Fins 101?

Capix · Outlaw Joined: 10 May 2008 Posts: 194 City: Ft. Lauderdale

Well I just got my new board, its an Obrien Ace 137. I am a newby so I didn't feel like wasting a lot of $$$ on my first board. Today I tried it out and I found it to be better than the rentals are. But there is to much grab for the board to the water, making it a not forgiving board. The board has 4 fins one in each corner. The owner of the cable park told me to remove the fins and see how the board channels the water through the canals, he claimed it might be better.

The thing is that I don't want to loose to much traction, oh he also stated that its better to have no fins for the ramps.

I might hit the park on Thursday, do you guys have any advice one the fin situation?

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

You can definitely try removing them. I've ridden cables with no fins but you have very little traction. You might look into buying smaller fins or shaving down the ones you have.

It depends on what the natural shape of the board is on riding finless regularly. I'm not familiar with the Ace.

Capix · Outlaw Joined: 10 May 2008 Posts: 194 City: Ft. Lauderdale

I thought of Shaving them, how exactly do I do that?
You see I don't want to remove them completely, because I will loose all my traction. I rather master my board with the fins and see how it goes.

But I was thinking if they are half the size they are now, things would be completely different. Most of the guys there have either small fins or ride fin less. But I am having a hard time making it to the Bubb Rubbing turns, so I can't imagine how it would work without fins.

ChronicWakeDisorder · Newbie Joined: 14 May 2008 Posts: 9 City: Appling

Hey man, just put down about 80 bucks and get some 1.0s or something. It's not that much and you'll be surprised how much of a difference they can make.

jt09 · Ladies Man Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 22083 City: Austin

Capix, just take the fins off. if you don't like the way it rides w/o them, put them back on.

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

You need to learn how to use your edge to carve instead of your fins. If you are having trouble riding around the cable with the fins I wouldn't take the fins off yet. It takes some practice to get the toeside balance down. Once you feel comfortable on the corners you can try riding finless. You might fall on the first corner a few times but it will force you to learn how to edge properly.

If you want to shave your fins down you should be able to use a sander or grinder. If you don't have one of those buy a sanding block with sand paper. Probably about $5 at the hardware store.

Capix · Outlaw Joined: 10 May 2008 Posts: 194 City: Ft. Lauderdale

Thanks for the help, I think I am going to keep them on for a while till I get a little better. I am brand new to the sport and I want to get my toe side turns better.

I really appreciate all the input, I might consider buying metallic shorter fins later on, but first Ill try it fin less withing the next two weeks.

One more question, to buy fins online, where should I go to? and are all fins compatible with all boards?