Fin review

 The Chuck Patterson Great White fin does exactly as it claims. A great fin design that allows it to stay stable, yet can easily be maneuvered when needed.

 I took the fin out for two separate tests. One on a downwind run, and one in flat water.

 The first thing I noticed in the downwind run was that the fin kept the board loose while dropping in on bumps. Once in the trough between bumps I found the fin easily let me change direction if I needed to follow, or catch another upcoming bump on the left or right. The fin also kept a very straight track. Some fins are great for downwinding because they don't veer off course, but sacrifice maneuverability when needed in tight spots. This fin has both. You can concentrate on catching and gliding, knowing that the point you're aiming for is still on track. The fin also had speed and didn't seem to have any drag what so ever. Easily gliding from one bump and into the next.

 The next run was over flat water. Some fins seem to work great in one set of certain conditions, while they lack in others. But not this fin. It held speed in flats just fine. Tracked a straight course just as it had in the downwind run. Even into a slight headwind (5 to 8 knts) it held course, and made it easy to concentrate on paddling by not having to switch sides every 3 strokes.

 All in all this is a very impressive fin. At first I liked the aggressive design, hoping that the fin would live up to the name. I had some doubts as some fins work great in some areas and not in other areas. But this handled everything I put it through. It was much better than I expected it to be, and a nice surprise. It does exactly what it says it will. If you're looking for a fin that can go from one set of conditions to another, or just want an all around good fin, this is it. Great fin worth the money. 

You can purchase it here.

The conditions of the downwind test. Fun bumps in about 20 - 25 knt wind.

The fin.

Green means go

Another hand plane painted. A big green lip.

Green is good.

Detail

Looking down the line.

Downwinder

  For a little while now I had been looking at an Edmonds to Shilshole down wind run. Looked like a lot of fun on the map, I had no idea how much fun it would be. I waited for some sun to show, and got Shawn Jennings to go with me(after some harassing). We launched under crystal clear blue skies and mountains in the backdrop. As we launched a bald eagle flew bye just above eye level, around 25 yards away(give or take). Amazing. I've often seen these while on the water but never this close. We both headed for open water and the wind picked up at our backs. Next thing you know we were connecting bumps to the end of our route. We actually put together a few rides that were probably around 10 secs. Just flying along the top of the water. One of the best runs I've done. Can't wait for the next one! Hopefully get some more people on it! When all was said and done I saw one of the biggest sea lions I've ever seen, schools of fish, and got yelled at by a grumpy fisherman! Couldn't have been better.

This is how we roll.  

Shawn around mid paddle. 

Shawn again.

St. Patty Day Dash

So it's been a little while since I've posted here. Ok a long while. Just been busy. Hopefully people are still checking in here.

What going on? Well about 2 weeks ago my good friend Bob and I ran the St. Patty's' Day Dash. For those who don't know what that is it's a 4 mile run(about) through the city. This year the course changed, and honestly I don't like it nearly as much. The old course went down Mercer and onto Aurora, through the tunnel and out onto the viaduct, ending at the stadiums. Which was great because you got to run along the waterfront and have the whole city on one side while the sound was on the other. Great run. This year you went the other way on Aurora heading north towards the bridge then did a u-turn and came back. Still fun but really boring on the way back. Hopefully next year the course will be back to normal. But with the planning that's going on for the viaduct I don't know if that will happen. Also maybe some more people will run it with us(Bob and I).

Here's some quick video I got. None of it is actually running(to difficult to film and run at the same time)but it's got the snow that greeted us in the morning,the crowds, and Bob finishing.

Can't wait till next year!