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grgd said..
There is a review of Quobba fins on Supboarder. Pretty much a distillation of everything Colas has been saying here for years.

Yup, here is a small sample, which is quite interesting because:
[1] The Quobba magic may not reveal itself on the first sessions
[2] If he did not had other testers to warn him, and if he did not try different sizes, he would just have dismissed the Quobba as not working. This is very important to remember: reviews can be totally wrong, and testing gear for just some sessions without trying to experiment new settings or others way to surf can be quite misleading...


"Quobba fins are game changing
The whole lift and stability you get when using Quobba fins, it's incredible.
Myself and the team here at SUPBoarder have been riding Quobba fins for the past couple of months
[...]
During my first few sessions in Australia with the Quobba fins, my skepticism was confirmed because I wasn't really getting along with them.
I really like to ride large size fins. That gives me a lot of hold. I enjoy a lot more hold when surfing to be able to do bigger turns and bigger carves.
Initially when I grabbed the Quobba fins, I grabbed the large set, stuck them in my board and although I noticed maybe an incremental difference in speed, I felt a bit sticky, and what I mean is when going into a turn I thought the board would just stall a little bit...
[..] I just felt like it wasn't working
Meanwhile I was getting reports from Reuben and Lucy in the UK that they were blown away "they give me so much stability and hold, they feel faster, and make the feel the board surf easier"
Actually My fins were too big, by using Large fronts and a Medium center it transformed how I was surfing: it was faster with lots of stability and control
[...]
Noseriding on the starboard longboard SUP was much stabler with Quobba sides"

I don't know how much to trust the speed estimates on Apple Watch/Dawn Patrol, but I don't see a difference when I switch fins, but do notice higher max speed when I use 9' instead of 8' board (in similar surf), even though it can feel faster sometimes pumping the 8'. Lots of confounding factors, like the line you surf with each board and how watch measures distance, but just curious if anyone is seeing their feeling of speed (with Q fins) translate into the dorky watch metrics?

Anyone using the Quobba medium fins for the sides only on a longboard shape? Don't think they do longer rear fin for US longboard boxes so guess would need to use a normal rear fin. Not sure you would see the full effect with only two side Quobba fins?

I don't SUP surf, but I love playing with fins on my longboards.
Also, given the lack of activity in the longboard forum, I often find myself reading other forums (the sailing forum is surprisingly active and interesting).
Long story short, I'm fascinated by the Quobba fins too.

Slab - this might help out with the centre fin: www.surffcs.com.au/products/fcs-longboard-box-adapter

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Slab said..
Anyone using the Quobba medium fins for the sides only on a longboard shape? Don't think they do longer rear fin for US longboard boxes so guess would need to use a normal rear fin. Not sure you would see the full effect with only two side Quobba fins?

In the SUPboarder videos, Beau Nixon said Quobba sides + 7' normal central fin definitively improved his surfing on the starboard longboard SUP: more stability while cross-steeping and on the nose, and more hold.

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damned67 said..
Slab - this might help out with the centre fin: www.surffcs.com.au/products/fcs-longboard-box-adapter

Plus a finjak!

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/SUP/Quobba-Fins-?page=7#2683476

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colas said..

Slab said..
Anyone using the Quobba medium fins for the sides only on a longboard shape? Don't think they do longer rear fin for US longboard boxes so guess would need to use a normal rear fin. Not sure you would see the full effect with only two side Quobba fins?

In the SUPboarder videos, Beau Nixon said Quobba sides + 7' normal central fin definitively improved his surfing on the starboard longboard SUP: more stability while cross-steeping and on the nose, and more hold.

Interesting! Been reading through this thread..would I be right in saying the Quobbas are better suited to more powerful surf? Most of our waves are on the weaker side and slower. Riding a longboard sup.

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Kisutch said..
I don't know how much to trust the speed estimates on Apple Watch/Dawn Patrol, but I don't see a difference when I switch fins, but do notice higher max speed when I use 9' instead of 8' board (in similar surf), even though it can feel faster sometimes pumping the 8'. Lots of confounding factors, like the line you surf with each board and how watch measures distance, but just curious if anyone is seeing their feeling of speed (with Q fins) translate into the dorky watch metrics?

