fin configuration on a wave board

jeffreyc · Since 23 Aug 2006 43 Posts

I have a Naish custom SS wave 5'4" with quad fins. It came with 2 short and 2 long fins.

Is it better to put the long in the back or in the front????

The short fins are about 4" and the long are 5". The back fins are just aft of the middle of the back foot.

Curious about the rational behind your opinion...

Chooch · Fri Nov 07, 08 9:32 pm

Either set of fins flat on one side at the finbox? I know that with my Quad the two front fins are centerd on the fin box, and my two rear fins are flat on the inside (both flat sections are facing in) Don't have any knowledge on length though. Embarassed

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Usually on quad surfboards the longer fins are closer to the nose of the board and the shorter fins are closer to the tail. Essentially you're replacing the middle fin on a thruster configuration with two smaller fins. You can probably use them the other way around and you'll get a ton of drive, but also more drag.

vangondc · Sat Nov 08, 08 7:05 am

I like to think of the fins as both a pivot point and the feathers on an arrow. With the longer fins up front it allows you to pivot the board around it. This is also where it is most comforatable for carving turns. I think if you put the fins in the back it would turn more like a long board with one big fin in the back, more about just holding you position on the wave than carves. The back fins also help with side to side stability by helping to keep the board going through the water in the direction the fins are pointing, kind of like little rudders, think sailboat. If you go with out the back fins you will notice that the tail will loose some of its stability in a hard carving turn and start to slide out. A buddy of mine loves this looseness but I like the positive hold of a thruster in my turns. Comes from my child hood growing up at the beach being very agressive and compeating with my buddies. I would love for you to try out different configuration and the tell us about them. I have only use a quad a few times and have found that the carve up wind like a machine.