Lobes..I'm not sure different fins will make all that much difference in the big 11' NSP because the board is pretty big with soft rails and also pretty heavy.

Changing fins is much more noticable on smaller lighter boards that get pushed through the turns.

On the Glide it's a matter of stability and straight tracking and you need to find a fin that's as small as you can go to reduce drag and still gives you enough stability and straight tracking.

Fin shape is also important if drag is a factor.. (eg. racing and down-winders) .. The spitfire wing shape like Jonathans Pene fin is one of the most efficant shapes .. IMO..

DJ

I used to surf the 11' NSP and I think the big red centre fin that comes with the board is pretty good. The little side fins are a bit ordinary but as DJ said, I don't think changing them will be a worthwhile exercise. For a big board it actually surfs pretty good. If you want to improve it's turning ability, try moving the centre fin forward more. I seem to remember reading a review on the board where they said they prefer the fin as far forward as it goes. However I used to have the fin slightly forward of centre.

Th0m0

Thanks for the input all. I have actually lost my side fins from the NSP. They were in my car when i got carjacked a while back We got the car back but no fins unfortunately. Given the soft rails on the NSP is it more worthwhile for me to try and replace them? Does anyone know where in Vic they are available?

Th0m0 said...

Not sure how advanced you are so you might know all this already. The key to surfing the big boards well is being able to move around on them comfortably. You need to be forward to catch waves and trim but then you need to get back over the fin (as Phil said) every time you want to turn. The quickest and most efficient way to move back and forward on a big board is to cross step. I used to ride a 9' mal before sups came along and I never cross stepped on it. But I found it essential on the big NSP. If you are not cross stepping I would suggest trying it. The NSP is the perfect board to learn on and its a lot of fun once you get the hang of it.

Th0m0

Th0m0 thanks for that. This is something I learned the hard way on the NSP! Every time I went to catch a wave I would step back right over the fins. This would slow the board right down and usually send me over the falls. I got quite a few beatings until I worked out the better place to stand! I'm still pretty hopeless at walking around the board but its something I practice a lot and am getting better at. Currently I am doing more of a shuffle around but I will try the crosstepping method out. Coming from a mostly wakeboarding background I sometimes have to remind myself that my feet arent strapped on LoL

You can get converters to put FCS fins into the NSP fin boxes if you wanted to put some side biters back in. Most places that sell the NSP surfboards should sell them.

DavidJohn said...

Hey Phill.. Put back what you had because we all have our own opinions and I agree alot with what you said.

Just because I try and answer peoples questions it doesn't mean I'm an expert or know-it-all..

Some of the time I do it to try and fire up others to give some input..

Phil I agree. I was interested to hear about the guys experimenting on the big Laird as thats one of the few boards I've ridden in the surf so far. Also the point about placing your foot in relation to the fin box bears further investigation.

DJ,

I removed what I said because I agree with you in this situation I dont think fins will help its more a positioning thing.

As thomo pointed out being nimble on the board is more important. Fins will only add the icing to the cake.

Phill