Faster and More Maneuverable - Thruster Skeg Set-up Question?

Question

I have an 8'6" funboard with a thruster set-up and I'm looking for more speed and maneuverability since I really only ride it on small Summer sets.

Should I go with a longer trailer fin, propulsion fin or stick with the standard size skeg for all three?

Also, I have EPS skegs now, but any brand or size recommendations would be apprecaited.

Answer 1

First off, please don't call them skegs.  They're just called fins now.

Fins basically create drag. One must remember that the tri-fin array, on any surfboard, is only "faster" if it is pumped or rapidly turned from rail to rail. In a straight-line trim the tri-fins are just so much drag. If the leverage and torque that they offer the surfer aren't exploited with a more active surfing style, then they are wasted or misapplied.

If you want pure speed going straight, try a single-fin setup.  At 8'6", and since I don't know the other dimensions of your board, I'll give you a more generalized explanation.

You didn't mention which fin fastening system you have on your board, but it sounds as if it is set up to be a "2 X 1". Also known as a "2 + 1", or a "single fin with training wheels", this array is composed of a larger single fin in a center box, supplemented with smaller, Thruster-like side fins set on the rails up from the center fin.

There are far too many combinations of fin sizes and placements to accurately describe, but the most common set-up seems to be a center fin box holding some sort of 6" to 8" single fin. Side fins are sometimes glassed-on, but the FCS plugs and the "GL" template fins seem to be more widely used.

I always recommend the "2 X1" or "single fin w/ training wheels" set-up to any surfer who isn't 100 percent certain of the type of setup he or she wants.

To summarize, the single-fin longboard seems best suited to those who want to trim, glide and perform sweeping turns that the stable yet pivotal feel of the single fin allows. If you enjoy the friskier, "oomph" surfing, or as the locals call it in Hawaii, "wing-wang" surfing, go for a multi-fin longboard, with the "2 X 1" being a pretty reliable compromise if you are stuck on the fence.

But since your board is an 8'6" instead of a true longboard, I'd go for a 2x1 set up, with a cutaway center fin.

As you have the flexibility of riding with any of the three configurations, try them all out!  If you don't like how it feels, at least you tried it yeah?

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

there is a fin out now for longboards that is supposed those big moving sidewalks really fly - it's called the "turbo tunnel fin".  Here's a posting for one on ebay: <>http://cgi.ebay.com/Turbo-Tunnel-Fin-Bla...

Now, I don't really longboard, and I've never seen one of these (except in a shop), let alone ridden with one, but they look cool and the concept makes sense.  If you get one, let me know how it worked for you.  Peace.