#seeatiptimetuesday
Fins First with Mele ~
A fins-first takeoff [at 00:50] is an advanced maneuver that can add fun flare and a spontaneous challenge to the trick repertoire.
For starters, notice how Mele keeps the fin out of the water until the moment she is ready for the board to spin. The board will spin almost immediately as the fin engages with the water, so you have to be ready for it, and anticipate when that moment happens. Staying towards the back (in this case the nose) will help lift the tail and fin out of the water. Staying low also helps maintain control and balance with the fin in front (if you stand up tall without having control of the rail, it is very easy for the board to slip out from under your feet.
At the point you are ready to have the board spin, (personal preference but also when the wave allows) you allow the fin to slightly engage into the wave, at the same time as adjusting your feet as the board spins.
You can either adjust your feet as Mele does here, or keep your feet planted and let your body spin with the board. Both are tricky and require a balance adjustment that is fun to explore.
If you are attempting this, try it out on small waves first, to get the feeling of riding with the fin in front. It takes some time to adjust to the finless feeling, as well as anticipating and controlling the moment of the fin engagement/board spin.
Study Mele’s footwork here, she moves so smoothly and quickly in the turn that it becomes a seemingly subtle movement.
Surfer: @mele_saili
Words: @leahloves
🎥: special thanks to @greylockwoodphoto
@bingsurfboards