New Fin Question

[shankster]

Hello Fellas,
Im pretty new to longboarding, and ended up with a Walden Magic Popout. 9'6". The guy at the shop only had the sidebites (standard fcs) and a 9" ez kine hook. Is the 9" too big for a center fin with the side bites? Any input is much appreciated.

[jaffa1949]

Not at all, everything is about right there in fins, just your levels of surfing may eventually prefer something different in side bite try them and see what works for you!
That is the only answer to any surfing question!

[IB_Surfer]

9" is perfect, not sure about the shape. EZ Kine make some plastic fins, which I don't like because they flex a little too much, making turns a little groggy, but if you got the fiberglass fin then you are honky dory.

As far as the sidebites, I only use them when surfing big waves, I usually use my board as a single fin for anything chest high or smaller.

[tony g]

Heller shankster,
I prefer a little smaller back fin when I have the side bites, but that may not work for you being new to longboarding. The bigger fins give more drive and stability, but can also draw the turns out more. The smaller fins have less drive and hold in, but do loosen the board up. The best thing to do is try some different set ups and see what works best for you. Also if you have a habit of being to far forward when you drop in, you may want to stick with the 9" back fin. You can also move the fin in the box. Further back equals stability, further forward loosens the board up. Hope that helps.