Hey Dale, I was wondering if you could explain what exactly you mean by “neutral handling” in surfcraft? I hear you mention it often but have always been unsure of what you meant. Thanks man- ryan p.s. Your thought from the “possibilities” thread below could not be more true. “Unfortunately, it seems that much of what we create has more to do with accomodating the limitations around us… than the possibilites.”
Hey Dale, I was wondering if you could explain what exactly you mean by > “neutral handling” in surfcraft? I hear you mention it often but > have always been unsure of what you meant. Thanks man- ryan>>> p.s. Your thought from the “possibilities” thread below could > not be more true.>>> “Unfortunately, it seems that much of what we create has more to do > with accomodating the limitations around us… than the > possibilites.” gill, The term, “neutral handling” isn
t my term, but George Greenoughs. It refers to balance in a surfcraft, when the entirety of its design elements, nose to tail, of form and fin(s) are all working together to hold in during turns and achieve maximum trim. On longer, more powerful and lined-up waves, this synergy is easier to appreciate. Neutral handling allows the design, rather than the rider, the freedom of seeking the optimum line across a wave… the exact opposite of surfing by means of sheer athletic force. An excellent reference on this subject is found in The Surfer`s Journal, Spring 1994, Vol.3, No.1, in the article “George Greenough, The Ageless Artist”, by Paul Gross. Dale
I get ‘neutral handling’ off of 0 degrees cant and with toe-in that suits the boards purpose.
Understeer in cars is where you turn the wheel alot to do a small bit of turning.
Oversteer in cars is where a small turn of the steering wheel does a great bit of turning.
Neutral handling is precisely in between.
With cars of course it toe-in, camber, etc.
Camber being the car version of ‘fin cant’
Surfboards: toe-in, cant
I find that setting up the fins with a fair bit of ‘cant’ causes tail lift,
creates a lower water line in the tail, tail more above water, bottom turns are more airy,lighter feeling in the tail.
O degrees of cant, water line is higher,tail sinks more, bottom turn are more controlled by a more sinking holding tail feel.