Most are 3 fins today - but I see some with 4 also ?

Any advantages in light wind sometimes with 4, or ?

3 has better control and easier for the rider yes.


Or do all change to 3 in all conditions now ?

Peter

To me 3 or 4 fins is still too much

Windsurf raceboards have one fin (very long 50 to 60)
Kitesurf raceboards should evolved in the future towards two fins (medium size 25 to 30)

Design a more efficient board bottom shape and outline and minimize the fin amount to two

I ride a very efficient Freerace ( 165cm x 48.5) North twin fin (14cm) on all points of sail
2 fins have less drag , easier on your legs and turns on a dime

I am riding a little 5´6 Quad and it seems to have a little advantage going upwind than the previous board I rode, is this correct? Seems like I can really point it upwind at a better angle than the thruster, comments anyone?

I think there is some upwind drive advantage to 4, but down wind it is crazy... 3 Seems to be the middle ground.

Racing or wave boards ?
Big differences there
Nico

Raceboards only of course (as this is a raceboard/kite forum)

I know generally what the differences are between the setups and control/performance - but curious what is used in competitions around the world nowadays - in what conditions ?

Although - I suspect that 3 is used even where 4 would work - simply because "knowing your gear" is the most essential, and 3 has many control advantages.

Not too sure we will ever see a "one deep fin" raceboard that works best ?


As a kitesurf board is extremely different from windsurf, because there is no mast foot pressure and control/leverage this way - so the more forward fins are actually to give this control and "no-bouncing", and to stop too extreme fin torque

I dont know - we might get there, but not sure we will end up with a one fin raceboard.

Time will tell

Peter

There used to be a video on Youtube of Alex Aguera talking about the World Championships at Corpus Christi in 2010 at which he was competing. Conditions were very tricky with strong winds and steep short period chop. Alex used the tri-fin for a greater chance of completing the course.

As best I remember, he said that on the Aguera 59, there was a slight advantage with 4 fins upwind in light wind, but the tri-fin gained in control off the wind. Adam Koch won and the first 3 boards were Aguera 59 quads.
From what I have read, quads are stiffer - ie. harder to turn - as you would expect.

Bryan Lake (3rd in Sylt last worlds) has been light wind training here in San Diego this winter and from the chat it is 3 fins all the way. He rides Mike's Lab. Fins are well tuned in now-days so I guess there is more to loose than to gain with 4.
When he joined in a local light wind formula windsurfing race, the comments from windsurfers were "he finished the course by the time we got to first mark" or "we got schooled in light wind racing by a kiter". So I guess his upwind light wind performance is pretty good

if you watch the video interveiw in Kiteboarder mag from Poulo Rista ( fin maker ) the discussions are no longer about 3 or 4 fins, now It's all about getting the right ( 3 ) fins for your size and abilities.

Control is, as in all things, very important and the three fin designs you see now were the break through that has allowed the higher consistent speeds you now see these racers attain.............