How to Apply Fins to a Wakeboard

Wake boarding is an exhilarating sport, combining elements of water skiing, snowboarding and surfing. Wake boards are made from fiberglass-coated foam or honeycomb. The boards have mounted bindings for the rider, who is then pulled over the surface of the water behind a boat. Different fin configurations are applied to a wake board, based on the needs of the rider. Boards are built to accommodate numerous configurations so the rider can change and try different patterns. The fins bolt on and are easy to swap out.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the fin configuration that suits your level of ability. A six-fin configuration is appropriate for new riders. Apply three fins to each end of the board in the slots provided.

    • 2

      Experiment with different configurations to find the one that works best for you. Change configurations as you improve your skills. A quad tip configuration, applying two tips on each end of the board, is for novice to intermediate riders; a two fin configuration, applying single fins to each end of the board is for intermediate and above riders.

    • 3

      Apply shallow fins for surface tricks. Shallow fins don't protrude far into the water. They make the wake board maneuver more like a snowboard. This maneuverability allows for tricks such as flat spins.

    • 4

      Apply larger fins for wavy, rough water conditions. Larger fins provide more stability. They make the wake board maneuver more like a slalom water ski or surfboard.