Surfboard with what looks like plastic fins

[frankm1960]

I've got this surfboard... it's designed for kitesurfing.

The fins look and feel like plastic... not G10 or fiberglass... and they are very flexible.. I can easily deflect them a 1/2" to one side or the other. They're as tight in the board as I can get them.

When I get any speed at all on the board I feel a drag develop from the fins.

I'm just wondering if this drag is due to the flex in the fins.

Any one out there with a similar board/experience?

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[aeberl]

Fins that are too flexible tend to vibrate end thus generate a lot of drag.

[zfennell]

it what way do you believe it is designed for kite-surfing ?

looks a lot like a normal surfboard.

urethane foam
single stringer
fin plugs

are fins angled towards nose?
wave rocker or flat water rocker?
sharp rails or round rails?
when going 'fast" are you riding the board 'flat' or digging in your heels to go upwind?

surfboards generally like to travel at the speed of the wave which is often at odds with whats good for a kite board

just askin'

[frankm1960]

I got it from a kitesurf shop here... the board has inserts for for straps etc so it was definitely meant for kitesurfing...

The fins do point towards the nose of the board.
I would say the rails are rounded and has some good rocker. I try ride the board flat on beam reach and dig in the heals a bit when tacking up wind. I can't remember which point of sail the drag occurs or if it's only speed related. I get on a good plane and then it starts it seems.

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[mike dubs]

Because it has a liquid force logo under the top coat.

Plastic fins are cheap and do flex.

They are FCS and you can buy some stiff glass ones to replace them.

It will make a difference.

Mike

[zfennell]

i've got a 6' round tail thruster.
fiberglass, glass-on fins.
started life as a surfboard.

pretty good surfboard, but a dog when it comes to drag racing.


your board doesn't show signs of heel dents yet.
if so, a good indication that you have extra glass on the deck.
otherwise i would be afraid to lock-in tight to your inserts.

no harm in trying other fins, that's why they make them.
but dont get your hopes up too much.
-bill

[Brent4336]

definitely spend the 80 bucks on a new set of glass fins.

You can learn just fine on plastic ones, but you will bring out that boards potential much more with a decent set of fins.

[frankm1960]

I'll see if I can find something on ebay. Thanks everyone.

Good winds

[sfpete]

Plastic fins are fine. If you can deflect them a half inch then they are probably for a foamie for a beginner. You can replace them and even if you do it with proper (and cheap) plastic ones they won't deflect like that.

[Nico]

I got a set of those in a custom keith teboul board, and they work just fine with that board.
Nico