Virtually every surfboard manufacturer seems to have some design element that makes their boards faster than all the other surfboards out there. When I look out at the ocean, everyone seems to be going roughly the same speed. Is there really a concave, rocker, fin, etc. that can ACTUALLY make a board noticebly faster than another?
No, unless you wanna get into teenie weenie numbers and even then nobody can definatively prove it through solid data…this is my simple formula: hollow waves=everything works/mushy waves=nothing works…>>> Virtually every surfboard manufacturer seems to have some design element > that makes their boards faster than all the other surfboards out there. > When I look out at the ocean, everyone seems to be going roughly the same > speed. Is there really a concave, rocker, fin, etc. that can ACTUALLY make > a board noticebly faster than another?
No, unless you wanna get into teenie weenie numbers and even then nobody > can definatively prove it through solid data…this is my simple formula: > hollow waves=everything works/mushy waves=nothing works…In most aspects I would have to agree with g30,but I do know that my SUPERCHARGER is faster,and it’s a simple test to take to prove it.If you have a standard thruster,and Supercharger it(or 2+1,twin,etc.)ride it for awhile supercharged,then remove the “shark teeth” and ride it without them for awhile,You should feel a noticeable difference…NOW,put them back in,and my guess is you’ll never take them out again!!!The nice thing about my design is it works as a “add-on” to exsisting designs…not changing the entire board design or basic function…What’s funny is the surfers/builders that use to laugh at my design a couple of years ago are now riding/building them.Herb.
Virtually every surfboard manufacturer seems to have some design element > that makes their boards faster than all the other surfboards out there. > When I look out at the ocean, everyone seems to be going roughly the same > speed. Is there really a concave, rocker, fin, etc. that can ACTUALLY make > a board noticebly faster than another? There is and will be much discussion on the subject of speed. Thing is, speed has many dimensions. Fast in a turn, drop, strait, in chop, in the barrel, etc. – you could have a different “speed” design for each one – and that design would be potentially slow in the other conditions. That said, there is a mathematical equation that will provide the theoretical “speed” of a hull. For instance, using it would tell you that a big old, flat rocker long board has a higher hull speed then a 6’4" pocket rocket. So, it is not that useful for surfboard design. Balance, and trade-off is the essence of board design – hull speed is just one dynamic to consider. Here is a fast board design: 9 foot long, 22" wide, flattened rocker in the tail, 3" thick hard rails that are boxy. This makes for a terrible surfboard. However, it would be a fine sailboard. The key is to have the right tool for the job – on the water or in the shaping stall. Shine http://users.leading.net/~shine
The most important design aspect that dictates speed is the rider. I’ve seen good surfers almost break the sound barier on “slow” boards and I’ve seen average surfers struggle to find speed on “fast” boards. There are sooooooo many design elements that affect speed. What’s fast on a slow wave would be out of balance handling wise on a fast wave as it would be tough to keep the flow going. aloha
Herb- When do you plan on putting the Superchargers on the market. I want to buy a few sets and try them…Thanks, Dave
Herb, I’ve been looking through the archives and noticed that you’ve been talking about/working on these “superchargers” for some time now. Any chance I could get a hold of some to try out. I’m interested in trying them on a twinzer. Would they have the same benefits on a twinzer as a thruster? Also, would they work on a traditional twinzer by placing the “shark teeth” in the rear of the 2 FCS plugs designed to hold the smaller twinzer fins? Thanks for any help you can provide. PS. I noticed that Gary Niblock rides a twinzer with the shark teeth as the smaller fins on a board posted in the board archives under “hybrids.” I have a set-up similar to Gary’s that I’m interested in retro-fitting. Thanks
I have to agree that there are definitely numerous ways to categorize a fast board. The formula that shine has refered to for hulls is actually meant for displacement hulls. Surfboards for the most part are planing hulls that is why it appears not to apply to a big heavy long board vs. a pocket rocket short board in a surfing situation. But, say you take the same boards in flat water and paddle as fast as you can until the wake becomes one single sine wave. The speed at which you reach that point on a long board will be faster with less effort. The attributes that speed in weak mushy conditions are exactly opposite of the characteristics that help control speed in steep hollow waves. There are a myriad of of combinations in between. As there are an infinite number of different wave types. You can attempt to have a specialty board for every situation you might experience. But, more than likely you will just end up with a ton of boards and more often than not picking the wrong one to take. So, we compromise. To date the squash tail thruster with a single to double concave has been the most popular compromise.
Hey Herb, When are you going to hook up with Larry and try out the Red X Fin System with your superchargers?
Herb, would still like to try those chargers…i’ve got a brand new board that would be a perfect test board. The only problem is I’ve never installed fcs plugs and the guys who do my glassing would probably take weeks to fit two plugs…arrgghh.
Herb, would still like to try those chargers…i’ve got a brand new board > that would be a perfect test board. The only problem is I’ve never > installed fcs plugs and the guys who do my glassing would probably take > weeks to fit two plugs…arrgghh…where are you located? I am in Anaheim Hills.I can install the FCS plugs for you while you wait(in about an HOUR).Herb.
E-mail me ,I have the perfect 2"x 2" template that works great with twins.Herb.
Hey Herb,>>> When are you going to hook up with Larry and try out the Red X Fin System > with your superchargers?.. Of course I had alot on my plate lately,but I would like to try your system soon!I think the Red-X system would be a great ajustment advantage to my Superchargers.I’ll E-mail you and see what we can come up with. I would like to also show you the set-up in person ,so you can see it for yourself… I should be heading down your way this week to pick-up supplies.Herb.
Herb, I live in Ventura so that’s a bit of a haul…very rarely do I head south nowadays but the next time i’m heading down through OC i’ll drop you a line…
Herb, I live in Ventura so that’s a bit of a haul…very rarely do I head > south nowadays but the next time i’m heading down through OC i’ll drop you > a line…If I’m up your way I will try to get in touch,before I go…IF YOU WOULD LIKE A SET SUPERCHARGERS; E-MAIL ME A ADDRESS SO I CAN SEND THEM TO YOU.Herb.
Superchargers! Yeah right! You should put a high-rise manifold with a Weber carb on your boards. K.I.S.S.= KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID. Good shaped waves= Great rides, single or trifin, it doesn’t really matter!
Superchargers! Yeah right! You should put a high-rise manifold with a > Weber carb on your boards. K.I.S.S.= KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID. Good shaped > waves= Great rides, single or trifin, it doesn’t really matter! Right on Jake I a simple stupid person jus like you.
Virtually every surfboard manufacturer seems to have some design element > that makes their boards faster than all the other surfboards out there. > When I look out at the ocean, everyone seems to be going roughly the same > speed. Is there really a concave, rocker, fin, etc. that can ACTUALLY make > a board noticebly faster than another? too bad Dora didn’t pull off his speed contest in the early70’s-perhaps we would have an answer to your question!