Downwinder/Race Fins

[greatdane]

Any of you experienced racers played around much with different fins?  I still use the stock C4 that came on my Vortice, but was wondering if there are some designs that might help it track straighter?  Something longer (front to back, not base to tip) maybe?

[capobeachboy]

Yes

[greatdane]

"yes" what?

[capobeachboy]

Yes to all three.  Lot of high rake, deep windsurfer fins unless it's kelpy conditions. Which Vortice do you have?  BW or XP ?  I'd say check with Dave or Todd.

I don't think you ever told us where you paddle.  Come out and play and see what everybody is using. 

http://www.eatonsurf.com/Events.htm
http://www.paddleboard.com/events

[greatdane]

Thanks, I've got the board works XP.  I would love to come paddle with you guys, but I'm marooned up here in the Pacific Northwest.  I mostly go out and try to keep up with my friends on their OC's and Skis. Huge OC & surf ski community up here and across the border in Canada.  The SUP scene is almost non-existent though.  I'm doing my best to convert some folks. 

[capobeachboy]

That's a hot board.  You're in a big windsurf area so there's probably a surplus of 2nd hand fins around for cheap.  Get a couple and experiment.  I found a used c/f reinforced 12' high rake cutaway for $9.00.  It was probably $120 new.   

The racing scene is really growing and I'm sure there's stuff starting to happen up your way.  I remember River posting up an event at the Gorge.  I also found this cool site by some Oregon paddlers: http://standuppaddlebend.com/

The www.ta-hoenalu.com is next weekend and it's gonna be a blast.  I'll missing  a new southern hemi swell but my son & I are gonna hit some cool rivers & lakes along the way. 

If you were going to travel south for a race I'd recommend one of the Hennessey's events, Rock to Rock, or the Battle of the Paddle.

[greatdane]

I will definitely try some different fins.  Oh, and I misspoke, I have the boardworks NON XP... the heavier one.  But I think you hit the nail on the head in the other thread:  for most of my conditions, flat to 3-4 foot wind waves, I think a displacement type board, like a Bark or Hobie would actually be faster than my Vortice.  It sure seems like all that rocker is wasted in small conditions and just tends to push too much water, and not slice through it.

[DavidJohn]

Any of you experienced racers played around much with different fins?  I still use the stock C4 that came on my Vortice, but was wondering if there are some designs that might help it track straighter?  Something longer (front to back, not base to tip) maybe?

If you ever race against me I would strongly recommend some of these fins....I've heard that they're very fast.

DJ





F is for Fast... 

[greatdane]

Dj; where did you get the photos of my boards

[FB1]

There is a particular fin that alot of the Vortices and other rudderless boards were using in the Molokai race. They were very much rectangular in shape, deep and appear to have minimal rake. Any one have a link or info on these fins?

Thanks

[kurtr]

DJ: ROFL!