Axi Muniain talks through Big Nazare
In this short video Axi Muniain sits down with Tim Bonython and talks through one set of waves from the last big swell at Nazare. Amongst other things, Axi talks board design.
"We are using three fins," says Axi Muniain of the towboards used at Nazare, "two smaller fins on the side and one bigger one in the middle." The Basque big wave surfer explains the set up is used to handle the chop at Nazare.
Having a large centre fin "preserves contact" and keeps the board running straight. Another way they try to increase contact is by having the boards all weighted on the tail. A typical tow board will weigh far more than a normal board anyway, but they're putting all the weight at the very rear. That way the nose can chatter and lift but the tail wants to sit in the water.
Comments
Thats interesting about the board designs.
What are other people riding at nazare ?
Tim , can you document for us readers , the equipment and show us some pics of the fins , boards and legropes ?
I'll ask Axi to respond.
"Having a large centre fin "preserves contact" and keeps the board running straight"
Funny that, because as long as the glasser doesnt put the fins in crooked,
all symetrical fin setups should keep a board running run straight .
So are the fins fin systems like Futures or are they glassed in ?
Presumably nobody is on assymetric designs ?
Hoping to find out please Tim , Stu or anyone ? Thanks
Hey Clam, think he means when the board catches air over chops. Having a larger centre fin keeps more contact than a smaller one.
ditto - would love to see pics of that Nazare widowmaker
They must need a winged keel that holds em down .
Cheyne Horan might help ?
normally winged keel / fins lift the tail up but the surfers at nazare would want the wings to pull down .
Similar but different principle to racing cars with a wing to keep them in contact with the road . See image below
https://goo.gl/images/dFzkbh
http://www.buildyourownracecar.com/race-car-aerodynamics-basics-and-desi...
I use Futures G10 Quad fins, the two smaller ones are on the side and I put a bigger central, Sice L, more or less. For reasons of hydrodynamics, but a large central to have greater contact with the surface in the steps and thus better control.
I use Futures G10 Quad fins, the two smaller ones are on the side and I put a bigger central, Sice L, more or less. For reasons of hydrodynamics, but a large central to have greater contact with the surface in the steps and thus better control.
The weight ranges between 8kg and 12kg, depending on the challenge, tastes and surface conditions. but this weight is centered more close to the back feet, than in the rest of the boards that I have tried, so that the reile does not stick or sink as easily as you turn at speeds that exceed 50km / h between steps.
The surf board brand is SPO @sposurf
and the shaper Hugo. Is for me the best shaper for ride gigant waves. He use a super flex foam and diferent proces to build. The best is talk with him ;)
I use Futures G10 Quad fins, the two smaller ones are on the side and I put a bigger central, Sice L, more or less. For reasons of hydrodynamics, but a large central to have greater contact with the surface in the steps and thus better control.
The weight ranges between 8kg and 12kg, depending on the challenge, tastes and surface conditions. but this weight is centered more close to the back feet, than in the rest of the boards that I have tried, so that the reile does not stick or sink as easily as you turn at speeds that exceed 50km / h between steps.
The surf board brand is SPO @sposurf
and the shaper Hugo. Is for me the best shaper for ride gigant waves. He use a super flex foam and diferent proces to build. The best is talk with him ;)