Kite Surfing Boards - Fins & Other Accessories
In Kite Surfing, one of the easiest ways to customize your board is by changing your fins. Kite Surfing Board fins come in all shapes and sizes. A board uses its fins as edge. Some boards allow for additional fins on the heel side for added tracking while some are used without fins.
On a bidirectional board, fins are not necessary. However, on a directional kite board which normally has three fins located at the back of the board, the fins are used for directional purposes. Fins of hybrid boards are the same as with a directional board. These boards have two extra fins located at the board’s nose, enabling Kite Surfers to ride in either direction without resorting to gybing of the board.
Twin tip boards usually have two fins on each end of the kite board. The fins in twin tip boards offer minimal grip and are used specifically as support during light wind conditions.
Fins help when loading up to jump. Fins also help the board go upwind and keep it to go straight. There are different kinds of fins available. Fit for smooth water conditions are smaller and thinner fins which enable the Kite surfers to slide out the board during surface tricks and transitions. Small fins have less drag in the water and thus, faster, more efficient and may feel slippery.
Large fins are great in biting chop and loading for big air, but make releasing those technical tricks difficult. They enable kite surfers to make carving turns in waves. Large fins also allow the board to slide like a surfboard rather than like a wakeboard. Wider fins, on the other hand, make a suction effect with the board to the water beneath. They also displace water during Kite Surfing. Multiple fins or larger fins enable Kite surfers to have more stability when riding at high speeds. Moreover, they also offer improved upwind capability.
The less fins you put on your board, the faster it goes. On the market, there are twin tips or wakeboards with 4 fins, directional boards with 2 to 4 fins and hybrids with 3-5 fins. For directional boards, there are 3 sizes of fins: 75mm, 85mm and 100mm.
Fins can be made out of fiberglass or plastic. Fiberglass fins have less vibration when the kite surfer rides at a speed for a more stable and smooth ride.
Aside from fins, you can customize you board with these accessories:
- Foostraps/Footpads - These allow the kite surfer to control the board comfortably. Footstraps are specifically designed to allow the feet to slide in easily.
- Bindings - These should weigh low to keep the board ultra lightweight.
- Grab Handle - This usually comes with side wings to allow a variety of insert spacing. This should be durable and must be padded for maximum comfort and grip.
- Fin Accessories - Fin accessories include Board Leash Connector/Strap and Fin screws/washers.
If you opt to add accessories to your Kite Surfing Board, make sure that they are suitable for your skill level and that you know their features, characteristics, and uses.
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