Once again another Finsights article, this time on some exciting news from Futures Fins. With input from surf legend, Gerry Lopez, Futures Fins has released two high performance fin combinations for stand up paddle surfboards, the GL SUP-Thruster and the GL SUP-Quad. Futures' Resin Transfer Molded (RTM) construction was chosen for optimal performance of these fins. According to Futures, RTM fins are a "lightweight foam hex core glass fin that has the look and feel of a glass-on fin Engineered with a medium flex pattern. Great for all conditions." Many stand up paddleboard manufacturers have adopted Futures Fins for their lightweight installation and the ability to swap out fins with just one screw.
The GL-TRI SUP fins are a thruster setup 5.40" high with a base of 4.44" and a total 2 dimensional surface area of 18.48". The SG-QUAD SUP fins feature the same dimensions in front as the thruster arrangement with the rear pivot fins at 4.66" high with a 3.99" base and 13.63" total 2 dimensional area. These are not the first specialized stand up paddle fins that Futures has produced...
Futures also has the SUP-SURF model designed to be ridden either as a single fin or a 2+1 arrangement. The fin is 8.5" high and according to Futures is designed for performance surfing with a larger foil that "decreases drag and allows the surfer to turn an SUP board like it was a shortboard."
The SUP-WEED is also a stand up paddle fin with a straight edge for those who surf in waters with abundant kelp. "This unique SUP template helps the SUP'er to get through those kelpy days without getting hung up." The straight, angled leading edge of the fin makes this possible.
Futures also has a fin for downwind paddlers, the SUP-DOWNWIND. Increasing speed and decreasing drag is what this fin was designed from. At 15" the "height helps to follow the direction that you're aiming for. You can focus on your stroke knowing that your board is straight and steady."
As Futures R&D continues to produce cutting edge equipment, we look forward to their contributions to the advancement of stand up paddle surfing. On a side note, as soon as we can get our hands on the fins, we will release the review. For more information on Futures stand up paddle fins, visit www.futuresfins.com . To read excerpts of an interview with Gerry Lopez that includes talk about the new sup fins visit the Futures blog at http://news.futuresfins.com/2009/04/gerry-lopez-interview.html.
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GEAR INSIGHTS 
July 02, 2010
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