I purchased a 6’4" Russel not too long ago. It’s an old school single fin with plenty of beef, V throughout with some extreme V under the finbox. It has very full rails with a tucked under edge to the finbox. The fin that came with it has a 6" base and is 8" tall. I’ve tried many combinations with the current fin and haven’t had much luck. The board definately likes a steeper wave and needs to be ridden standing further forward than your normal board. I want to experimant with some modern fin templates and could use some help in which direction to go. I was leaning towards a small based fin with a 6" height. Any suggestion would be appreciated. Oh, and has anyone heard of the shaper - Russel. Thanks in advance.
Howzit freedom, Russel's real name is Bob Brown and he owns a house in Wainiha, Kauai. He and his wife come over several times a year to kick back and enjoy the Garden Isle. He's a great guy and I try to go see him when ever he's in town. Even though he's the owner he still is hands on in his factory in Costa Mesa. Aloha,Kokua
Try it…
Prolly you surf waves waaaay to slow and small for the board.
Most guys use about an 8" fin on the old singles, but push it up so leading edge is under back foot.
Worse that can happen is you spin out a million times until you realize the fin is too small, so you learn something.
Best that can happen is that you really like the 6" tall fin, and go your merry way.
Cool. So he does still shape. Where do they sell his boards at?
Thanks for the advice. Yeah, I usually surf Sunset Cliffs and it generally is a mushy wave but like anywhere it gets really good during the right time of year. I’ll try the 6" and also a 7.5" I have lying around. Moving the fin forward in a single fin design will generally loosen the board up right? Thanks again.
NEWPORT BEACH,NEWPORT BLVD ON THE LEFT GOING TOWARD THE PEIR…
take the board if its at all possible…phone russell in advance he’ll be able to tell ya everything you need to know…
…ambrose…
Thanks bro. Is the name of the shop the same? Next time I’m up in that area I’ll have to stop in.
Howzit freedom, Yep just look for the RUSSEL SURFBOARDS sign. This is the retail sales shop.Aloha,Kokua
Hey freedom,
With some photos, if you can manage them,I may be able to steer you in a good direction.
Good Waves, Rich
I’ll try to post some over the weekend. Thanks again.
Many people regard Greenough’s 70s fins as the best shortboard fin…ever.
1967,spring vintage was my personal fav
…ambrose…
Picked up this board from my brother today. It’s been laying around for over ten years.
Logo on deck with three people says “We Dig Russell’s Boards”. No other markings or logos.
Measures aprox. 7’4" x 19 1/2" x 3 1/4. Very thick all the way out to the rail.
Overall poor condition but I will bring it back to life someday. Could this be the same Russell ?
