Hi all what fins you using (how big, how many, what position for what conditions)
also what position for the centre fin(front or back)how does this affect ride/glide or paddle? cya Ian.

It really is a trial and error type situation, but basically the rule are as follows.

More fin (total surface area) = more control, but also more drag.

Less Fin (total Surface area) = More Speed, but lees control.

In a thruster set up were that back fin is adjustable,

Forward loosens your board up, and back gives more drive and control (so put your fin forward in small surf and back in big).

The better you get at surfing/sup you will find you like riding with less and less fin because you have more control as a rider and rely on the fins less for control, I ride now with the same fin surface area on my SUP's that I surf on a regular surfboard with, and it really changes the way the board feels. The more you learn to use your rails correctly, and have correct body positioning, the less you rely on your fins for control. However, when it gets big! thats a different story. If you are hanging on for your life, you want some good fin on the back of your board.

Experiment is the key, Fins are a very personal thing, and everyone will like different set ups for different reasons. I ride my big SUP's with the back fin all the way back even in small surf, but I am pretty heavy (95kg) and surf right on the tail during turns. Most would p;refer to move the fin forward and not have to be so aggressive.

Beg borrow steal as many fin set ups as you can and try everything.

Once you start toying with fins, it will rule your life, I have about 11 sets of fins that I rotate between all my boards depending on conditions, and I still want more!

I hope this helps you a little bit,

Regards,.

JB