Notes on the maiden voyage of the twin fin hull.

The surf was not really what I was planning on for the first surf on this board. But, the crowd was light with clean conditions and some shoulder high waves… the opportunity seemed good enough. So yesterday I decided to give it a go.

The fins on the board have no cant or toe so right off you don’t feel the usual fin drag. And because of the shape and placement of the fins the board has little drive off the fins… that was planned.

Once I found my feet and had a wave with a long enough wall to ride down to engage the rail then I found the board to work as I had hoped. Fluid drive down the line and velvet movement from rail to rail with no loss of speed. I found a few waves to get a half way decent turn back on which went well but never had enough wave face or power for a good strong redirect… it redirected fine but would like more water for the moves.

All in all I’m pleased. The board paddles great, catches waves well and has a really good feel in the water and in the surf.

What is the difference between a regular single fin hull and the twin fin? The normal hull is a rail machine and utilizes the fin for punch and drive. One of the best things in riding one is the amount of weight you can push into a bottom turn, driving way out on the bottom of a wave and laying as much as you’ve got into a turn. The dynamic of rail, fin a full weight is power. As the board comes out of the turn and you un-weight you are sling shot down the line. The fin dynamic is changed with the twin fin. The flex and drive off the fin is not there. Well… there is drive off the fins but it comes when the outside fin releases, so the power in the turn seems to have a very fluid feel. Instead of a sling shot you receive an engaged and steady thrust.

On initial go out I’ll say this board has a smooth feel and almost effortless engagement. I also think it will work best in waves with 5 to 7 foot faces… We shall see.

D.R.