I just got a 6’9" (11 3/4 x 19 3/4 x 13 3/4) big guy pintailed thruster. It came with G-5 FCS fins. I’m 39 years old, 6ft tall, 170lb + 5ml wetsuit.
I am new to shortboarding and have surfed this board 3-4 times. I can get up, ride and turn the board but I’m sure my technique could use a lot of improvment. That said, the board does not seem to drive and seems to ride “mush”. I’m wondering if I need more fin. I have looked at the FCS website and have read the descriptions of the different templates and I’m concerned that the G-5s are for a smaller board and rider. Any thoughts. If that is true, any suggestions on a better suited FCS fin set?
That’s kinda narrow in the tail for a big guy thruster, perhaps more of a mini-gun?
If you are new to shortboarding, it may be a while before you can feel drive. Just focus on pushing the inside rail fin outwards through turns. You should definitely be able to feel drive, but if you cannot feel it yet, changing fins will be unlikely to help.
The G-5 is a real middle of the road template. The information that you’ve given is very limited. But, if you want more drive look at the Tom Carroll or Sunny Garcia templates. My best advice is that there are stiffer stronger systems out there that really make a noticable difference especially for bigger guys and more powerful surf.
Howzit Surffish, One of my shapers Mark Angell likes the K2.1 fins for rounded pins just like the one you have. Also FCS now has their FG series fins on the market and a FG-7 might work or possibly the new hydro fin. A lot of shops will have loaner FCS fins which you can try out which will give you an idea of the difference in fin templates. Aloha,Kokua
I agree with kokua that the K2.1 is a nice template. My favorite template combination and the one Kelly rode while he had boards with Red X is X-4 sides and an X-1 trailer. It’s very similar to the K2.1. But, it’s more snappy than drivey.
well assuming you want to continue to use the board, get a set of the Rusty’s…much more drive than G5s…no question about it, regardless of other factors it will increase drive. Driving a board is not trivial and will take some practice…some waves are simply difficult to generate drive on…slow weak surf is the hardest.