Surfing Waves

Hey guys,

I picked up a used puddle jumper at a great price this weekend.

Im looking for fin suggestions for it, i have always ridden a thruster setup but im open to trying new things.

Stats.

173cm tall, 71 kg ex wetsuit which is at times a 6mm up here.

Thanks!

Could you share with us what thruster ( make, model type, size, etc. ) you always rode ? Without that baseline to go off of, it's hard to make any recommendations.

Plus you didn't say if the puddle jumper has Futures Fins, or FCS or FCSII.

Thanks for the quick reply.

The truth is i have no idea what i have ridden previously as im still a beginner / intermediate. I have always ridden what came with the used boards i have (which i unfortunately dont have anymore).

I surfed a similar shape with some white FCS2 fins a borrowed from a friend with similar stats to me.

I have yet to feel a difference in fins at my level to be honest, but im hoping to have the best starting point based on my board and stats

the board has FCS fin boxes.

Thanks!

Honestly, as beginner/intermediate on a 5'9" board, the last thing you need to worry about are the fins.

Hey big H,

I appreciate the honesty. I consider myself a beginner, but i can do simple turns both backside and frontside.

A fact of life is the board currently has no fins, thus i need to choose some.

tobiastommerup wrote:I surfed a similar shape with some white FCS2 fins a borrowed from a friend with similar stats to me.

I have yet to feel a difference in fins at my level to be honest, but im hoping to have the best starting point based on my board and stats

the board has FCS fin boxes.

Not clear, so if your board has the original two-tab with grub screw FCS fin system ? Then go with the M-5 glassflex ( kinda bone colored ). When you start to really push your cutbacks then think about getting honey-comb / carbon fiber expensive models.

If you have the tool-less FCSII, go with the Blue-ish Glassflex in the Performer model, which is their all-around model.

Stay away from Quads until you've mastered everything you can on the Thruster set-up.

Although Noel Salas like the new Puddle Jumper HP as a Quad.
Watch from 3:38 mark

I have a 5'7" Puddle Jumper w/Futures - not the round pin version. I think it's pretty user-friendly for a short board. Other surfers have said that the PJ can handle a lot of fin, and I tend to agree from my experience, but starting with something fairly standard is probably your best bet. I surf it as a quad w/ the Rastovich fins or sometimes the Seaworthy Controllers. Both work well for me, and I prefer it over a thruster set up. The Rastovich fins are little looser, the controllers have more drive and carve. Not sure what the FCS equivalent is offhand, but you could Google it. Also, not sure if it will work for you on the PJ RP, but I hope it helps anyway.

waikikikichan wrote:

tobiastommerup wrote:

Stay away from Quads until you've mastered everything you can on the Thruster set-up.

Waikiki - is this what you suggest for all boards? and why you do you say this out of interest?
I have just borrowed some quad fins to try on my board as the shaper I bought it from said the board suited quads and this is how they ride it, although of course they are all pro surfers so I am not on their level.
They said anything with a fat tail normally works best with a quad setup, do you not agree with this?
Still waiting for a good day to test them on.

mg100 wrote: is this what you suggest for all boards? and why you do you say this out of interest?

If you are a "average" surfer and can do cutbacks, stalls, pump and kickout of waves standing, then try Quads. But for the "beginner-intermediate" who's just learning to do those thing, it's better ( and less confusing ) to stick with the tried and true thruster fin set up. For them to think, "if I get a Quad, maybe I can turn more easy and go faster" is again thinking arrow versus the Indian. It almost like saying " What Turbo should I get for my car ? By the way, I just learned how to drive. " Learn to drive fast first, then get a turbo. ( Although a Quad is NOT a turbo )

I forgot what the numbers were ( 80-90% ? ) of short boards have thruster set ups. It's so prevalent that there are contests called " AB3 ". Meaning you can only use a Twin, Quad, or Single fin, just not any board with only 3 fins.

tobiastommerup wrote:Hey big H,

I appreciate the honesty. I consider myself a beginner, but i can do simple turns both backside and frontside.

A fact of life is the board currently has no fins, thus i need to choose some.

I did not mean it as a slight; only that it's really not going to make a difference you feel until you can do the manuevers that WKK just detailed. Basic glass like he suggested is cheap and are more than enough. Plus, reef dings sand out of them well.

To all who replied thank you very much, I really appreciate the time taken, help and enthusiasm on here.

I will go with the m-5 glass fins

I follow up question regarding board bags for this exact board. I havent been able to fine clear info online regarding sizing and board bags. Most make either a 5'8 or 6'0 length, naturally with a 5'9 board i would go with the 6'0.

the board has the following specs: 5’9″ 21.25″ 2.56″ 34.50

Does anyone see an issue with ordering the following bag? i intend to fly with the board quite a lot, with added pipe insulation on the rails.

https://www.surffcs.eu/collections/cove ... oard-cover

any other suggestions are also appreciated!

tobiastommerup wrote:I will go with the m-5 glass fins

You mean to say " GLASSFLEX " ?

tobiastommerup wrote:Does anyone see an issue with ordering the following bag? i intend to fly with the board quite a lot, with added pipe insulation on the rails.

any other suggestions are also appreciated!

If you love your board, don't fly with it. The airline will damaged it. Rent a board at where you're going to. ( will that depends where you're going to )

The only thing I noticed about your choice of board bag is that it's for a single board. A double/triple bag opens up more options in the future if you decide you want to travel with more than one board, or if you end up picking up an extra board while traveling. Also, you can always use the extra space to add more packing material, clothes, etc.