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which often results in higher speeds, especially when
conditions are a bit rough. Like with the sails we also
developed the foils of the fins to be able to handle the
widest variation in angles of attack, this gives so much
confidence and like this you can reduce fin sizes, which has
many benefits like reduced drag and better turning.
Also the flex tail is such a thing that brings benefits both for
early planing and for wave riding. It is a mechanical solution
to have a self adapting rocker line.
A special bottom shape of the Wave, V3, V4 or V5 gives the
best combination of planing and turning (apart from using a
flex tail). There are so many ‘ingredients’ a shaper can
throw into the mix in any amounts so you are always
playing with these things in your mind.
Do you check out other brand shapes to see
what’s going on industry wide?
Yes, of course. You try to see what they are doing, if it
makes sense and pick out the good things.
Any other comments about windsurfing board
design in general?
Some 15 years ago, I wrote an article called the yo-yo
effect in board (or sail) design. Brands are often so pushed
by marketing and sales that they will not look if something
makes sense. Instead when there is a new trend they will
try to outdo each other by going more and more extreme in
uk
WIND
SURFING