scotland’s agent for Nigel Dennis’ SKUK sea kayaks, and are local agents for P&H and Rockpool. The Hydro Skeg® and the SRS are available to test in our demonstration kayaks. Simply email sales@karitek.co.uk to try one out at our next demo day. We will also be attending various Sea Kayak Symposiums throughout the season – keep an eye on our news page for details.

Hydro Skeg® - user review

Rowland Woollven has a Kari-Tek Hydro Skeg® fitted in his Explorer sea kayak. Rowland, a highly experienced expedition paddler and level 5 coach says: “The real strength of the Hydro Skeg® is that it is utterly bombproof. Drop an extended skeg onto a rock and it just shrugs the impact off!” . Click here to read Rowland’s review in full.

Wire and rope skegs

If you’re not ready for the ultimate in control for your kayak, Kari-Tek also provide cost-effective wire and rope skeg versions of their system. Offering superior performance and reliability to conventional skegs, the Kari-Tek versions can be upgraded to the full Hydro Skeg® at a later date.

Image: when you need a skeg that works

Three ways to buy Kari-Tek’s Skeg Systems

1. Skeg option in new kayaks

The Hydro Skeg® and the Skeg Rudder System are available as options in sea kayaks by:

  • Nigel Dennis’ SKUK
  • P&H
  • Rockpool
  • Valley

Request from your dealer when ordering.

2. DIY kit

If you have a knowledge of working with fibreglass, then self install kits are available to buy. The kits have full fitting instructions.

Kari-Tek designed wire skeg kits and rope skeg kits are also available to buy online >.

3. Fitting service for existing kayaks

If you don’t want to fit the DIY Skeg System kits yourself, Kari-Tek offers a fitting service at two centres. See our Fitting Service locations or contact us for details.