H
ORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENTS
Moving the fin back towards the tail of the ski increases the pressure in the forebody
of the ski during the pre-turn and turn, resulting in more tip area of the ski engaging
the water. This action will cause increased drag and deceleration in the pre-turn as well
as larger arcing turns.
Moving the fin forward causes the tip of the ski to ride higher with more of the fore
-
body out of the water during the turn. As a result, the ski will accelerate slower and
provide quicker, tighter turns.
• Move the fin forward for tighter, quicker turns.
• Move the fin back for larger and slower arc style turns.
VERTICAL ADJUSTMENTS
Moving the fin down increases the surface area in contact with the passing water,
resulting in more pressure forced on the fin. This action will increase stability, holding
power and acceleration, but also makes the ski harder to turn.
Moving the fin up reduces the surface area in contact with the passing water, resulting
in less pressure forced on the fin. This action will allow the ski to initiate turns with
less effort but will also decrease stability and acceleration.
• Move the fin down to increase stability and holding power
• Move the fin up to make the ski easier to turn
DIAGONAL ADJUSTMENTS
Moving the fin in diagonal directions (“tilting” the fin) will help correct problems
occurring on one side of the wake. Diagonal adjustments will increase or decrease the
speed of the ski as well as make it easier or harder to turn. Improvements on one side
generally decreases performance on the opposite side, so only make very small adjust
-
ments to fine tune performance.
• Tilting the fin blade forward so it is lower and longer in the front will slow the ski
down on the off-side* turn and improve stability.
• Tilting the fin blade back so it is shorter and narrower in the front with increased
surface exposed at the back of the fin will allow the ski to turn easier on the off-side*
turn.
Once your optimum performance settigns have been found, mark and measure the po
-
sition of your fin for future reference. Over time, additional adjustments may be neces
-
sary since water temperature, personal fitness, and performance levels can change
the characteristics of a ski. Fine tuning your fin will help improve your performance.
Every skier’s style is different and there is no right or wrong setting. O’Brien’s adjust
-
able fins allow you to customize your ski to the performance you desire.
*Off-Side - Left foot forward off-side turn is on the left side of the wake and right foot
forward off-side is on the right side of the wake.
FIN ADJUSTMENTS
