Single fin - tricky!

[greypump]

I'm quite new to surfing and decided to try my longboard with a single fin - rather than the 2+1 set up I normally have. Folk told me that as a beginner I won't notice too much difference. Hmmm....not so. Immediately the board felt looser and faster which was great but then I noticed something else which was I seemed to be falling off the board much more! Back to the 2+1 for more - need the wee stabalisers!!

So, I can see why people like to surf with single fins but I'm now not convinced they are for beginners.

[parrysurf]

Get used to it...you might need to move the single a bit farther back in the fin box...this will make the board less loose. I learned on a single, rode sides for a few years, I ride single now, and only use a 8.0 cut away as my fin.

Bigger fin more stable, longer arc on turns.....move it forward in the fin box to make loose, move it to the tail to get more bite on the face.

don't give up on the single yet...you will only be coming back in the future.

[greypump]

Think I need all the help I can get just now and did find it easier with tri fin - will aim for the single fin once I have the basics a bit more sorted. Think I had the fin far forward too which maybe didn;t help me.

[parrysurf]

If your fin was forward you prolly felt like you were surfing on ice.

Do what you feel is right....but if you move the fin back it will surf much with much more drive....more like the tri...but still looser.

[oldgrom]

Depending on what size and shape of your keel fin you have?? Agree with what parrysurf says, try taking that single fin profile all the way to the rear of the box (more drive and tighter feel) with the loosnees/speed your looking for (just give it some time) 1 or 2 times don't count and think of getting a new keel fin latter once you are able to start moving your fin forward in the box (surfin loose and sqiurley) then you can find a new fin that can sit rear of the box(giving lift drive but a loose profile shaped fin (like the 8" cutaway) (which is rockin for me) speed drive with quicker turn ability.

[paulyoffshore]

I learned on a single, rode sides for a few years, I ride single now, and only use a 8.0 cut away as my fin.

Hey, how is the board with that 8" cutaway?

[Jack2007]

I have a 9'2 board with fin box + 2. I currenty have a 10" fin that gives me loads of hold in the wave. Looking to buy a new fin and was wondering if an 8" will be enough(depending on rake,depthEtc)? If so any suggestions, my current fin is a fluid foils fat boy as i am 6'3 200pound+

dont buy many fins so when I do I want a completely different feel!

Cheers

[esonscar]

I got a narrow semi gun with a wooden 9" 'hook' style fin - awsome !

[greypump]

Since writing the original post I've been sticking with the 2 +1 set up and seem to get on well with it. Actually come down from an 8 inch centre fin to a 7 inch - works fine.