Larry,
Im so stoked you’ve joined Sways.
So much cool history in this thread here its unreal.
Keep it up.
Mahalo
I second that.
Thanks craftee, I enjoy reading the Swaylockian’s stories and sharing idea’s. When people experinece the STOKE from what I 've been lucky to do then that makes for a GOOD day. Have a HAPPY 4th. Mahalo
Chipfish is gonna have to start bringing his own keyboard to the internet cafe if you keep this up Larry; I don’t know that they’ll take kindly to the unavoidable mess that is to follow…
Since we were on slotted fins, I thought I would post this Wave Slot fin from the mid 80s with a set of 3-3/4" Probox Composite Fins of today. My Slotted fins were unique in the since I positioned my slots furture back than the rest of the slotted fins on the market. The reason I did this was to get a higher pointing angle of attack with a 50/50 foil in front and a 30/70 foil behind the slot.
Was that (too) flexy?
Great stuff, Larry.
I like the slotted singles. I wish Herb and Mark and Tom would weigh in on those, coanda/separation/overall -wise.
Didn’t Alfred also build that self enclosed surf riding vehicle way back when?
what ever happen to that thing?
Larry, who does not love to look at fins. So, even if you’re not inclined to respond to my request below, please continue to post these treasures of inspiration.
Yet, I’ve got to ask, and the answer can be in terms of testimony or theory, what do these beautiful objects claim to do, have done, or where hoped to do. Just a blurb on any. I know that searching the archives will reveal some testimonials on some of them, as well as would searching the Net, but what is your take, or what were you told, or what was your experience.
Some creative artist has got to make a 10 foot replica of one of those fence fins take offs, or even one of those slotted varieties, and place it in a gallery somewhere. It would be ‘art implying function’ at its best - and there is big money in such things! Exactly what function, at least in the art world, would likely be open for endless debate, but here on Swaylocks, gee, Larry… help?
kc
Ditto
and
LOL, Kevin!
Your toons are better than any of the pros’
Oneula you are right Alfred I think was involved with that but I am not sure, because it could have been another guy named Lenny Campell. Alfred is watching, maybe he can shine some light on your question. Mahalo
brilliant…still laughing my arse off
by the way, not to hijack this wonderful thread (thankyou Larry) but what is happening with the theory/experience of the propulsive force driving surfboards Mr Kasey ?
KCasey, It would be my pleasure to aswer some of your questions on the Fence Fin. The Fence Fin was designed in the Windsurfing world as a Anti-Cavitation fin. What the fences are designed to do is force the air bubbles off the fin, leaving a smooth solid water flow toward the top 3rd section of the fin, which would keep you in control at higher wind conditions. How this worked is at a speed exceeding 20 miles a hour on water, your fin creates a vacuum effect which air bubbles attach to your fin. Those air bubbles start at the belly of the board and travel toward the tail until they hit the fin, where the air bubbles stick. The fences on the side of the fin break up the air bubbles not allowing them to become one big bubble which would over take your fin causing you to loose control because you have no solid lateral support. Forcing the air off the fin and leaving smooth solid water flow at the top 3rd section allowing you to stay in control with lateral support. If you did not have that solid support of water flow the fin at one point would be surrouded by air and the top load from the sail and rider would blow the fin out sideways which is called Cavitation. The fin is a counter balance to the sail with extreme lateral forces pushing against the fin. Water flow is hitting the fin at a angle much like a keel on a sailboat never straight on like surfing .
Another thing, guys liked the feel of this fin on longboards for noseriding. I hope this answers your question KC. Mahalo
Very nice. Thanks.
… perhaps something about the slot series? No pressure, but if you’re so inclined…
kc
It lives. But why ruin a magical thread with my nonsense.
kc
oh, just been thinking about it whilst surfing…few experiences as opposed to theories…maybe new thread…no pressure.
Sorry Larry…what has happened to multi-fins systems…based in Byron Bay aren’t they…seen there fins around for years.
Kc, Be happy to give you a answer on slot fins. The slot in the fin is also a avenue for air to travel thru allowing the fin to have smooth water flow giving you lateral support which generates drive. The trick with the slot is placement and foil. Most people have their slots fairly forward, but having the slot that close to the leading edge is great for out of control conditions, but the bad thing is, you have to much tail driff side ways which takes you alittle longer to get up wind to your mark. This is why my slots are future back, because I have found that you can reach greater speeds then a person with the same fin shape with a forward slot, not to mention you have a higher angle of attack making going upwind easier. Another reason people put their slot so far forward that in production of slot fins it’s a easier way to get a 50/50 foil. Where my slot placement back makes a 50/50 foil alittle more labor intense but gives you better performance. Another important thing in having a slot fin is the right lenght and width. To deep a slot and to wide a slot causes to much water to run in at one time causing you to loose speed. To thin a slot and to short a slot acts like not having a slot at all and you Cavitate.
People also like the slot idea in surfing which acts very much like the shadow fin in a slightly stiffer feel but loser than a full foil fin. Mahalo
lennox76, Not sure what happen to Multi Fins! Lost contact with John Gougeon of Multi Fins in the early 90’s.
Kc, Dig those drawings, classic. Mahalo (-:
Quote:
Kc, Dig those drawings, classic. Mahalo (-:
Great Thread Larry…love seeing all the old fins. Especially the ones that are now being touted as new fins. I have a theory about the surf industry the last few years: There have been many things in many areas such as fin design and board design that got a few looks and may have even had a bit of popularity for a short time, but were passed on for the next thing before they could be fully explored.
I wonder what surfing would look like today had the twin or thruster never come into existence, but performance remained a goal. I bet it would be just a radical…but a bit more smooth.