Fin Research

Hey Guys, I am a wakeboarder like most of you, and I've decided to do my thesis in mechanical engineering on wakeboard fins. I am looking for any kind of information/opinions that you guys can provide as wakeboarders. I will you these info to show what riders like best, as well with some technical information. I will post my results to everyone at the en of June.

Something I have never seen on a wakeboard that I thought would be interesting are drop-though fins like a slalom ski. Same grip as fins of similar length, if not more, with far less drag.

I would be interested in the engineering behind it.

Curved Fins (LF Models)
How much more hold do they really give...I use them, Dont know if I need them on the next board...

^and how much release compared to straight ones.

Hype's angled fins on 3ds. More hold on edge?

not sure how you would quantify such a thing, but you're the mech eng, right?

Look for info on surf fins, I am sure they have been researched to death.

As for myself (and most people I know) we generally ride without fins, thanks to the molded in "fins" and a good edge.

there's a new kind of fin that just came out in surfing. I can't remember all of the details on it, but it has far less surface area while still providing the necessary traction. It almost reminded me of a little hydrofoil. I saw this in the print copy of transworld business, so perhaps it's on their website somewhere?

Also, tony finn's first huge ass fin for the skurfer is interesting. it was actually patent pending!!

justin, How would a drop-thru fin prevent drag or at least a significant ammount of drag. on skis th fins are too thin to have screws go through them so if they werent drop thru u would have screws on the bottom of your ski.