Surfing Waves

Hiya, I am new to the forum but I am sure I will get some good advice.
I have just ordered a new board as a step down from my 8ft x 23 x 2 7/8 ultimate nose rider longboard which I ride as a single fin in Newquay and North Devon every week on anything between 1 foot slop and head high.
My new board is a 6ft4 Adams shuttle with 5 fin FCS II setup.
I am keen to see whether anyone has advice on whether I should run this as a quad or a thruster? I know it is going to be a whole new ball game on my new board and will take a lot of time (and bails) to get used to.
Thanks in advance
Stu
PS: I am 37 and about 90kgs (need to diet!) and started surfing again about a year ago (used to surf between 16-18).

Ooh, you'll get a lot of opinions but not necessarily the same one twice

As you're losing a lot of length/width/volume, I'd go with the thruster set-up to start with. It'll be more stable than the quad set-up, and won't be as loose in the turns.
Go with a large-ish set of fins for now for added stability and drive.

Thanks DBBB, I only have to wait another week for it to be made then I can't wait to get it in the water.

I got the 5 fin FCS II so I can easily swap and experiment, I was going to initially set up as a quad but I don't know why, hence why I asked the question.

Thanks for your thoughts, I know it is going to take a few weeks/months of fails before I can reasonably ride the thing, so anything that will make it more stable can only help. Then I can start switching things up.

When my wife bought her new board (step down from mini mal 2 + 1 setup) the surf shop recommended to opt for thruster as well.

Cheers

Stu

Confused on the term "Step Down", I thought that's when grabbing a board for smaller waves. Here it's used for using a smaller board, if I'm not mistaken.

I take it a "step down board" is the opposite of a "step up board", I'm pretty sure the latter is when grabbing a board for bigger waves..

I think both step up and step down refer to size compared to your normal board. Why you want it may vary.

Stuh99 wrote:I know it is going to take a few weeks/months of fails before I can reasonably ride the thing, so anything that will make it more stable can only help. Stu

I understand ( we all do ) what you hoping for by wanting a fin to make the board more stable. But think about this. What potential does a motorcycle have on it's own ? What potential does a computer PC have all by itself ? Both need the rider or users input to make it work. Boards aren't stable or unstable, the rider on top of it is. You don't necessarily need bigger fins. You need the fins that can keep you in control of the board. Too loose not good, Too stable not good, but just right - like Goldilocks and the 3 bears. But you asking others, what is too spicy or too hot doesn't matter. You got to try it. You may turn from the middle, while other turn more from the tail. You may ride low on the wave, while others stay close to the curl.

But with the option you gave us, I would stick with the thruster set up until you feel you can do everything front AND backside. Going to quad will make it confusing.

Thanks all. By 'step down' board I mean that I am coming down in length/size (but will be using for larger surf as well, I will still use my old board on small days). Apologies for not use the correct terminology, I tried to explain myself fully.

I have read various posts about quads Vs thrusters but could not find anything about best route from single fin longboard to quad/thruster.

The general consensus seems to be set up as thruster and go ride it...which I will do...as soon as it is finished!

Cheers

As a transition I would suggest Size 5 fronts and GX center on back. It will have a great combination of glide and control. If you try it and think you don't get enough performance you can switch the backs to GX sides, it will bite in a little more but also give up a little less glide.

I tend to use Thruster set ups specifically for steep barreling waves, quads the rest of the time

Stuh99 wrote:Thanks all. By 'step down' board I mean that I am coming down in length/size (but will be using for larger surf as well, I will still use my old board on small days). Apologies for not use the correct terminology, I tried to explain myself fully.

Absolutely no apologies needed! I'm confused by surfing lingo on a regular basis when reading about surfing on the internet (what I do a lot), I only try to understand exactly what I'm reading. It could be surfing lingo is used different based on regio, the same expressions have different meaning in other countries. Or it could very well be, it's perfectly clear to anybody else and the confusement is only in my head

IB_Surfer wrote:As a transition I would suggest Size 5 fronts and GX center on back. It will have a great combination of glide and control. If you try it and think you don't get enough performance you can switch the backs to GX sides, it will bite in a little more but also give up a little less glide.

IB_Surfer, aren't FCS 2 fins now just S, M or L in several different performance/style types? I am assuming as I have FCS 2 plugs the shop will give me 1 set of FCS 2 fins.

M, correct

Here's the new board, I pick it up next week.

See, I warned you guys. viewtopic.php?f=6&t=24345#p178811 We're all going Batty in the head. ( or will be ).