Convert a tri-fin to a dual fin?

[wallacmc]

A question for all the wakesurfer afficionados: On the Hyperlite Broadcast 5'6" that I just bought, there are three fins. Would taking out the middle fin increase my chances at a 360? Would I have to put some kind of plug in the holes, or can I simply leave the holes as is? What are the advantages/disadvantages?

[Surfdad]

The Tri-fin on the broadcast is mostly for looks so that folks would "recognize" it as a surfboard, it looks like a thruster. The trailer will stiffen the tail up some, but it's a pretty shallow fin and if you're doing the 3 correctly, it probably won't have too much of an affect. However, when you're just learn the 3, take advantage of EVERYTHING that will help you and in this situation, I'd pull the trailer out IF you're having trouble initiating the rotation. The flip side is that if you're over-rotating at the end, leave the fin in.

James just started a thread on his site and I know that there will be another installment published tomorrow morning at 4:30 am

Check the in depth look/tutorial on doing a wakesurf 360.

So much of the success of a 360 is involved with the initiation of the trick.

Typically tri's and quad's will rotate easier when the trailing fins are removed and, no doubt, like you've theorized walacmc, taking that trailer out will allow the board to rotate more freely. However, if you're pushing the weight limits of the board, it may not help. The pin'ish tail will sink and tends to not spin easily. In that case, a board with a thicker wider tail AND set up as a twin most likely will be the answer.

Hope that helps!

[Guapo]

That helps me as well. I'm 210 and have a SS JaMako as well as a broadcast. I've taken the middle fin out of both of those boards and can get a full 360, but continue to over rotate and can't stay in the pocket. Other than practice and lack of talent....I'm only running 700# ballast and really no human ballast (mainly just kids) other than the driver....I have a new 1000# sac on the way which will give me 1250# .

This is a short video of one of my attempts...I had better ones, but unfortunately they weren't captured on video. This was my first weekend attempting 360's. BTW you'll see me with the rope because we were trying all kinds of tricks and didn't want to keep turning around and picking each other up... Any input on the 360 is appreciated. (I'll check out the link you mention above).

[G-MONEY]

I took mine out and left the holes open.

[Timmy!]

On my CWB Ride we took the outer fins off and left only the center fin and it spins a whole lot faster that way but that board is so big and slow that you would have to have the trick down pretty good to pull it off (IMO of course).