Ok, I did it again…. This time I asked AI “what is a Skeg?” The reason I asked was because in the early 1060’s when I started surfing the fin on a surfboard was often called a skeg.

So  this is the answer: A skeg is a sternward extension of a vessel's keel or a fin-like structure designed to provide directional stability, improve tracking, and protect the rudder and propeller from underwater obstructions. In sailboats and ships, it typically projects downward from the hull near the stern, supporting the rudder and shielding it from damage, though it can result in heavier steering and increased drag. On kayaks, skegs are retractable fins that reduce lateral drift in wind or currents without steering the boat, while on surfboards and snowmobiles, the term refers to rear fins or wear-bars that enhance control and stability.

Fins, or Skegs during those early days where glassed on to and permanently attached to the board. Though by the mid 60’s removable fins set ups were beginning to develop and become available. By the 1990’s the removable fins were for the most part standard issue in surfboard production.

The early 1960’s fins were often made of wood. Wood being easily acquired and various pieces of wood glued together made for a unique artistic addition to the craft of making surfboards.

My first surfboard had a wood fin that I made myself. The trick with making a wood fin was getting your pieces of wood around 3/8’s of an inch thick. For me at the time I had a wood shop class so was able to use the planer to mill the thickness down to what was desired. The result though not fancy it was suitable.

I’ve made a few wood fins for my model 50. It takes time and effort but adds creative interest

The past couple weeks I saw a surfboard being offered at the https://www.thevintagesurfauctions.com,  that was built by a guy I worked with at Morey-Pope, Richard Deese. Before he worked for MP he had a company in the South Bay. He developed what he called a tunnel fin

AI came up with this info on Richard

Richard Deese was a legendary surfboard shaper and pioneer who invented the tunnel fin in the 1960s, Tunnel fins were invented by Rchard and were found on long boards by multiple manufactures of that era.. Deese’s innovations and mentorship helped shape the evolution of surfboard design from the longboard era into the short board revolution.

I’ve always respected Richard’s surfboard craft abilities. The board and the fin on this board really shows that.

D.R.