I have a Javelin 14' that I use for everything from flat water racing, long distance touring and downwinders (I love the board!).
I know the Javelin is not ideal for downwinders, but I don't have room (nor cash) enough to get myself a specific board for that purpose.
Until now I have been using the dagger style stock fin on my Javelin, but I want to get myself a fin that handles choppy waters, seaweed and downwinders better.
I just bought a Futures Weed Fin 10", but I feel unsure if is the right choice for my needs and I don't want to test it before I get some second opinions, as the fin is bloody expensive here in Denmark. If you can advice me on an alternative Futures fin it would be great, as I'd be able to swop back the Weed Fin for an alternative model from the same shop. http://www.futuresfins.com/catalog/FUTURES_2012_SUP_LINE.pdf
Thanks in advance for your advice
Yo SUP Viking, If you are limited to the Futures line up I'd choose the Triangle Cut-away 52 - it has enough angle in the rake to work as a weed-fin and it will track nicely due to large area in tip of fin. It's not ideal for smooth downwind conditions, but if you are downwinding in DK then you'll most likely have very short swell period with a lot of chop and then that fin will help with stability.
The Javelin is great for downwinds if you can balance the board - I'm using it more and more for downwinds.
Hi Peter
Thanks for your advice. Your very right about the downwind conditions we have here in DK, short and bumpy;-)
I'm glad to hear your using your Javelin for downwinders too!
If you where to choose a fin for this purpose outside the Futures line up, what would you go for as the ideal choice?
Does my weight have any effect on what size of fin I should choose? (I'm 70kg)
or is it just always better to go for more area/stability when the fin should be used in choppy conditions?
Thanks again!
Welcome to The Breeze.. IMO.. you can't go wrong using the big Naish 10 1/2" dolphin shaped fin that comes standard on the 11'6" Nalu.. It will offer better stability and performance than the standard Naish dagger fin that comes on the Javelin with the added advantage of being able to drag it through the sand in the shallows and the board will also surf better on runners.
DJ
I use the std Dolphin 10.5 fin that DJ is recommending - but it wont shed weed. For flatwater I'm using a Black Project 28.5cm weed - very little drag but not much help with stability.
Once again a big thank you both for sharing your experiences with me. Really helpful! I'll search for a dolphin shaped fin similar to the 10 1/2" naish fin, but a bit smaller to fit my weight.
Judging from your comments I guess I'll need 2 fins.
1 dolphin shaped fin to gain stability and surfing ability for downwinders and choppy conditions, and one triangle cutaway to shed seaweed close to shore.
@Peter: If I'm to buy two fins, would you still recommend the Triangle cutaway 52 or would you go for a smaller fin with similar rake but less area?
I'm thinking the Small Keel or the Small Triangle Cutaway?
Cheers
Philip
Two fins would be ideal - if you want to save money I'd go and raid a windsurf shop for some old fins, I 'm sure there will be some that will work - the Futures look nice are supposedly light, but you pay.
Held og lykke med jagten - jeg er selv fra DK....