I'm changing often fins to see if there is a difference in performance (I'm now switching from Quobba to AU fins and back). I'm definitely not a pro and in the beginning, I always thought that I wouldn't be good enough to notice any difference when I change the fins. Also, I want to test and try new and other fins that could be the new best thing. On my bucket list to try are still the S-wings and FYN dynamic fins.

With this being said I'm still returning back to the Q fins, I take other lines than with traditional fins and with a few pumps on the wave the speed increase is in my perception higher than with other fins. With turns, I can say that when I have a smaller center fin and not completely in the back of the box this makes it more lively, without sliding out or having not enough grip to engage the tail when you really commit to a turn.

I also haven't measured the speed increase on my watch either.

What I liked about the Supboarder Pro video was that Beau gave his assessment of them and that he was skeptical at first as well. Good to see that they have used them not only overnight but really gave them a good try for a few months before this video came out.

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Slab said..
would I be right in saying the Quobbas are better suited to more powerful surf?

Personally, I feel the difference mostly when going fast. So either in punchy waves (even very small), or if I can generate speed by pumping my turns in slower waves.

But I have friends that told me they found the Quobba gave them more hold, even in weak waves.

And the 3 testers in the SUPboarder video all said that they added a lot of stability (walking & on the nose) and hold to their longboard SUPing

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colas said..

Slab said..
would I be right in saying the Quobbas are better suited to more powerful surf?

Personally, I feel the difference mostly when going fast. So either in punchy waves (even very small), or if I can generate speed by pumping my turns in slower waves.

But I have friends that told me they found the Quobba gave them more hold, even in weak waves.

And the 3 testers in the SUPboarder video all said that they added a lot of stability (walking & on the nose) and hold to their longboard SUPing

Do you have to buy the fins in a set of three or can you buy the sides only?

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Slab said..
Do you have to buy the fins in a set of three or can you buy the sides only?

You can buy any fin separately, (same as with FCS), look for the "individual fins" menu in their shop:
quobbafins.com/collections/fins-replacement-or-single

Note that they are now making all the fins black, as some potential customers were put off by the bright orange or yellow colors :-(
I personally regret this, it was nice to be able to spot Quobbas easily... too bad.

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colas said..

Slab said..
Do you have to buy the fins in a set of three or can you buy the sides only?

You can buy any fin separately, (same as with FCS), look for the "individual fins" menu in their shop:
quobbafins.com/collections/fins-replacement-or-single

Note that they are now making all the fins black, as some potential customers were put off by the bright orange or yellow colors :-(
I personally regret this, it was nice to be able to spot Quobbas easily... too bad.

Thanks Colas. Now I need to decide on whether two medium sides and normal middle fin for the longboard or go the whole way and two large sides and medium centre.

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Slab said..

colas said..

Slab said..
Do you have to buy the fins in a set of three or can you buy the sides only?

You can buy any fin separately, (same as with FCS), look for the "individual fins" menu in their shop:
quobbafins.com/collections/fins-replacement-or-single

Note that they are now making all the fins black, as some potential customers were put off by the bright orange or yellow colors :-(
I personally regret this, it was nice to be able to spot Quobbas easily... too bad.

Thanks Colas. Now I need to decide on whether two medium sides and normal middle fin for the longboard or go the whole way and two large sides and medium centre.

Yes I am also interested in the best set up for longboard SUP. I am intrigued that the quobbas improved longboard performance and will try a medium set on my Sunova 9' Revolution both as a Thruster with a centre fin adapter as well as with the large single fin I have been using. What set up were the SUPBoard magazine testers using on their long board SUPs?

Cheers

Bob

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FRP said..

Slab said..

colas said..

Slab said..
Do you have to buy the fins in a set of three or can you buy the sides only?

You can buy any fin separately, (same as with FCS), look for the "individual fins" menu in their shop:
quobbafins.com/collections/fins-replacement-or-single

Note that they are now making all the fins black, as some potential customers were put off by the bright orange or yellow colors :-(
I personally regret this, it was nice to be able to spot Quobbas easily... too bad.

