fin selection

[schakleton]

Hi,

I have a Techno 283 ( 46 cm fin!!!) and got a 6.0 sail: should I get a smaller fin? or it doesnt matter? ( since im a beginner maybe i wont notice any difference...)

Tks

[spyder]

this is a wide board that needs a lot of fin to get it up and planing.

keep the fin for now, and change to smaller if you are fin walking. This board is made for light wind, big sails (6.0-10.0).

[juanlema]

Thank you once more, Spyder ( for both answers)!

[schakleton]

Thank you, man.

If you get back here pls, tell me what this fin walking feels like...

[Homer55]

From my experiences fin walking is that since your fin is so big and your are going so fast that only the fin and a small surface around it are touching the water, this can be fun but its hard to control and you will spin out in the water alot.
It also means you need to switch to a smaller fin.

Perhaps spyder will provide more insite...

[hamblett]

A Fin Walk is also known as a Tail Walk and from my experience happens when the flow across the fin causes so much lift that it wants to raise the tail of the board up and out of the water (speed has a lot to do with this). Switching to a smaller fin reduces this lift and makes the tail of the board much easier to control. Depending on the board, sail, technique, conditions, etc., it also reduces the amount of time to get onto a plane.

Having harness lines set too far forward can cause spin out as well (a tip I learned from a Peter Hart video). In the past I personally was setting my harness lines too far forward (causing me to spin out a lot) and this single tip has made the world of difference!

Watching some guys tail walk on purpose is a sight to behold, I can assure you. 15+ yards with the nose of the board above their heads is a testament to proper tuning, speed and control.

Good luck in your sailing endeavors!