Wakesurfing, fins in or out?

[triumph_013]

We traded in our '10 VLX for a '13 VLX with the surf gates, and wakesurfing is so much fun I think I will barely touch the wakeboard this year. I'm getting pretty confident on the surfboard and I'm able to go ropeless for a while, so today I decided to start taking fins off of our old surfboard (Hyperlite Broadcast 5.4) and try some spins. Didn't work out too well haha. I've been browsing YouTube and some other forums and haven't noticed anyone taking fins off, so would you recommend me putting them back in? I tried some spins with the fins in and it didn't feel like I would be able to break it loose, and with the fins out it was so loose I don't think I kept the board straight at all. We also have a new Phase 5 Trident, which board do you think would be better for spins and other tricks? I didn't try any spins on the Phase 5 board, but it is much more responsive than the Hyperlite.

Also, what is the point in the kicked up part on the back of the board? My rear foot sits about 6" in front of it.

[Tyger]

Congrats on the new boat!

I haven't ever liked the Broadcast without fins. None of are perfect at spins yet, but from experience with our 4 boards, the broadcast is going to be more difficult.

I'm not sure about the ramp on the back of the board. If I'm putting a knee down my foot is against it, but it doesn't help me. Most surf boards seem to have them, so they must be used for something.

[wdr]

Just got on my P5 Trident 5.4 Carbon Pro after a few guys recommended it for bigger guys, being fast down the line and ease of progression. I was shocked at how fast, yet controlable it was. And if you want to spin it will. Plus on my wave for the most part its one pump and done to get back into the sweet spot. After riding it for awhile I almost have its ride traits about figured out but I still haven't nailed a 3 yet maybe next weekend. As far as takling the fins off I have read that a couple guys are running singles,but I am not there yet. Overall I am very happy with the board.

[daylorb]

Generally no, you do not want to take the fins out. Most of the freestyle boards have 1 fin, some smaller than others, but you need the fin to track or you are going to feel like you are are on one giant slip and slide.

[triumph_013]

Thanks for the answers guys. With the Broadcast I started with just the one big fin in the back, then took it off and put the two smaller fins on, then I stepped down to no fins. I can control it easy with the two mentioned setups other than no fins, so I might go back to the two smaller fins or maybe just one small fin in the back where the big one is supposed to go and see if that is still controllable and able to spin. I would mess with the Trident, but it being the new board that's the one most of us want to use and I'm the only one wanting to take fins off haha.

Anyone running a new VLX with surfgates? What are your ballast setups? We have all of the factory ballasts as well as two 500 lb sacks.