Thanks Colas. Now I need to decide on whether two medium sides and normal middle fin for the longboard or go the whole way and two large sides and medium centre.

Yes I am also interested in the best set up for longboard SUP. I am intrigued that the quobbas improved longboard performance and will try a medium set on my Sunova 9' Revolution both as a Thruster with a centre fin adapter as well as with the large single fin I have been using. What set up were the SUPBoard magazine testers using on their long board SUPs?

Cheers

Bob

Two size large Quobba side fins and a normal non Quobba centre fin..think it was around 5.5 inches. I'm trying the medium sides with a 7 inch centre then will swap to 6 or 5.5 inch centre if I think the 7 inch is too much. No idea what to expect, if anything..but I'm intrigued.

Ive been using my 9' revo with the 3 x large quobbas for sometime now and that works well for me. Even allowing for a rather large sized older gentleman to walk to the nose on occasions

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bomberdave said..
Ive been using my 9' revo with the 3 x large quobbas for sometime now and that works well for me. Even allowing for a rather large sized older gentleman to walk to the nose on occasions

Noticeable difference from the stock thruster set up..or minor difference?

Broke my rib(s) in a nasty wipe out the day before my Quobbas arrived! But so excited to get them wet I was out there four days later. Quick pre-work 20 min session really whetted my appetite for a one hour hit-out the next day. (Felt/heard an injured rib crack at the end of that session so haven't been back out for over a week.) First impressions really positive. Am 2xL 2xM black glass Q's on a 8"0 2021 Starboard Blue Carbon Pro and tipping 77kg on the scales. The extra stability was noticeable off the wave as well, and both side to side and front to back. So handled the chop of cross and onshore winds so much better than I was used to. Paddling out over foam balls improved. Better balance paddling on to the wave. Am sure the extra speed saw me make sections I would not have made previously. One curious observation . The board felt like it had an added "heavyness" to it when paddling and it seemed more difficult to wind up from a standing start. Don't know what that's about! But can't wait to get out there again when the ribs are a bit more comfortable!

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AdiSups said..
Broke my rib(s) in a nasty wipe out the day before .............

One curious observation . The board felt like it had an added "heavyness" to it when paddling and it seemed more difficult to wind up from a standing start. Don't know what that's about! But can't wait to get out there again when the ribs are a bit more comfortable!

Once I can lay down on the non injured side and can laugh without pain....I use an impact vest over the wetsuit to get back in the water and try to fall on the opposite side of the broken ribs. The vest seems to hold everything together. It is still painful to paddle but I have done my ribs 4 times since starting sup surfing. (Once from a skateboard)

What you have said about the quobbas is accurate...they are a bit of magic but a touch heavy to get up to speed when paddling.

Thanks for that reply, Supster7!! Really useful to have your confirmation re the heaviness. I didn't think it was my imagination, but at my age you start to question! I figured I just needed to adjust the timing when paddling for the wave, so not a biggie. I had already been toying with the idea of a larger paddle. Have a Naish 95 carbon kevlar. So might explore that further. (Tips welcome.) And thanks for that suggestion re impact vest. Hadn't heard of them. Will definitely check them out!

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AdiSups said..
Thanks for that reply, Supster7!! Really useful to have your confirmation re the heaviness. I didn't think it was my imagination, but at my age you start to question! I figured I just needed to adjust the timing when paddling for the wave, so not a biggie. I had already been toying with the idea of a larger paddle. Have a Naish 95 carbon kevlar. So might explore that further. (Tips welcome.) And thanks for that suggestion re impact vest. Hadn't heard of them. Will definitely check them out!

When I went to an 81 sq in paddle, with a 6.5" wide blade, my stroke became much faster and cleaner.... I found I get up to speed much quicker with a narrow blade. Much quicker.

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supthecreek said..

