For my first board project I made a fish out of an old board.It is the classic style fish(lis,brom ect…) I have scoured the archives and want a definite answer.I am ready to shape the rails but need the fin locations before starting.Through the archives-I read about 1-1/2"(trailing edge) off the rail and about 7-1/2" from the tips,problem is my board is only 4’11" (what I ended up with after removing glass and free forming an outline,foiling.)and the smallest fish I saw was 6’0, so do these numbers still sound right? I am going to use 7"x5" original style fins.Any fish shapers with some input? My little girl will have to be the test pilot! Thanks for any info…
Sean: My thoughts are that given the rider/weight and probable surf conditions you might want to modify your numbers. The 5x7 keel fins are great for an experienced rider in the 150-175lb. range on a 5’8"- 6’0" Fish. With your 4’11" length and your young rider you might consider a lower volume fin pushed further up. I ride a 6’2" retro style fish outline with 5x7 keels. For my average surf conditions a trailing edge placement of 8.5" works well. (board is N-17 M-21.0 T-17.0, toe in at 1/8"-1/4" and 4 degree cant, 1 1/4"-1 1/2" off rail) If you use an adjustable/removable fin system, RedX, LokBox, Edge etc. you can tune the fin setup to best suit the rider’s rapid growth and progression. Good luck, nothing like watching a young one progress!
…thanks. SW
great advice from Tom ! Keep it simple and then build another for yourself to match your doughters … yOU MIGHT EVEN THINK ABOUT TAKING THE SHAPED blank to a professinal glass shop to finish the board and fins ? Aloha , Edge Fins, Kauai ! http://www.edgefins.kauaistyle.com
…Thanks Clyde,I certainly will have it glassed by a pro for a while.Its enough just to think about getting the shape I am after. I am anxious to start mine,as you said a blow-up of this one is a great idea.Appreciate the advice…peace and waves…