New Fin Templates

C-Drive Fins Accelerate Your Surfing

Drive is one of the major characteristics of surfing affected by surfboard fins.  It is the ability to generate speed and move down the line.  Drive converts into speed, power and aerial capabilities.  The team behind C-Drive fins has made it their mission to increase our ability to perform by maximizing our potential to generate drive from our fins.  Here is a look at what they have created:

Overview

The main aspect of the C-Drive fin that has been changed is the base length.  This is the part of the fin that comes in contact with the bottom of the surfboard.  A longer base length results in more water engaging fin at the joint where it meets the surfboard.  The C-Drive fin system has increased that base length so much that it is actually larger than the depth of the fin.  Something rarely if ever seen with surfboard fins.

The length of the base affects forward drive.  More length equals more drive but typically this comes at the cost of things like maneuverability and looseness.  To negate these effects the C-Drive team made other modifications.

The second noticeable difference in the C-Drive fin is the cut away section.  This feature allows the fin system to maintain its increased base length while minimizing surface area.  This helps ensure that there is not an excessive amount of hold coming from the fins.  The bigger the surface area of your fin, the more hold you will have but if you have too much you will not be able to release from turns and make use of your drive power. 

Talking to the C-Drive team we learned that the shape has been in development for over 8 years.  Variations were tested and perfected around Australian beach breaks.  The shape has changed dramatically but the goal stayed the same.  Give surfers more drive power from their fins so they can make sections.  If you've ever surfed a beach break you understand the importance of this. 

Review 

The C-Drive fins were designed to allow advanced surfers to get more drive from their fins so they can generate speed.  The difference is noticeable.  Switching back and forth between fins, the increased base length was obvious (even when just paddling).  These fins were designed to be on rail performing advanced surfing.  A surfer won't be able to tap their full potential unless they are of advanced to sponsored levels.  These are not beginner fins, there is no gimmick.  If you surf on rail, they are worth checking out.

One of the surprising benefits of the fins is their ability to perform late drops.  When taking off under the lip, the increased base grabs the face quicker and allows you to make the critical bottom turn, projecting your speed down the line.  They also help in linking multiple turn maneuvers, the increased drive powering through the transition period of a figure eight cutback. 

After testing the fins in a number of conditions, it seems they work best in 4ft+ conditions.  To take full advantage of them it is necessary to have a wave face to work with.

Construction

The C-Drive fin models currently available are all made from 32 layers of fiberglass which is cut, foiled and hand finished to product the fin.  Holding the fins in your hand you will notice the quality.  Since these fins have been designed for heavy use by high performance surfers, durability is a strong selling point.  The C-Drive fins feel sturdy, solid and responsive.  The company has discussed future technologies such as lightweight and eco friendly bamboo options.  These would be great additions to the line, but the current fiberglass offerings are excellent as is.  Fiberglass has been the standard in fin construction for over 50 years with good reason.

The fins come in a number of different sizes ranging from 106mm to a 152mm base.  The sizes allow for setups on thrusters, twin fins, quads, and there is even a 2+1 setup fin that fits a standard fin box.  The fins are currently only offered for FCS plugs. 

Conclusion 

The C-Drive fin system was designed to allow surfers a way to maximize the potential of speed and power we can draw from our fins.  The increased base length increases the drive potential while the cut away section works to maintain maneuverability.  These fins offer a unique feel and are well worth checking our if you are an intermediate to advanced surfer.

Find more information at www.cdrivefins.com