Surfing Waves

Hi guys,

What do you think the difference will be surfing one fin or the other? One is a 9" carbon fibre Wingnut. The other is a turbo tunnel thing. They're about the same size, the Wingnut is slightly thicker.

Thanks for any input.

Only one answer, try them and see!
Any thoughts about the tunnel are coloured, they have been around for years, still rare to see. Perhaps performance issues? I've never ridden one! So only thoughts

The Wingnut has bit more upright design compared to a “standard” fin template.

The Turbo Tunnel is more a one trick pony mainly for noseriding. The theory is the “tube” creates resistance not only side to side, like a normal fin, but up, down and all around its axis.

Hi waikikikick, thanks for that answer.

What does the more upright shape mean in practical terms?

I know the turbo tunnel supposed effect. I've surfed a lot with it but never noticed a difference, maybe it's just a gimmick?

I'm going to mount the fin (whichever I choose) on a not so wide 9.6 hap Jacobs, and will be surfing it in smaller surf. I prefer stability and nose riding, so which one to choose?

waikikikichan wrote:The Wingnut has bit more upright design compared to a “standard” fin template.

The Turbo Tunnel is more a one trick pony mainly for noseriding. The theory is the “tube” creates resistance not only side to side, like a normal fin, but up, down and all around its axis.

Thanks for that explanation! I looked at the turbo fin and thought it looked like a gimmick, but your explanation makes perfect sense. I can't find another use for that kind of fin other than noseriding. I'm sure the fin would work with other board types, but I can understand if you're up riding the nose that the turbo tube might help stabilize the back end and help keep the back of the board from lifting up out of the water. Learn something new every day.

RinkyDink wrote:Thanks for that explanation! I looked at the turbo fin and thought it looked like a gimmick, but your explanation makes perfect sense. I can't find another use for that kind of fin other than noseriding. I'm sure the fin would work with other board types, but I can understand if you're up riding the nose that the turbo tube might help stabilize the back end and help keep the back of the board from lifting up out of the water.

Well, that's the theory of how the Turbo Tunnel works. But in the real world.......... if some one wants to ride the nose, they're probably going to want to buy a specific Noserider surfboard with flat entry rocker and kick in the tail. So if they add a turbo tunnel to a noserider shape, the "tube" will be pointed DOWN-wards in a sense. On a normal longboard where the center box is more "flat" , then the tube if facing straighter.
Yes, I own and have used a Turbo Tunnel. It is gimmicky. Water wrapping over the deck is more important than what fin you use when it comes to noseriding. Look at the best noseriders, who is currently using a Turbo Tunnel fin ?

waikikikichan wrote: It is gimmicky. Water wrapping over the deck is more important than what fin you use when it comes to noseriding. Look at the best noseriders, who is currently using a Turbo Tunnel fin ?

I trust your judgment. It does seem a little gimmicky. I imagine an experienced noserider might have enough intuitive feel for their board that they wouldn't need one. It might also add more drag than one would want.