carve fin guide 2014

they can make or break boards.
Given that we are now all riding a myriad of shapes, with all sorts of fin configurations, the fin companies have gone nuts with new systems, materials, and tech. So we thought we’d better have a look at what’s going on, plus offer useful tips on how to pick the right fin for your surfing, or solve any problems you may be having.

How to change your fins

Fins can make or break a board especially if you are fussy and surf lots of different types of waves. Personally I am a fin addict and I have a bag full acquired over the years that I chop and change through my quiver to suit different boards, or new boards, based on trial an error. This what I have found works best.

I always use a base set of fins in any board I get. That way I can compare boards and fins on a like for like basis. I’m a big bloke and I like to push my board hard and feel the drive so my go to’s are big carbons. If it’s a tri/quad set up I will go the tri first and go from there.

To test the board as a quad I will use the same big fins in the front (to keep the drive the same) with another set of smaller quad rear fins which I found I got on with best.

Then I apply the rules below chopping and changing until I find set I am happy with. Don’t be afraid to mix and match fins.

Flat sided fin versus inside foiled fin

Flat foils break free sooner and are better for controlling speed, use them in fast powerful surf where you don’t need to generate additional speed. Flat foils will feel closest to glass ons.

Vector foils will allow you to maximise speed and drive hard in your bottom turns, the fins feel fluid rail to rail.Futures produce a series of V2 fins which feature the speed generating characteristics of the V (vector) at the base transitioning into flat foil at the tip, for controlled release in critical turns.

the basics

BASE A longer base equals more drive and acceleration.

DEPTH(height): The greater the depth the more hold and vice versa

Rake The amount of backward curve. More rake longer turns, less rake quicker tighter turns.

FLEX (bendiness in the tip): Stiff fins for quick response, speed and drive. Flexier fins are whippier through turns – slow at first then they whip through on release.

CANT (Not London slang): The angle or splay of the side fins. Less cant faster acceleration and a stiffer feel. More cant more manoeuvrability and looser feel.

FOIL Curve on the inside and outside of the fin. Very complicated! Flat sided fins can work well on deep concaved boards as they stiffen them up, inside foils can add drive through turns.