Pro-Tech Fins

[tgames64]

First, if this topic is already on the forum I apologize, I did a search and didn't see it.

Does anyone use the Pro Tech, Super Flex fins?
The safety values of them are obvious. I was wondering what performance you give up for that safety if any.

[dtc]

I use pro tech, but not the super flex ones (I use the 'white' ones - performance fins). I dont think you will need the super flex (orange) - they are really designed for surf schools where people are likely to be running over each other and are in crowded bunches or will be surfing into the sand and wrecking the fins.

For the normal surfer, the stiffer fins are just as good safety wise and much better performance wise - you would lose quite a bit of turning potential with the super flex. I know the web site says the performance fins are for 'intermediate to expert' surfers, but that isnt right - they are just fins and suitable for all levels.

I dont know how much performance you sacrifice as I only surf with the pro tech fins and havent tried other fins. However, the board works and turns and stuff - certainly if you are a beginner to early intermediate then I doubt you will notice any difference and you will feel a little bit more confident.

[tgames64]

Thanks...

That kind of helps me. I am a beginner just learning how but am getting to a point where I want customize a board for regular use. Right now I just rent boards as I go and I think having the same board every time I go might help me out. I was looking at it from a safety stand point but didn't want to give up to much performance. I read somewhere that about 66% of surfing accidents are from the board, cut by the fins, knocked in the head by the nose, etc... I'm getting older and keeping it fun means coming out of the water and not having to pop tylenol...lol

When I was young I used to skate and my first board was a store bought and cool to learn on. My next, I made by buying different parts and doing it myself. I used a Logan Earth Ski board, Track Force trucks, and Bones wheels and back in the 70's it was a sweet ride. Anyway, that's where my train of thought came from.

[dtc]

Having one board will definitely help your surfing a lot (so long as its the right board!). You really learn what the board can do, what it can't, how to deal with different situations etc. If you havent already, read around this site as to what board you should be getting.

In terms of fins, trust me that at your level there will be no 'performance loss' from using Protech. When you can use the board to 85% of its potential (which will be at least a year of twice weekly surfing, and realistically more like 2+ years), then the choice of fins may impact on that remaining 15%. And I'm not saying that Protech fins 'reduce' performance by 15%; only that when you are at that higher performance level, you may notice a difference from different fins - which might mean one set is faster or one turns better or one works better on particular waves. There is no absolute measure of 'performance' - it differs from surfer to surfer and from board to board and what you actually want. At this stage of your surfing career you need to spend your effort getting to 85% performance rather than what happens after that.

So if you are buying a board and need fins, I would go with Protech. There is no downside and obvious upsides. But go with the stiffer performance fins.

If the board comes with fins and you dont want to buy a new set, sand down any sharp edges (usually the trailing edges and sometimes the tips). Severe injuries from fins comes through fin cuts when you hit the sharp edges; blunting them will make minimal if any difference to performance. Whack your hand against the fins and if they can cut your hand, keep sanding.

The majority of board related injuries are actually from the board hitting you after you fall off or when you get caught by the surf in the wrong place. Fin cuts can be extremely dangerous and worth thought, but are not that common. So pay attention to other safety aspects, like learning to fall, how to push your board away when you fall, covering your head, knowing where your board is before surfacing, how to duck dive/turtle roll, having a good leash of the right length. Etc.

[tgames64]

OK, thanks... Good stuff there!