Fin for Blair

[dre1536]

Have a 9'6" Blair wave SUP. 2+1 fin set-up works great in waves but want to occasionally use in flat water and looking for flat water fin suggestions. I know the shape of board is not ideal for flat water but I suspect it will work OK if I change the fin.

[Mmac]

Yea, I had one of those and that board works really well with a single fin on flat water (much better than the thruster set up).  I picked up a nice single fin of about 9.75" on ebay.

[supdiscobay]

You don't even need to take the sidebites out.  Just use a standard longboard style surf fin.  I would get as cheap as you can, cause the board works fine for flatwater, and speed isn't the issue, its staying as straight as you can and minimizing yaw. Changing paddle sides every two strokes isn't fun after awhile.

[dre1536]

The side bites are pigeon toed. My plan was to remove them for flat water because I’m assuming they slow the board and impact straight line tracking. Another thing is, Blair uses windsurfing boxes vs. traditional surf box. Minor difference, but you should use a small wedge with regular surf fins; otherwise the fin has a slight wobble at the box. I have some True Ames wave sailing fins that don’t wobble. Posted here because I was looking for ideas to improve flat water performance. If I end-up liking that type of SUPing, will probably get something designed for it.

[supdiscobay]

Trying to get a 9'6" surf sup to be an efficient flat water board will never happen.  My 9'6" Blair worked fine for flat water, and I never replaced the center fin.  It made for a good work out.  If you want a faster more efficient flat water board, then buy one.
Also, I have never had a problem with the center fin wobbling in the box.  I just checked several un-used mast/fin boxes I had in storage from way back when I was building windsurf boards and there is no difference in the slot width between those and my regular longboards.
I have always had to either shim or sand a little to get fins to fit tight, with center boxes.  Its not the box, its the fins.
I really think the best you can do is take the side bites out and put in a 9.5" fin and shim it if you have to.

[Larry Allison]

The side bites are pigeon toed. My plan was to remove them for flat water because I’m assuming they slow the board and impact straight line tracking. Another thing is, Blair uses windsurfing boxes vs. traditional surf box. Minor difference, but you should use a small wedge with regular surf fins; otherwise the fin has a slight wobble at the box. I have some True Ames wave sailing fins that don’t wobble. Posted here because I was looking for ideas to improve flat water performance. If I end-up liking that type of SUPing, will probably get something designed for it.

Dre, You are right the side fins are over toed and in flat water it will feel like you are towing another person behind you not to forget the yawing of the board because of over toed fins which are for responding on a wave. In the pic below, the front Bat Fin in my new HDM molded Tech at suggested Retail $60.00 with Standup bro price special upon request is on a 10'6". The back orange board has a 6.50 Lunar HDM Keel Height by 9" Base, that board is 9'6". Mahalo,Larry

[dre1536]

Agree the Blair is not designed for flat water performance. Frankly, I am not sure I’ll even get into that type of paddling. If I do, guess that means another board. For now, I’m willing to get a new fin if it’s worth it.
Larry, it sounds like you have something that will help. Can we talk on the phone? If that works, please get me your number. I've always wanted to try your fins.

[Larry Allison]

Agree the Blair is not designed for flat water performance. Frankly, I am not sure I’ll even get into that type of paddling. If I do, guess that means another board. For now, I’m willing to get a new fin if it’s worth it.
Larry, it sounds like you have something that will help. Can we talk on the phone? If that works, please get me your number. I've always wanted to try your fins.

Call me at the factory 310-530-1383. Mahalo

[dre1536]

Hey Larry
Just sent $ on Paypal for the Thresher. Thanks for the great follow-up and quick turn around. Should have it Monday and can't wait to try it.
Mark

[Larry Allison]

Thanks, Here's a peak at your new Thresher Fin. Mahalo,Larry

[Larry Allison]

This pic is posted in reply to a fellow Zone member requesting a fin for a 8'10" Blair, a GT Moray. Mahalo,Larry