Where do you place your longboard fin?

Archive 1999-2004
1

I just got a new 9’6 and want to change out the fin. I’m looking for a fin that I can ride the nose even hang 5 or 10. What kind of fin should I be looking for and where do I place it exactly in the box? I see it’s adjustable. Thanks for the help in advanced. Villa

2

Is there a little v in the tail? Maybe try a vertical fin like from a Nuuhiwa Lightweight template around 11" in depth. Place it so the furthest aft tip of the trailing edge is no more than 3 1/2" away from the beginning of the stringer. Flush is a good rule of thumb for this fin, but for optimal conditions, up to 3 1/2". Don’t be scared of the size, I’ve found these fins to work great on boards as small as 9’0.

3

I like a fin that is more than one dimentioal. Your board will perform better in surf w/ more push. Unless your surfing waves that a small and gutless, stay w/ a fin for all conditions and practice your footwork and chops. Those big, stiff noseriding fins really suck for other aspects of surfing. Get your moves down with a lower volume fin and enjoy.

4

Hey Villa, Fin choice can be a very confusing issue. They are as many opinions as there are surfers. It’s best to start with something that is tried and true and sized to your board. Something close to The fin that Hap Jacobs http://www.hapjacobssurf.com/ supplies with his longboards would be a great place to start. IMHO the guy makes as good a longboard as anybody in the world so chances are the fin of his own design has to be as good a place to start as anywhere. The fin that came with my 9’10" signature model is 9.0" deep. I’d start there. If you can’t get a fin from Hap. A 9.0" California classic would be a good choice. http://www.trueames.com/californiaclassic.htm Off to the fin shop, Rich

5

I prefer to put the fin on the bottom of the board. Putting the fin on the top is not only dangerous, but doesn’t provide the drag needed to keep the board on a straight line. Seriously, though, the wingnut big daddy is the best noseriding fin, in my opinion. Don’t buy that Turbo Tunnel crap. It totally hinders your ability to turn.