Enjoy your Holidays as we embark on the “Gloved Season”
OK. I apologize for chiming into several threads at once.
I haven't really had the time to read what’s been going on.
So if I bore you to death…move on.
Impact vests: I use the DaKine non-Coast Guard approved floatation vest. It does not provide the unconscious face up protection of a PFD.
I can wear it with no interference, along with my “Low-Waist” harness. While it has no kevlar panels, it’s extra layer of neoprene provide, warmth, and rib protection. Because it has less flotation; I can still duck dive with it. [Helpful in waves, or when a boat is about to run you over at Joe’s.] I always keep my safety strobe light attached to the shoulder. But I admittedly, do not wear my helmet all the time. Helmet use is a whole other thread.
MULTI FIN BOARDS: I am a new player in the multi-fin game. In spite of their fantastic performance in the correct conditions , there are several ‘problems’ I have with them.
Let me start off by saying that I believe consistency in your windsurfing quiver is very important.
For close to two decades I rode the same sail design, [Ezzy Waves] in 10 percent size gaps, and the same boards [RRD FSW’s, 90 ltr, 108 ltr, & 120 ltr; ;All with single, Power-box Fins]. This is why when I replaced my sales this year; I replaced every sail from 4.2 up to 6.7 with 2015 Severne Blade wave sails. I don’t sail every day. So I need to understand the sailing and jibing characteristics of one sail and board type.
I was spoiled with the power box system as well. They are easy to change, no shimming, or figuring out the correct fin position. Plus, if you have to lock your boards; a thin rubber coated cable through the board does the trick.
Back to the boards; last winter I purchased a 100 ltr Quad. An RRD Wave Cult. I bought it as my new wave board. Specifically for Demo. Yes a Quad is slower; but that does not matter in waves. Plus, as Brook mentioned It is almost impossible to overpower. So while not ideal…I can actually sail it with a 4.2.[ No not by choice .]…And that extra volume gets me home if the wind dies.
My original plan was to replace the RRD 108 ltr FSW with the 100 lt. Quad. But since it took me three sessions to dial in where all the fins should go. I am never taking them out.
I still sail the 108 with a weed fin at Joe’s in the Summer. Other brands may behave differently; but I don’t like my Quad in flat or choppy water. So I now have a 4; instead of 3 board quiver.
Once you do get the Quad set up correctly, it’s like cheating. In actual swell and waves…I have never had so much fun, or sailed a board more forgiving of my shortcomings as a windsurfer.
My problem with Quads….All the different fins needed. [Slot fins…”A” Box fins…shims…] What a pain in the ass. And a very, un-versatile board.
I do own a 90 lt. FSW Tri-Fin; but I have not sailed it enough to form an opinion. [Intuitively, it seems like a more versatile option.]
Lastly…
If you said you wanted to by gear from me this season:
Please get in touch with me. I am trying to clean out my old gear.
If you don’t want it anymore; just tell me.
If you do want to buy it; show up with cash. And no you don’t get to test ride it.
Enjoy your Holidays as we embark on the “Gloved Season”
