i was sailing with a mate today who was using select fins, he only just bought them, there was a 39 and a 33 i think..he said they were really good. cant tell you waht model, they were the carbon with yellow lining

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get my board planning earlier

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stop me drifting sideways in lighter winds

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Me thinks I would be concentrating on such things as mast foot position, sail tuning, commitment to harness etc. before blaming your fin.

Harrow, there is a definate stage in learning sailboarding that should be called the "my fin is too small" stage. You get through it.
then head for the "my fin is too big stage".

Ral, Waiting,

You make some valid points to Harrow on fin size.

Harrow, a 32 Freeride sounds too small for 7.0 but may be OK for a 6.0

I run Select fins from 28 cm (5.7 - 6.0) to 35 (7.0). I struggle with the 35 and a 7.0 with getting enough lift from the fin.

As you have noted there are many aspects to fin design and the length,area, chord etc... are all important depending on the the type of sailing you like.

I have 34 that gets me planing earlier than a 35 - bit won't point as well.

IMHO,use a freeride fin - they don't lose moch in terms of top end speed for most sailors and are more comfortable to ride and still point OK. Sail with a bigger fin until you know that it is causing you the problems. The board will 'rail up' and ride like a bronco.

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Originally posted by Waiting4wind

If you like I can lend you a few PB fins to try out for size.

You may need to look at a bigger sail before going too much bigger in fin.

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Thanks Des, it would be good to see whether I notice any difference (and yes, I do need a bigger sail!). Also got to get that wave fin back to you too.

Interestingly I checked with Jamie (on the 115 S-type) and his 32 cm drake was HEAPS wider (about 3cm) than the 32 cm Tabou freeride supplied my board. Albert also put a bigger one on his and one of the other guys with the Tabou 105 was said he didn't like the fin either. Won't rush out and buy a million fins, but will continue to investigate for a larger one for light days (after I get that >6.0 sail)

definatley think a bigger fin is the go in lighter winds. 36 etc. i made a massive diference to my fish by changing to a bigger fin. and generally like bigger fins allround.

but agree with RAL INN too.

you should also try setting your mast near the very back of the track. you will get more speed in the lighter winds which will allow you to point higher plus your board will feel really lively and loose. (in sub planing conditions this won't work)
move it forward if it gets choppy and the nose starts to wander all over the place.
also, with your sail (if it is cambered) try zero outhaul with min-med downhaul.

not gospel but some ideas...???