The paddles Chris designs and these fins, make a noticeable improvement while paddling. All of the products I have purchased from BP are all awesome and as close to what I would call a work of art over other brands products I have used.
Hi Chris, I'd love it if you could explain the science behind a larger fin producing better glide. I've read this in various places online and have always been puzzled by it. It seems to me that if a smaller fin is faster (if stability isn't an issue), this must be due to less drag. So wouldn't the increased drag of a larger fin actually hinder glide? Once the paddle leaves the water at the end of the stroke, lift from the fin to counter the forces of the paddle is no longer needed - during the glide phase. Or is it that the larger lift force (from the fin) does a more effective job of countering the paddle force, resulting in more forward momentum at the end of the stroke with a larger fin (enough additional forward momentum to overcome the greater drag created by the larger fin)? Lastly, I'm curious what the computer modeling, as well as real world testing, shows the percentage gain in glide from the Ray vs. the Tiger at say 5 mph or 6 mph? And what board width is being used for the modeling / testing, since clearly a larger fin would give more benefit for a 27" wide board than a 21" wide board? I get exceptional tracking from the Tiger at 5 mph and above (21.5" wide board and Hydro 83 paddle), so I'm just wondering if I would benefit from a larger fin in a five hour race (assuming balance isn't an issue)? Thanks for your time! And thanks for the great customer service you always provide!
