Quads in The Gorge?

[berky]

[isobars]

No.
Or maybe.

Virtually no source can forecast today's wind that closely, let alone a month out. Besides, this year's wind has to be the most unusual I've seen here in the past quarter century, IMO. We could be looking at raging east winds or extended calm winds this August; we've seen each of those dominate August in much more ordinary years than this one. I've had to pick my boards by volume this year rather than by performance, because flotation has been critical in this year's erratic winds. I've also put in more time on my biggest sail -- a 6.2 -- this year than I usually do in a couple of seasons. Even then I've swum in far more often than I've planed in.

Even if you had daily wind plots for August signed by God, which board would you bring if you had to choose between two very similar boards with different fin arrangements? Either fin arrangement will work fine within its own world, and the overlap between those worlds is immense; it's a matter of what you want to do with a board. What places, wind range, water conditions, power level, and sailing style do you prefer? You're asking us to choose a pregnant wife for you at random with no knowledge of your preferences in women, in-laws, kids, or anything else.

Rent or borrow a bigger van, rent a board here, put a board on top, buy a 5-finned board and change configurations 'til the cows come home, but don't expect anyone to forecast winds three days or a month ahead; it's meaningless. Even more important than Don't Leave Wind to Find Wind is Bring All Your Toys.

Mike \m/

[jingebritsen]

my largest beef with multi-fins is what about all those days in the surf when you do need upwind performance? they are great for venues with no need to get back upwind. they are not fast, typically, either. specialist boards are not for me, esp since i've had to downsize my car for higher gasoline prices. multi-fin boards are terrific for about 5% of any wave sesh for me. the other 95% is pure frustration compared to more upwind oriented designs. so, if you enjoy reef or point breaks AND tons of wind, maybe a multi would be good for you?

gorge sailing typically does not require upwind skills.

[isobars]

Especially this year ... but the quad I ride went upwind like no other B&J or wavy board I've ever seen, and upwind performance -- given normal Gorge current -- is extremely useful because it opens up new areas both upwind and downwind, allows one-man downwinders because we can then blast back upwind and do it again ... and again ... and again, and it gets us out of the rut. Besides, it's just plain fun to rip upwind, because it changes the apparent terrain for more variety. I couldn't tell whether it was fast because its ride was so smooth; I'd have to chase some guys I can't normally catch to really tell; it did NOT seem draggy.

[isobars]

[surfersteve]

go with the single fin- too many days where the quad may have to sit in the vehicle. You can always rent one for the few days it may be calling for it. Big Winds has the Quatro and Windance has the Goya. I think it may be hard to get the Goya because I understand they have a pretty small demo fleet for that particular board. I couldn't rent it 3-4 weeks ago when I was figuring out which board I wanted. Good luck. Bring some wind.

[swissswell]

Since this year I sail Fanatic Quads at the Gorge as well. Sail range 3.7-5.3. Swell or chop, it doesn't matter, they work great in any conditions and I am VERY happy with them. No drag, loose feeling under foot and super control at the same time. Very good top end speed. Ask the Gorge Surf Shop for Fanatic boards. PS: My Quads never sit in the vehicle!

[isobars]

[surfersteve]

My sincere apologies to the Gorge Surf Shop. They carry both Fanatic and Taboo boards which are both exceptional and come in a quad config. regarding the quad sitting in the car - I don't think anyone would argue that a single fin planes up more quickly than a quad. Here in the Gorge we often sail a 15+ mph wind range. For variable conditions WITHOUT ocean-driven waves, I find it more challenging to stay on a plane with a quad when the range is on the lower end. I personally ride a quad because I like the feel, but it isn't the same getting back on a plane with it as it is with the single fin. That's all, personal preference.

[cgoudie1]

Hi Steve,

The North Pacific Quad I rode, seems to be easily as planey as a single
skeg board. If you get a chance, consider a demo, something about the
shape seems to mitigate the undesirable characteristics of a quad.
I was riding it with a 4.7.

Just a thought.

-Craig