Understanding Surf Fin Design
Tuesday October 2, 2012
True Ames offers a greater diversity of fin products than any other fin company. Our material experimentations have created the True Lite Hexcore fin line, which includes thruster templates that are FCS and Futures Compatible from Lost, Erik Arakawa, Hamish Graham, Timmy Patterson, and Channel Islands. Our close relationships to imaginative pros, such as Josh Farberow, Jimmy Gamboa, Oliver Parker, Daniel Graham, Ashley Lloyd, and Brad Gerlach allows us to maintain the constant flow of feedback that will continue to establish True Ames as the industry’s greatest fin resource.
With all of the fin selection available today, sometimes it helps to really understand how fins work and what factors will change the way each individual fin will perform. Here are a few important things that could help guide your fin selection.
Construction
All surf fins are not created equal! We take advantage of a vast amount of fin manufacturing experience to create fins that work in many different applications. Designs are executed using the required materials and foils to create the highest performance surf fins available today.
Flex
Flex is a very important element in our designs. Many of our surfboard fins come with a tuned flex. A fin that has flex can be very different than a fin without flex. The flex concept brings to life an otherwise average ride. Cutbacks have more power and bottom turns have more projection.
Foils True Ames Surf Fins incorporate a constant foil which means you will not find any flat spots on our fins that may cause water disturbance which will ultimately cause poor performance. Our bigger solid color fins are foiled from 7/16” solid 6oz. glass sheet stock. Smaller fins do not need to be so thick to have the proper foil.
Size
The depth of your fin is measured from base to tip vertically. Adjusting your fin size will affect the performance of your board. Larger fins provide more stability and control, so a larger board will need bigger fins. For example a 9’6” single fin surfboard needs at least a 9.5” fin and if nose riding is most important to you then you will find bigger fins give more forward control.
Template
The outline of a fin is what determines the area and the look. The way the area is distributed on the fin is what makes fins individual and work in so many different ways. A wide base fin with a wide tip is the most stable but not forgiving. A narrow base fin with a narrow tip will be very loose and fast but unstable at slow speeds. The fin’s sweep (or rake angle) affects the board’s ability to carve turns. A more vertical fin will make tight turns and fast directional changes while a more raked fin will carve wider arcs and handle more power through turns. Tail width is also a factor in fin choice. Narrow tail boards do not require deep fins because there is less distance from the fin to the rail. A wide board requires a deeper fin than a narrower board. For example an 8’ egg style board that is on the wide side should use about an 8.5” to 9.0” fin. A narrow tail single fin board that is 7’6” can use a fin in the 7” to 8” range.
Hexcore System Fins Video Clip
Friday July 20, 2012
True Ames Surf Fins from TRUE AMES on Vimeo.
Here is a quick clip that showcases our line of Hexcore System Fins. These ultra light fins are available in FCS compatible and Futures Compatible.
We use the Resin Transfer Method that allows us to construct a composite fin, inside which hexagonal pieces of lightweight coremat displace fiberglass and resin. The result is a fin that is up to 25% lighter than a normal fiberglass fin, yet retains the same positive flex and amazing drive!
Whether you are surfing small beach breaks or solid reef breaks, we've got you covered with a wide variety of fins to fit your board and type of surfing.
DEEP MAGAZINE: TRUE AMES = TRUE LOVE
Tuesday November 8, 2011
This is an interview published in the latest issue of DEEP magazine. Here is an online version of the mag, we're on page 13. Thanks to Brandon Read for taking the time to answer a few questions.
SURF EXPO 2011
Thursday September 8, 2011
SURF EXPO 2011 BOOTH #878
It's that time of year again for Surf Expo in Orlando, FL. We will be at booth 878 with a showcase of surf fins, stand up paddle fins, and windsurf fins. Check out our the booth for our latest catalog and stickers! .
SEPTEMBER 8-10, 2011
Orange County Convention Center
South Hall
9899 International Dr.
Orlando, Florida 32819
Future Fins Compatible
Wednesday July 6, 2011
FUTURES FINS - COMPATIBLE
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FUTURE FINS COMPATIBLE |
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