Long Boarders: Kick me some knowledge please

So, per the "Tattoo, Longboard or Skimboard thread". I picked up the longboard today.... Can't wait to use it. Haven't had a true longboard since I lost mine in my cross country truck fire a couple years ago...

Anyway, mainly, I just want to know, hydro dynamic wise, what you guys think of the fins on this thing. I'm obviously going to try the board out with the current setup before I go buying or trying new fins. I have never ridden a longboard with the style center fin that is currently on it. Its a thruster setup, so it has a 9", center fin with 2 little side fins...

Pictures below...

What kind of responsiveness should I expect out of the current fins? My past longboard has just a standard style, large FCS fin as the center fin. It didn't have the crazy angle on it...

Whats up with these fins? This is a 9'2 BTW.







What the deal? Kick me some LB fin knowledge....

I will guess that a quick first response may be "Lose the side fins and go single"....

 

Ohh, and it was shaped by Bob "Ole" Olson from Maui. Apparently, he is like a big deal. Some even call this guy a Legend. Maybe Leetymike or someone over that way knows him.

 

Here is the review on the longboard house website from one of their pro team riders:

I have been surfing this fin on my nose riders, high performance long boards and everything in between for the past 10 years. It has proven itself in 2ft to 12ft, beach and point breaks, reefs and sandbars. It works equally well in a 2+1 set up as it does as a single fin. It is available from in 1 inch increments from 7 10 inches in a variety of colors.

Here is what a SC will do for your longboard, or any other surfboard:
* It will knock 3ft off of the performance handling length of the board (a 106 will handle like a 76)
* Deliver snap and explosive speed off of your turns (be prepared accelerate like a rocket)
* Head to the nose at ANY time and feel the tail stay put (even allowing you to pump and glide down the line from the nose)
* Turn, set a line and accelerate at a moments notice on the biggest waves (even when you may be late)
* Add glide and turning freedom you could only dream about.

The shape may look strange and certainly does not look like a competitive tool, but that all changes when you make your first drop, step out on the nose or lay your first cutback. The SC has won countless contests throughout the world and the podium is no stranger to those that have uncovered this gem.

Why does this funny fin work you say? This fin works purely by its design. The very narrow base (where the fin meets the board) allows water to release when you want the board to change direction quickly (and I mean lighting quick; can you say 360s). This same low drag at the fin interface to the board is what makes it so fast down the line (ever noticed the dimensional keel ratio of modern sailboats built for speed; small where it meets the hull for speed and quick tacking, large at the bottom for stability and drive). The large ball shape at the bottom of the fin is where the stability, drive and holding power comes from on heavy bottom turns at speed and when you are hanging ten over the nose. The narrow neck with the large ball shape at the end also allows the fin to flex and snap you out of your turns with tremendous acceleration; but with your complete control. Think of a dolphins tail when they whip it and how the snap of that large rear fin thrusts them forward at incredible speed.

The SC has it all and the best part is that it is in ONE fin. For most boards it works best run all the way forward in the fin box and in most cases you will never need to move it. The only minor adjustment to this is based on the relationship of the side bite fins to the center fin box on a 2+1 set up. You may not simply be able to just run the fin all the way forward, you may have to line it up in relation to the side fins. See the photo of my 2+1 set up in my C4 Waterman 106 vs. the box placement of the 2+1 set up on one of my McTavish longboard as an example. Sizing: Everyone has their preference, but the Squirrel Cutaway can actually be run smaller than expected without losing performance. I run an 8 in my 10'6 C4 Waterman SUP 2+1 set up; a 9 in my 9'8 single fin Nuuhiwa; an 8 in my McTavish 9' high performance boards 2+1 set ups and 9" or 10 in my 12' single fin Laird stand up paddle surfboard. I will be experimenting soon with a 9" and 10 in my 14' C4 Waterman Vortice race stand up paddleboard for down winders with the next swell, but I have not had the right conditions yet. So, the secret is out" .... Chip Bock

 

I will. For sure. All I need are some waves.

 

I am actually pretty good at throwin the ol' buckets around even on a 9 footer with a thurster setup. I just get way back on the board and can swing it around pretty well and with the right timing, accomplish shortboard style turns. so at first, I will probably stick to three fins until I get my bearings on it.

To me, the single fin riding is like a style thing. I am sure I will play around with it, just to have fun, but the single fin riding makes me feel like I sacrifice some technique and its more about subtle footwork and balance. I am more of a, get a sh** ton of speed and that apply a quick change of direction. Even on an LB. Thats just my personal style. I can cross step and tip toe with the best of them, but when that shoulder approaches, I want to be able to carve that thing and move some water. I just don't think single fins are suited for my current style really. Never know though. Maybe I just need to get out of my thruster paradigm.

 

Well played, you slick mo'fo.