The Natural Beauty of Wooden Fins
photos and captions courtesy of JP St. Pierre
by Ken McKnight
posted 2004-09-15
There is no doubt about it. There is a resurgence in wood fins on surfboards that hasn't been seen in 25 years.
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So many designs, so many opinions, which way do you turn? "Wooden Fins on the Waters, Very Free. "Or so the CSNY song kind of went years ago. Absurd old obsession or the way it should be?
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The best quote yet was from Rich Pavel, "Wood is a natural choice for fins." Says Pavel with a grin. "For starters, they float."
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And never a truer word was spoken.
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It is an age old argument amongst purists, shapers, glassers, sanders, artists, and of course surfers themselves. What is it with wood fins? Do they work? Do they leak? How much do you toe them when glassing? Should I stain them first before applying resin or cloth? What about a waterproofing seal coat?
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Are they just for show? The debate rages daily in glass rooms, surf shops, on the beach, and on the web. Check out www.swaylocks.com or www.surfermag.com and their respective Bulletin boards to find out just how much debate there is on this subject.
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