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Monday, 15 June 2009
www.boardsandwetties.com.au
www.wavegrinder.com
There are a whole lot of factors involved in making a longboard work. But when all else is equal, think about fins if you really want to improve a shooter's performance. The latest secret weapon in that department is the Wavegrinder, imported by Murray Ceff at Boards and Wetties in Victoria.
It's a striking-looking bit of gear, the winglets giving it something of the appearance of a tail plane from a passenger jet. And it's generating some striking results, according to the feedback that Murray has been getting from surfers who have incorporated the Wavegrinder in their set-up.
"Most people notice the increased drive out of turns, and improved wave catchability," Murray says. "Both these benefits are the result of having a better foil shape, which gives increased lift (or drive) for less surface area meaning less drag. We call it the "Wavegrinder reductionist philosophy" – it's all about doing more with less."
"We use a NACA foil shape which is designed to give maximum lift/drive at most angles of attack. You need to think of a fin in terms of an aeroplane wing. Lift is created when fluid passes over the foil when the foil is moving forward. As you are riding a wave, the fluid hits the foil at various angles and this particular foil will give more lift at more angles than other foils. It's also easier to create a more consistent foil with the leading edge of the fin being more upright."
Murray says drag reduction is critical to the Wavegrinder's success: "Surface area creates drag. So we have less surface area and therefore less drag. You can have less drag just by going for a smaller fin, but you lose drive. We have reduced drag but increased drive."
"Drag is also created by fin tip vortex, or water swapping sides at the trailing edge, especially at the tip. That's why we have winglets near the tip of the fin. They reduce the tendency of the water to swap sides, and therefore reduce fin tip vortex. That equals more paddling speed and more speed on the wave – let's face it, that's what we all want."
The Wavegrinder is moulded out of polycarbonate, which is incredibly strong but also has good flex characteristics. And being moulded, each fin is identical so each fin will work exactly the same.
Want to know more? Check out the websites or give Murray a call on
0404 357 137.
– Wally Basil
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