I’ve been surfing my 8’6" swallowtail (kinda of a speedshape) this summer with just a 9" Greenough single fin. Real fun on smaller days but I want to use it in bigger waves. The tail is about 15" with the pins about 7.5" apart. It has the 2 + 1 setup. Should I use a smaller center fin, maybe 6-7" with the sidebites, or something bigger. Also, what shape of fins? Thanks
Without photos of the board and some specks any advice would be a shot in the dark mate.
Use whatever fin config and sizing you need to hold in on bottom turns, along the face, loose enough to come off the top, and what fits your conditions.
Just personal preference, type and size of waves, kelp, your power, where you stand…
NOBODY can tell you, even YOU, exactly what fin config and size you need until you try it.
Me, I’d dump that funboard and use a semi gun, if it’s 1.5OH, but I’m light and out of shape.
For small waves, you board seems fine with your setup.
Emil,
Try the following; no sidebites, use your 9" fin set in the box with the LEADING edge of the fin 11" to 11 1/2" forward of a line from tip to tip of the swallowtail. That is the optimum placement for an 8" fin of that type. With a 9" fin you may be able to sneak the fin a little farther forward, but not much. Maybe one more inch, max.
FORWARD: easier turns, less hold/drive. BACK: stiffer,more hold/ drive. Please post back what your experience is with that board, after you play around with the fin placement.
Emil…what Halcyon and LeeDD said and, since you’re favoring singles, what Thrailkill said.
I haven’t enjoyed going single on an 8-6 Pointblanks 2+1 squash or a 7-6 Loehr half-fish swallow, both light, custom epoxy performance shapes. The boards were designed for 3 fin config and work well with both thruster and 2+1 sets, as does my 9-0, 2+1 performance longboard. Have an adventure, consider trying both set-ups. I don’t know what you’ll like best though.
Yea, This board is fun to ride as a single fin, but also with the side bites. I’ll try to post some pics so you can see the board. Lee, I’m not looking to ride this in real big overhead days, just 3-5 foot cliffs here in San Diego. I just wanted to know what you guys thought about fin sizes for a 2+1 setup. Shorter center fin with a wider base and bigger sidebites? Longer center fin, smaller sidebites? I know it’s all subjective, my height, weight, board shape etc., the way I surf, where I surf…thanks
Quote:
Shorter center fin with a wider base and bigger sidebites? Longer center fin, smaller sidebites?
my .02...
try both setups …
make some fins for it , if it has plugs .
Try different stuff , you’ll learn from it .
most of all …have fun with it !
ben