Sorry this is a really basic question. I usually ride slalom boards but I'm getting a wave type board for high wind B & J on a lake.
I have never seen wave fins in a board. The one I'm getting has a single plus 2 small side ones.
Anyone got any photos of the fins and how they fit in and remove?

No pics. I'd argue that the question is mostly irrelevant - there are a couple of different types of fittings, you will get used to whatever comes with the board... when you get the board, post a pic and people will explain how to use them.

What is relevant ... you can probably use the board with a single-fin. In this configuration it will allow the board to plane earlier and hold a slightly larger sail. This is helpful when first transitioning from a slalom board, as it will make the board feel closer to what you are used to already. With a single-fin you will need blanking plates.

Then when you want something different, you can downsize the main fin and add the thrusters - particularly for wave riding or really windy conditions.

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mathew said..
No pics. I'd argue that the question is mostly irrelevant - there are a couple of different types of fittings, you will get used to whatever comes with the board... when you get the board, post a pic and people will explain how to use them.

What is relevant ... you can probably use the board with a single-fin. In this configuration it will allow the board to plane earlier and hold a slightly larger sail. This is helpful when first transitioning from a slalom board, as it will make the board feel closer to what you are used to already. With a single-fin you will need blanking plates.

Then when you want something different, you can downsize the main fin and add the thrusters - particularly for wave riding or really windy conditions.

Thanks. So should the new board come with blanking plates?
I know US boxes but haven't had anything to do with waveboards since the 90's.

Hi Sue, what is the brand of board and size? Sounds like a tri fin, main fin plus two thrusters. My Fanatic came with blanking plates. Good to see your spreading your wings. I guess we'll see you at the NSW wave events. You should at least come to one and see how much fun it is and you'll learn at lot from others. Cheers, Dean

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sboardcrazy said..

mathew said..
No pics. I'd argue that the question is mostly irrelevant - there are a couple of different types of fittings, you will get used to whatever comes with the board... when you get the board, post a pic and people will explain how to use them.

What is relevant ... you can probably use the board with a single-fin. In this configuration it will allow the board to plane earlier and hold a slightly larger sail. This is helpful when first transitioning from a slalom board, as it will make the board feel closer to what you are used to already. With a single-fin you will need blanking plates.

Then when you want something different, you can downsize the main fin and add the thrusters - particularly for wave riding or really windy conditions.

Thanks. So should the new board come with blanking plates?
I know US boxes but haven't had anything to do with waveboards since the 90's.

US or classic box is used still as a center , for those smart enough to install, they offer fire aft adjustments where others do not. That I know of the center is
A. US
B .powerbox
C. Slotbox, or starbox if a newer Starboard.
Sides.
A. Slotbox or star
B. Mini tuttle
C . Shortened US box.

Custom board: could be any.
K4 make blanking plugs to fit many size and variations.

knowing the brand board your getting would provide a hint.

To answer the removal question, it's needed to know which box or boxes it has.

Go with what Windtech recommends for the board.
Buy one lighter wind fin and one high wind fin.

I think you will find this is a tri fin in a bonzer fin configuration. Sounds cool. The Campbell Bros are noted for their revolutionary surfboard design, the Bonzer. The Bonzer was the first standardized tri-fin surfboard created in 1970 by Malcolm and Duncan Campbell. I think Windtech adopted the Bonzer in the early 90s into windsurfing. Now they have adopted it again in 2018 on. Some top surfers also today still use this configuration eg Alex Knost. I believe the Windtech set up allows the easy removal of the side bonzer fins (slot box I think) which are not glassed in. Windtech state on their website:


"We have used a multi fin set up biased towards a single fin feel - to further leverage the lift, early planing, upwind ability and reduced drag that a single fin gives you. The added 'bonzer' style fins give you even more drive when you need it to suit your style (or for onshore conditions)

The lower aspect 'bonzer' style side fins create less drag and influence over the feel of the board giving a neutral single fin feel but still delivering the drive of a thruster."

https://www.windtechwindsurf.com/surf-aerial-stunt

For you use Sue, just as a single will be best.

Slot box blankers are common (and easy to make also) but wait n see the board first.

Windtech Magic Bullitt
The silver bullet was probably more what I was after but they don't make them small enough. Even 85ltres is a bit big for me in 20 -25kts plus lake sailing.
Neil says I don't need to worry about fillins. They have tested and because the slots are so small there hasn't been enough turbulence to worry about.
Thanks for the invite re wave events. I've just got the board for B & J.
Hopefully it won't be too advanced for me and I can have a confidence inspiring, injury free re introduction to chop hops..

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sboardcrazy said..
Neil says I don't need to worry about fillins. They have tested and because the slots are so small there hasn't been enough turbulence to worry about.

So we are being told the rocker is 1mm here 2mm there for best performance and now 2 slots of 5mm either sides make bugger all difference Sales and marketing, a bit like selling a magic bullet for the use of a silver bullet...

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Rob11 said..

sboardcrazy said..
Neil says I don't need to worry about fillins. They have tested and because the slots are so small there hasn't been enough turbulence to worry about.

So we are being told the rocker is 1mm here 2mm there for best performance and now 2 slots of 5mm either sides make bugger all difference Sales and marketing, a bit like selling a magic bullet for the use of a silver bullet...

It was my choice to get the Magic Bullitt . I know it won't be like the silver. When I asked the difference Neil said it's like comparing a road bike to a mountain bike ( different uses).
So I'll just have to improve..