Hi I picked up a barely used mid length type of board (8’4" x 21.625 x 3.125) wing swallow set up as a 2 plus 1 . Shaped by Brian Bulkley -seems to have lower nose /entry rocker (under 5") and about 3" at the tail
I was trying to figure out the fins and noticed the tail is not only pulled in, but thin too. (tail width is about 13.25, with channels behind the side fins)
Do thinner tails (because they will bite easier) need less fin?
I was going to start with 3.25 side bites and a 6 .5 cutaway and see how that goes, may go to a 7" greenough 4a
Interested in comments or suggestions
I will be riding it in East Coast beachbreak (outer banks)
Wow, what a nice looking board! I have no idea on the fins. I use an 8" single fin in my 8’4" pintail that I really like, but I never use side bites, and your board looks like it’s designed to use those rail fins, maybe even work as a tri fin, 3 thruster size fins. I hope you get it figured out, cuz that board looks to me like you could have a lot of fun with it once you do.
I agree about thinking it was designed as a multi fin and was wondering the same thing about 3 equal sized fins, but the side bites are @ 15 inches (approx) and that seemed a litle far up for a thruster type set up.
I was rereading some of the threads that talk abot tail area and how fin sizes/area relate to that (ie more area more fin needed) which was why I thinking a thinner narrower tail might work best with smaller fins
Nice looking board - I’ll let someone else advise you on the fins - I suggest keeping that board out of the sun. Dark boards get really hot very quickly and on a hot day in direct sun can delaminate in a few minutes. Great shape though. I like the forward foil.
IMO, if you like that set-up, an MDT (Rainbow) or fiberglass FCS Connect PG might fine tune it a bit. My exp with cutaway fins of that type (though mostly with the Futures cutaway) is that it’s very adaptable – like the MR-TFX set is very adaptable. Like the MR-TFX, though it’ll be acceptable and better than many combos on many boards, but will almost never be the absolute best once all options have been explored.
Rich (Halcyon) makes a 2+1 set called “JPR” that would also probably be great, if you like that cutaway set-up. I ride his JPR fronts on almost all 2+1s, and I’m on a 2+1 and Twinzer kick for a while, now.
I’m not, and don’t claim to be an expert. Just my findings.
I got the board out in some mediocrre chest high windswell, clean and a bit of fun. Happy with the way the board paddles and catches waves, the fin set up worked pretty well but seemed to lack a bit of drive when pushing to get ahead of sections, and seemed to lose speed on cutbacks. Not the best day or time of year (48degree water) to suss it out but oh well
I think I am going to try a raked 6inch fin with the 3.5 sidebites to see if it improves those points
I’ll just say that you found yourself a real gem. Brian is one of the best Shapers still doing it. On the West Coast his boards can be seen at Basham’s. Rare that the board has color. Most of the ones I have seen are clear. If you are looking for a high performance surfboard that can handle any wave, Brian shapes one of the best. An unrecognized and not enough credit given shaper. Has a steady gig with Lost and shapes under his own name. Did the Evo/Evolution boards for Wayne Lynch on the West Coast. Works out of Brad’s. Had a little health scare recently, but was given a clean bill of health by a 2nd doctor. Good guy, Great shaper and I wish him the best. Lowel
Just to add to what’s already been said, when I look at this board I draw a blank, in part because the board itself is wide but with the step-down wing/waist the tail is like an exaggerated LB version of a flyer. Usually, with a narrow ol skool tail (less stubbed, more gradual curve, but big step down overall in width from widest point along the continuous rail line to the pulled tail), you are talking smaller fins or a layout that’s further up. Because the board itself isn’t narrow – it’s wide, compared to the tail contours – I have no idea what would work best, but probably you want to get your fronts to release water of their rear edge in coordination with the hips, and then go a bit lower aspect (but not necessarily shorter base length?) while being further toward the nose than normal for the same length (compared to a board that isn’t as pulled in).
One thing worth saying: there are very accomplished/famous shapers who know little to nothing about these concerns. You want the input of a fin specialist, and there are not that many of them who really know their ****.
Maybe it’s just me, but I would be tempted to try it as a single fin without the sides. Just cuz I do like single fin boards, and it has that big slot in the middle, lol.
I just realized it has the channels it has… If not for that, if it were straight panel bottom (maybe with double barrels in the panels), I would expect it to be a little inherently washy without sides, especially for a heavier (220 lbs or so) rider. With the channels, maybe a very flexy Greenough style with a longer base than some of the classic Greenough fins?
Thanks for all the feedback, great to be able to tap into the collective knowledge on Swaylocks - the reason I keep coming back
McDing you are absolutely right Brian is a great shaper- I’ve had a few of his boards through the years -all great performers. 1 in particular, asked him for something like a Rusty Desert Island - he made me a 8’0" he called a Hot Doggy Daddy - one of my favorite boards ever - kinda what I was thinking of when I saw this one. Didnt know about his health scare, glad to hear he’s good. I actually sent him some pictures of this board and he gave me a bit of background on the guy who ordered it (and a few like it)
Batfische - youve given me some good ideas to work with - Ill let you know how the experimenting goes. And I can always try the single fin option, but that seems just too simple hahaha
Right know the weather is beautiful but there are no waves to speak of. Working out board/fin combos during winter in the Mid Atlantic is not the best planning haha
I’ll keep updates as I get opportunities, I am always wondering how things work out when I read questions that get posted.
