As an average surfer, I can feel the difference between a cheap plastic fin and a proper fin, but the difference between $50 standard fins and $200 signature models is beyond my ability.
Two in a row you've beat me to the punch! I have a previous article about grooved fins, which were also looked at in that study. I liken it to the dimples on golfballs that reduce drag. Glad you've been enjoying these!
You already know that, despite my background in science, I am
usually sceptical about the influence of science on design. Most studies are done in conditions that are only rough approximations of actual surfing. So yeh, in general what you say is true but the reality remains that board and fin design progress by a selection process rather than from a theoretical base.
Fair enough, I believe the same thing too. In complex pursuits like trying to determine the absolute best shape for something like a fin for a specific purpose, trial and error still wins. I think there is still value in understanding why that trial and error led to a specific result, but it's definitely not necessary to make a good fin.
It is not trial and error but a process similar to natural selection. Functional designs spread as they are copied. They are then modified to a variety of related forms, the most functional of which are copied ….. and so on. Over decades this has led to a great increase in the complexity of board design.
Nice. Have you seen those fins inspired by the pectoral fins of humpback whales? they've got all those bumps and knobs. It's super interesting.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0232035
As an average surfer, I can feel the difference between a cheap plastic fin and a proper fin, but the difference between $50 standard fins and $200 signature models is beyond my ability.
Two in a row you've beat me to the punch! I have a previous article about grooved fins, which were also looked at in that study. I liken it to the dimples on golfballs that reduce drag. Glad you've been enjoying these!
Do you have a link to that article? I love these kinds of discussions
You already know that, despite my background in science, I am
usually sceptical about the influence of science on design. Most studies are done in conditions that are only rough approximations of actual surfing. So yeh, in general what you say is true but the reality remains that board and fin design progress by a selection process rather than from a theoretical base.
Fair enough, I believe the same thing too. In complex pursuits like trying to determine the absolute best shape for something like a fin for a specific purpose, trial and error still wins. I think there is still value in understanding why that trial and error led to a specific result, but it's definitely not necessary to make a good fin.
It is not trial and error but a process similar to natural selection. Functional designs spread as they are copied. They are then modified to a variety of related forms, the most functional of which are copied ….. and so on. Over decades this has led to a great increase in the complexity of board design.