Does it really make that much difference?

Today I ran my fin about 5mm further back than normal, just to see what would happen. The board didn't want to turn, I didn't make one gybe, I was gumby mcGumby personified.

Normally I get at least half my gybes, this was really noticeable.

Is it really this critical? Or was I just having a really bad day?

5 mm you say? Not just one or two but 5 whole millimetres. God Nebbs, you're a man of extremes.

I've found fin position can have a big impact on spin out, too far forward spins out at speed downwind, too far back spins out under load going upwind.
But I haven't noticed a big difference in looseness/stiffness, it's certainly there, but not enough to make you miss all your gybes.

How about mast position, did you change that as well?

nebbian said...

Does it really make that much difference?

Today I ran my fin about 5mm further back than normal, just to see what would happen. The board didn't want to turn, I didn't make one gybe, I was gumby mcGumby personified.

Normally I get at least half my gybes, this was really noticeable.

Is it really this critical? Or was I just having a really bad day?

Half a centimeter?
You were having a really bad day. On a good day you could probably move your fin half a foot (if your finbox allowed it) and still make some gybes.

i find if i put my fin too far forward in my waveboard i can't ride off the fin as much and tend to spinout more.

Its a mistake to think that falling in on a gybe and looking like a complete duffer in front of your mates is a problem. Lets face it most of the people you sail with are going to give you grief even if you sail like Mark Angulo.

The big issue here is your appearance. Now for some folks this isn't a big issue, they have no self esteem. When questions of appearance and etiquette occur the only authority worth considering is that doyen of manners and style Emily Post.




Though her many articles for the New Yorker only briefly touch upon windsurfing careful reading reveals the crucial lesson.

Don't get your hair wet!

This may require a slightly conservative approach to many moves (loops,spocks ect..) any serious disciple will be willing to make the sacrifice.

Al