The simple answer is no, you do not need a skeg. A skeg is a part of a kayak that is added on for extra support when there is wind or rough waters. A skeg is ideal for the kayaker that plans on longer trips in more open waters. Beginner kayakers than plan on using a kayak recreationally and don’t plan on taking long trips into vast open waters then it is not necessary. However, if a skeg is a feature on the kayak, it can be a bonus for sure! Just be sure to take good care of it when taking out of the water, this could be more work.