AdiSups said..
Thanks for that reply, Supster7!! Really useful to have your confirmation re the heaviness. I didn't think it was my imagination, but at my age you start to question! I figured I just needed to adjust the timing when paddling for the wave, so not a biggie. I had already been toying with the idea of a larger paddle. Have a Naish 95 carbon kevlar. So might explore that further. (Tips welcome.) And thanks for that suggestion re impact vest. Hadn't heard of them. Will definitely check them out!

When I went to an 81 sq in paddle, with a 6.5" wide blade, my stroke became much faster and cleaner.... I found I get up to speed much quicker with a narrow blade. Much quicker.

And a lot kinder on the shoulders etc

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supthecreek said..

AdiSups said..
Thanks for that reply, Supster7!! Really useful to have your confirmation re the heaviness. I didn't think it was my imagination, but at my age you start to question! I figured I just needed to adjust the timing when paddling for the wave, so not a biggie. I had already been toying with the idea of a larger paddle. Have a Naish 95 carbon kevlar. So might explore that further. (Tips welcome.) And thanks for that suggestion re impact vest. Hadn't heard of them. Will definitely check them out!

When I went to an 81 sq in paddle, with a 6.5" wide blade, my stroke became much faster and cleaner.... I found I get up to speed much quicker with a narrow blade. Much quicker.

And easier to keep the board in trajectory. there is a point where small is just too small i.e. 460 scm in my case and you do not have the juice to go over whitewash paddling out. But in teh sweet spot then it makes everything easier including switching hand.

All set to go on the 8/3 Sunova Custom. Thanks Quobba for the excellent customer service

First time trying out the medium Quobbas as side bites with a standard 7 inch centre fin. Definitely noticed a difference..no idea if I am any faster but the Quobbas feel like they free up the board a little. Not a world of difference but enough to put a wee smile on my face. I'd really like to get them onto a more open face and hoping they speed up producing a bigger middle fin for the centre box.

Just pulled a the trigger on a thruster set of glass mediums on a ESC Jackrabbit 8'3. I weigh 80kg before pizza night. Currently run mediums and happy with the set. Tried 2+1 before but find mediums al round a bit looser and fun. I see most people on here run large or 2+1. Any one that run's mediums and happy? Wondering if I made the right choice.

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Kakkerlak said..
Any one that run's mediums and happy?

At 97kg, I used a M setup for one year, before the L were available.

It was totally enjoyable. The M are noticeably faster than the L, but the L hold a bit more at low speed or in turbulent water, i.e. when you hit the foam ball. However, in normal use, the M hold quite well.

Thus the L+M setup is a good compromise: use the faster size in the center, which is where the drag is on a thruster set, and bigger size in the sides which provides hold in critical situations.

But I would use a M set again with pleasure, just being careful to always be at speed before cranking hard turns.

Thank you Colas appreciate your advice. Been following your comments here for a while now. Always very insightful. Whatched some of your youtubes and very impressed with your surfing and surprised with the uncrowded surf you get in France. Cheers

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Kakkerlak said..
very impressed with your surfing and surprised with the uncrowded surf you get in France. Cheers

Thanks, but the surf is actually quite crowded in France. I just avoid the crowds at all costs, I wont even get in the water some week-ends even if the waves are good...

Have finally got Quobba fins , wow these are fantastic in my Creek and also using large side fins with various non quobba centre fin in my style . Not had a lot of waves on either board , with the Quobba but , , noticeably faster , more control on both boards ,and the Creek seems to be a much "freeer" board to paddle .Great imput from Sup The Creek and a great company Quobba to deal with , thanks Taryn .

I run quad on 2019 starby pro 8x29 starlight construction- 4 medium black quobbas. I am 80kg. Fronts flat foil, rears 50/50. Amazing combo. It is my Bali board and never comes home to Oz. Handles drops with ease , accelerates, drives off bottom loose off top, awesome on the float. Prior to this my Indo board was a JP 8x27 pro thruster and that went best with 3 x medium c-drives. Quobbas didn't do it the JP. I also run 4x quobba flat foil, large fronts and medium rears ( the more flexi orange variety ) on carbon hypernut 7'2 in beach breaks. Feels fast but I don't own a watch, let alone one with a speedo.