We came across the concept 12 years ago, while pursuing the dream of new, environment friendly surfboard materials. An early experimental board came alive when the back fin unscrewed itself and worked loose. Somewhere between fixed and completely free we had glimpsed the perfect amount of flex in a fin. Over the next decade the moving fin concept was refined, resulting in the perfect degree of flex in a tool-less, removable fin, with outstanding performance advantages.
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"Suddenly the board came alive."
There were many helpers along the way. Discussions with Techno-flexpert George Greenough led to research in fibreglass directional lay ups and high tensile polymer technology.
Exploration and endless experiments with master shaper Mitchell Rae refined the reflex in the trailing edge, creating a torsion bar effect to release power.
Mitchell's proven templates were refined even further using the latest aeronautical cad/cam technology.
Advanced jet fighter foil designs and water flow simulations improved the curving fin concept even further.
The flat side of the side fins was dynamically improved by adding foil to gain smoother and longer laminer-flow.
Tow in angles where assessed and as a result, the optimum tow angle of 3.5 degrees was determined.
New generation polymers provided us with two highly responsive materials - a reinforced nylon that offers hot dog performance in small waves and a stiffer, high tensile material that provides greater precision and powerful acceleration in all wave types.
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Three templates where designed and proven creating a small, medium and large selection.
Fin template combinations proved that the three sizes offer noticeable variation to the performance of the board and to the surfer.
"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent:"
calvin coolidge - 13th us president |
