The trend to stiffer fins

[waikikikichan]

I notice over the years of being in the surf industry, the trend to upgrade to stiffer fins. The "stock" fins that came with the boards, were "plastic". First usual fin "upgrade" was to Fiberglass or Honeycomb construction. But back in the 90's, CARBON was really light and ULTRA STIFF, and considered the ultimate in "cool". But now 20+ years later, FLEX is a good thing. Not flexy like rubber but controlled and energy absorbing and releasing flex. For me, I like the FRP / Glass Flex bone colored fins that come stock nowdays. Much better than the old Black plastic FCS fins back in the 90's

There is also a trend in cycling. When i did Triathlons, the race tire was 700x19c to 21c. Everyday tires were 700x23c. Training tires or stock tires were 700x25c. Contact patch, Rolling Resistance and High Pressure for tires are similar to surfers choosing a fin by Surface area, Pivot , Release, Drive and so on. But now the "trend" is to go wide, 700x28c ( or wider ). And they are all the rage. 700x28c was considered only for Hybrids or Touring bike when i used to race, but now you see them on Endurance race and Tri-bikes. I was shocked when i visited the bike store today.

Old Kelly Slater carbon fins, super stiff.