With the Auk series, Nick Schade sought kayaks that are roomy and stable, can carry a lot of camping gear, and move through the water smoothly and easily. The Auk family has grown and evolved to fill a wide range of niches, from calm water pond boats to a fast tourer/racer.
The Auks are characterized by long waterlines and plumb ends. The sectional shape is gradually rounded with a bit of flat on the bottom. The result has good initial stability and solid secondary stability. The long waterline contributes to efficiency at speed and good glide.
Due to their relatively simple shape the Great Auk designs are inherently easy to build. The bow shape has a small amount of hollow that provides a clean entry on flat water while adding lift as the waves get larger. While not strictly necessary these designs are well suited for installation of a rudder.
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