Twin fin Boards in SoCal waters

allen · Joined: 13 Aug 1996 Posts: 237

I was considering getting a Hi-Fly 115L twin fin for use in the LA area (mostly Cabrillo) but I'm concerned about the weed/kelp issue. It seems the twin fin concept would be far worse than a single fin in trying to shed the ubiquitous Cabrillo/Leo kelp. Has anyone tried twin fins in the LA area and if so, are they better, worse or the same as single fins in dealing w/kelp.

Thanks.

laci · Joined: 22 May 1996 Posts: 180 Location: SoCal&the Gorge

I had a 135l HiFly twin fin that I used in very light air. After experimenting with different fin setups I settled on a pair of Orca surf weed fins made by Gsport. They worked very well, shed all the eel grass and kelp I ever encountered at Secos or County, and I rode waves on them all the time. I'm kind of sorry I ever sold that board; I've replaced it with a SUP board that can be sailed, which is great for shlogging out to waves, but it doesn't work for planing in light air like the HiFly.

PS. I still have those fins, if you are interested.

noflyzoneallstar · Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 22 Location: LA

I had a Madd 115 for a couple of years in the LA area (mostly Cabrillo) and it worked just fine. Vs. weeds, it's not really any better or worse than a single-fin board and the compromises you face with weed fin vs. no weed fin. You'll catch and shed/not shed about the same quantity of weeds, with the same sailing effect, as a single fin.

It is a significant pain in the ass to have to spend twice as much to add anything to your fin quiver and it is a little tricky initially figuring out the right size fins for given sail/wind combos.

I felt the 115 was a great all-around board that just happened to have 2 fins. Only sold it because it was a little bigger than I needed and a big jump down to my 85L.