Nose-time and fin size

[bajoman]

I have read the fin primer and it is great stuff, but I have a more specific question: I am looking to increase my nose-time and wondering how a new fin will effect that. Right now I do move around on the board (not quite cross-stepping yet) but am only able to get way up to the nose on very rare occassions and have never gotten any toes off! I have a 8" dolphin single (stock fin for the board) on an NSP 9'2" epoxy with a slight single to double concave, soft rails, and low rocker. The fin is three-quarters of the way to the back of the box. I am 160lbs (74kg) and surf an east coast (US) beachbreak usually knee to waist high. I want to keep the looseness and low-drag (I can paddle and catch almost anything) but need to know if I can get more hang-time (and any other considerations) before I invest in a new fin. Any comments on sizes and shapes for me? Thanks!

[jaffa1949]

Morning Bajo, I think your set up is probably OK , I've posted the thread on nose riding help three post to really consider, mine ( of course ) Dave and Esconcars the three combine pretty much give a primer on nose riding with the emphasis on three words set the rail.

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=16880&p=146543&hilit=nose+riding#p146543
Go surfing and try

[bajoman]

Thanks Jaffa! I've been concentrating on noseriding so that's the answer I was looking for. Outside of my earlier question, though, how much will I notice the difference a new fin makes (in all areas- turning, speed, drag, etc) I read Lee Ryan's Ebook on longboarding and he makes a big deal of fin selection, indicating it is a major factor in the performance of the board. SInce I've been using the stock fin on a stock board (NSP mentioned earlier), I was thinking it might be time for an upgrade on the fin (but only if I'll be able to tell the difference!)

[jaffa1949]

Thanks Jaffa! I've been concentrating on noseriding so that's the answer I was looking for. Outside of my earlier question, though, how much will I notice the difference a new fin makes (in all areas- turning, speed, drag, etc) I read Lee Ryan's Ebook on longboarding and he makes a big deal of fin selection, indicating it is a major factor in the performance of the board. SInce I've been using the stock fin on a stock board (NSP mentioned earlier), I was thinking it might be time for an upgrade on the fin (but only if I'll be able to tell the difference!)

Bajo, a test for you on your fin sensitivity. With the fin you have try moving it back and forward in the box for different surfs.
Notice the difference , if you do the a quiver of fins may help hunt around guys you know see if they have discards that fit maybe buy and performance fin a dolphin fin is a good all rounder and maybe a little longer but further forward will keep the looseness,., but I'd try the extremes of the fin box positioning first and then by smaller degrees, it's a little like tuning a carburetor on a performance car.
Just play with the whole thing get your cross step going, annoy the stuffing out of everyone by cross stepping around whatever you do, but have fun getting that movement smoooooooth