What kind of tail rudder is best for your surfboard?

The rudder has become more and more regarded by surfers, because whether it is in general or special surfing conditions, the rudder controls the direction of surfing, the control of the board, the speed of manoeuvring, and the ability to turn. Next, let's learn about the rudder!

Technology and fluid mechanics play a very important role in the development of high-performance surfing. The increasingly interplay between plate and rudder.

We already know that there are nine elements to consider in regards to the rudder: material, rudder bottom, depth/height, backswing arc, area, side fin bending, and bending, plus your weight, all of which will affect the rudder The driving force, steering, and standstill performance of the device.

FCS has given a table of the weight and the corresponding rudder size, which solves the traditional rudder problem. What is the best size for your rudder?

Caudal Size Surfer Weight

XS Under 55kg

S 55-70kg

M 65-80kg

L 75-90kg

XL Over 85kg

According to your weight, after selecting the size of the rudder, it is necessary to look at these seven elements: rudder bottom, depth/height, area, backswing arc, rudder shape, curvature/elasticity and side fins. Flexibility.

BASE rudder

The bottom of the rudder refers to the length of the tail rudder touching the bottom of the board. This mainly affects the direction of surfing. The longer the bottom, the easier it is to hold the direction and then accelerates, for example, the direction of the bottom of the wave.

DEPTH/HEIGHT depth/height

This refers to the distance that the rudder is inserted into the water. This directly affects the strength of the turning action. The higher the height, the deeper the water is inserted into the water. The more the board is in close contact with the waves, the more powerful the turning action, and vice versa. The shallower the water is inserted into the water, the board will not be able to keep up with the waves, it will lead to slush, looseness and loss of strength. The taller surfers will find deep fins more suitable for them.

AREA area

It refers to the area of ​​the surface of the rudder rudder. The larger the area, the larger the area of ​​the contact wave, and the more stable the turning motion.

SWEEP rear arc / tilt arc

Rear arc, also known as tilting arc, is the arc of the tail rudder's silhouette. Tilting arc directly affects the speed of the turn. With a large arc, the turn is large, the arc is small, and the turn is small

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FINS5FLEX Bending

Bending refers to the bending course of the rudder due to side pressure during surfing. Bending affects the rudder's response characteristics. The hard rudder will respond instantly and accelerate forward. The elastic rudder responds slowly, and the rudder body bends and shakes.

CANT side fin bending/side rudder bending

It refers to measuring the degree of bending of the side fins from the angle perpendicular to the bottom of the board. This directly affects acceleration and handling. When the degree of bending is small, the acceleration is fast and the stiffness is felt. If the curvature is large, expressiveness and operability are enhanced, but the board cannot cling to the waves.

FOIL rudder

The rudder shape refers to the inside and outside geometry of the rudder, which directly affects the flow of water through the rudder surface.

FLAT FOIL: The rudder has a flat inside and a convex outside. This traditional flat shape balances and combines the direction of the surf, the speed of the turn, the control of the board, and under what conditions. Provides a feeling of continued stability

INSIDE FOIL: A more complex hydrodynamic rudder shape with a convex, circular edge on the outside and a concave surface on the inside. This shape increases the force of the flow of water through the rudder, increases the fluidity, and reduces the resistance, so there are more choices when controlling the power and speed.

50/50 FOIL: Both sides of the rudder are symmetrical and both sides are convex. All middle rudders adopt this shape. When the water passes, it can maintain the stability and controllability of the board.

FIN CONTROL SYSTEMS (FCS) Detachable rudder

FCS is the leading brand of global production rudders. In the global championship, 4 out of 5 players will use the rudder of the FCS. They are known for their superiority, durability and superior performance. The rudder device is also part of the structure of the surfboard, making the overall structure more flexible and less likely to break. Once the rudder is loaded into the corresponding position, there is very little lateral movement (this is based on the general explanation given by the rudder box).

FUTURE SYSTEMS Future Brand System

The FUTURE brand rudder is also a high quality option. The entire bottom of the rudder is fixed in an angled screw, which means that it is tightly controlled from front to back. From the left side to the right side, there is still room for maneuvering, so when you need maximum control, you need to tighten the tail fin locking device. Like the rudder of the FCS, the rudder of the future brand can only be installed in the tail rudder box it produces.

The following are some explanations and suggestions for different styles of rudder devices:

ONE FIN single rudder (aka single rudder)

A single rudder is basically used on a long board, and it can also be a surfboard suitable for beginners. The meaning behind this is that a single rudder can guarantee stability and control. Regrettably, the increased control means that the performance is weakened because the rudder restricts the movement of the surf to slanting turns and straight lines.

TWO FINS Double Rudder (aka Double Rudder)

Double rudders are more difficult to control in big waves, but they are more maneuverable in Xiaolang. This structure is usually used on short boards and fish plates because it can increase speed.

THREE FINS Three Ruds (aka Push Type)

This type of pushing tail rudder device is the most common and can be found on all wave boards. In most of the wave conditions, it can perform well, and stability can be felt when using a highly operative plate. The side of the outer side of the two rudder rudders is a plane, increasing the momentum, and the middle rudder shape is normal. In addition, the outer fins are inclined inward toward the tip of the board, which will make the turn easier. Propulsion-type devices are the first choice for many form divisions

Depending on your weight, your height, and your level of surfing, you now know what rudder is best for you!