Sanding down fins to make them safer

[supcymru]

Following reading about the death of a SUPer due to a terrible accident with his fin, many of you mentioned that you sand down your fins. I am tempted to do this but was hoping that some of you would be kind enough to explain how to make the fins safer by sanding them.
Diolch/Thanks.

[SUPJorge]

I second this request. I suffered a fin cut in May that took 6 weeks to heal. Maybe someone from the "old guard" can walk us newbs though the materials (#grit) and process (the whole  fin?)?
 Thanks

[bajasurf]

Skeg cut from my longboard...

I sanded all my fins down to a dull edge after that.  A local shaper said the trailing egde is the most important, but I sanded all of my fins round on the edges, just enough to dull them.  I just used #220 until I got the desired edge, the coated them with a shot of clear spray paint.  I am an advanced surfer and never noticed the difference.

If you are worried, and I am, PRO-TECK fins are the best bet. I currently glass on all my fins, but the first fin boxes I use,  I will probably be using Pro-Teck

[PonoBill]

That's a bit messy. 220 is a good choice. You can just fold it over the edge and work away to smooth out anything sharp. No need to spray, the sanded finish as as good or better than glossy.

[paidmydues]

I think that while sanding away sharp edges can certainly help,it will not be enough to avoid a cut or puncture when the board hits you with enough force,which happens when you surf,being that fins are hard.So is the board.Surfing is just plain dangerous.But too much fun to abstain.

[surfcowboy]

It's just a little to lower the potential for damage. In the end, it's just less of a risk, not "no risk."

[SUPJorge]

Thanks guys.

[supcymru]

Thanks for the tips-much appreciated!

[coldsup]

Yup - I just took a very small bit of smooth sandpaper and rubbed it on the edge so it feels a little bit duller - not too much but enough to be noticeable. If you just rub up and down or across on the actual edge (not getting the sides) only you will blunt it. Won't make a difference in performance to the likes of me but might lessen the probability of a nasty gash. Worth a go anyway.

Never seen the Protek fins in the UK - think Seabase have some - but not sure if they have ones that would suit my SUP. I'll stick with the Gerry Lopez ones.