how to select new fins

cotter · Joined: 26 Jul 2003 Posts: 30

i have a bic techno2 148 liters. as i progress in skills i would like to learn to waveride/jump/beach launch through breakers etc...
i will go out in any conditions (mostly lake erie)and my quiver has 4.0, 5.0 wave sails and 7.7 freeride sail.
what kind of fins should i be thinking of adding on. I think i want a wave fin for the ocean. what size and description do i look for. would on-shore wave fins work for me??

carl · Joined: 25 Feb 1997 Posts: 2674 Location: SF bay area

If you can waterstart, you should be looking for a smaller board, not fin for the 5.0-4.0 sails. The big board is going to severely hold you back from achieving those skills in higher wind. Its a great board for the 7.7 though. Also if you shop, you can get a used wave board for almost the price of a few new fins. If you cant waterstart, its time to learn. That is holding you back more than anything.

coachg · Joined: 10 Sep 2000 Posts: 3564

I have to agree with Carl. It sounds like you are just getting started. Learn to water start and get good with yur 7.7, then look for a new board. Your board is not made for that 4.0 and 5.0 sail. A 148 liter board with flat water, the 5.0 might be possible, but the 4.0 has no chance.

Coachg

carl · Joined: 25 Feb 1997 Posts: 2674 Location: SF bay area

It maybe easier to learn to waterstart with a 6.0 or 6.3 than the 7.7. It might be a long wait to get enough wind for the 5.0, depending on wind, at your locale. Sail size also depends on how heavy you are. You probably could do it with the 7.7 if you got a floatation vest and good instruction.

cotter · Joined: 26 Jul 2003 Posts: 30

oh yeah baby..i can water start, beach start, tack, full time harness operations and foot straps. jibe? not yet

cotter · Joined: 26 Jul 2003 Posts: 30

oops..forgot to ask...so if i can do all the above and im 180 pounds...what kind of board am i looking for next (wave ~100L??)?

carl · Joined: 25 Feb 1997 Posts: 2674 Location: SF bay area

Excellent! Yes, ~100L sounds good, youll notice a big difference. You may want to go for a freestyle-wave as your first small board. They plane up a little quicker and are more versatile than a pure wave bd and they can still handle the waves youll most likely be riding.

wdsurf · Joined: 22 May 1999 Posts: 335

cotter where on lake erie do you sail?i sail on lake erie also live in erie,pa. hunt the wind from ohio to buffalo,ny. i am 185 lbs.sailing 20 plus years the other posters are correct you need a smaller board under 100ltrs. would be good 85 would be excellent so you can use 5.5 down on it.lots to choose from nowdays.had 60 days sailing on lake erie last year from 6.2 to 3.2 most used 5.4&4.7 on 250 75ltr.&253 90ltr. boards if i had a bigger board and rig i would have more days maybe this year.i you can,t get another board the small fin idea will work but a smaller board is much easier in the neverending lake erie shorepound.