Waterborne Surf Adapter FIN System Review: A Customizer's Dream

[@sageoz9886]

Hi! I’ve been trying to spread this cool trick for skateboarders that use surf style front trucks. This only works if you’ve a Waterborne adapter or similar surf trucks in front, but you can increase high speed stability and completely remove speed wobbles by reversing the rear trucks, so they face the same direction as the fronts. This makes the rear end tuck in through corners as well as carve a straighter line than the front. It creates huge stability and recoverability in high speeds, especially over rough terrain that may otherwise create a speed wobble induced crash. Hard corners offer more support as the rear pushes under you more rather than trying to shoot outwards. As far as surf style pump carving, I’m not sure yet wether it helps efficiency or not, but to me it feels more like a real surfboard

[@zu438]

This would be great to see tested - just to clarify - are you saying front truck is RKP and rear truck TKP? or vice versa?

[@sageoz9886]

@@zu438 not at all. I’m flipping my rear trucks around so they are “backwards” and turning in the same as front. Doesn’t matter if it’s RKP or TKP as long as it’s tight with hard bushings to turn minimally. It would normally crabwalk like this but I’ve added surf adapters up front with a Major Arc truck that give a huge amount of steering ability. Since the wheels turn slightly in the same direction it’s way stable at any speed.there’s a video on my channel talking a bit about it

[@spadelump]

I put these on an all terrain deck with 100mm all terrain wheels (the board has huge cut aways for the wheels) for all weather and it's amazing. I live in Ireland so need an all weather set up. Sent the pics to waterborne too and they thought looked like awesome idea.

[@TB-tv2zf]

That sounds really cool, did you upload a pic of it somewhere?

[@LCCodreanu]

Your video convinced me to buy the WB FIN System. I'm planning to use it on my penny longboard & on my Landyachtz Dinghy. was over the fence on starting to skate being 36 yo. I had some experience as a kid, but never really give it a chance back then. You inspired me to start again with something that has always fascinated me. Kudos man!

[@wowomg1980]

That's the most skate friendly campus I've ever seen

[@SurfskateLove]

Yeah I love it! Sundays I have the place all to myself.

[@miryanapaloma3317]

Great review!! Thank you for going into such incredible depths with what this little engineering marvel can do. It's definitely on the wish list, but now I need it in my life sooner than later :D

[@martynrandall7652]

Man your so lucky to have that campus on your doorstep another great review. Got a waterborne truck arriving soon! Cheers

[@ghostdoggtv]

The blue thing on the keychain goes inside the truck and complements the offset angles in the main FIN system key. It's basically a glorified spacer to fill in what gaps the little pegs leave empty. When I first got my waterborne adapter I took the same actions you did in the video when I first installed it and it works with or without the piece inside. I think the truck is more stable and less prone to damage if it's all put together but honestly it feels exactly the same to me.

[@mixilflic]

Up grading the bushings both in the trucks and waterborne adapter/rail made a huge difference.I have mine on a magneto Hana with stock trucks and kegel wheels. With all stock bushings riding was a lot more effort. Basically all return twists generated by my body. So i really learned all the body corkscrew control. With upgraded bushings my set up is transformed into a torque monster, I can side to side up inclines a snail pace. More power strokes and it moves like magic. The upgraded riptide rail bushing made the biggest difference.

[@bigcasy]

what hardnes on the bushings did you use?! Im just ordering my waterborn so i want all the tricks to make it better!

[@keloto7]

.

[@fastfoxshark]

Impressive! Appreciate the in-depth review. Incredible job. And intriguing footage at the end riding on the system.

[@rightuppercut1426]

Very informative once again, Steve. Thanks. Props to your camera-man for the great footage. That campus looks perfect as practice area and so much fun. Too bad I don’t have something similar around where I live.

[@joenottoast]

i really appreciate everything you do for this hobby

[@tosinadesina3137]

Wow, the camera work on the campus ride was next level.

[@ramshaka]

Yeah, I got to be honest, I'm a little jealous of the FIN system. I had JUST bought my second adapter on a Penny board right before these launched. Side note, that Penny was an AMAZING get for my daughter, caught on a holiday sale for 120$, and she absolutely loves it, it's an amazing setup for shorter people, me being 6' though it's a little too squirrelly.

[@WATERBORNESKATEBOARDS]

It would be really cool to see a longer version of the Penny Highline that is better suited for adults.

[@ramshaka]

@@WATERBORNESKATEBOARDS Very much agree. What I don't want to see is them adding it to their pintail longboard. Love the board itself from Penny, but pintails aren't particularly great for surf-skate. 33-36" with a very mellow wide tail, and enough nose to actually kick turn. That, pretty much everyone I've talked with, is the Unicorn surf-skate, that the die hards are going to Soulboardy for. Which is great, but pretty expensive. Penny's construction, however, is much cheaper, and more durable. Though, my dream board would be an old school Hosoi Hammerhead, made about 2" longer, near maximized for wheel base, with a mellow tail. Honky's have dreams too.

[@WATERBORNESKATEBOARDS]

@@ramshaka Yea that Hosoi has got the width in all the right places, just needs more length in the middle. Dream on!

[@kingbuusaki7130]

Mine's coming this week. I just got the front part with the raisers for the back

[@DietCokeAddict]

Enjoyed watching your ride, so much joy!

[@whitetailskateboards]

Thanks for the review Steve! I was actually super curious about the Fin since it has been announced. I have a soft spot for Waterborne so your detailed review came handy! Thank you mate!

[@nikai7778]

Cruising is life!

[@droneshots6192]

My best advice would be pick one up on a second hand sale app like offer up. See if anyone is selling one in your area. I just go mine with a deck and trucks for $30 it’s used a lot but it was hella cheap for what it is

[@chargencarve]

Hoping you take a look at waterborne's new Dream setup coming soon.

[@SurfskateLove]

It's on the way!

[@keikitano]

Hey Steve! Did you ever tried the Curfboard Front Truck with the Slide Backtruck? Put it on a soulboardiy and You gonna love it. ❤😊

[@SurfskateLove]

I tried the Curfboard with the Carver C2 and liked it a lot.

[@kracksmith4ejm1]

that looks so cool he didn't even have to pedal once! and going downhill like that, how did he not get speed wobbles since the front is so loose

[@waltimedes]

I might check this out, I have trouble pumping my slide up even the slightest incline.

[@nitsan]

Thank you for this! Really appreciate your work. I'm a huge fan of surfskating. This adaptor might be a good upgrade for me because I'm trying to create something for the terrible pavements we have here. So I'm thinking of a bouncy long board with maybe 180mm slim "scooter" wheels - plus a really carvy adaptor. I'm open to suggestions if you have any. I'm a C7 rider currently and I mostly just want the fastest most responsive carving that doesn't require me to lean my body before starting the turn. (I'm not a surfer and didn't enjoy the CX because I felt I needed to lean into the turn too much). Thanks. 😊

[@SurfskateLove]

Yeah I do think you may like the Waterborne in that case.

[@theaustralianhulk]

I know I mentioned in another comment, but didn’t ask, were Solride, Grasp or Long Island Genesis included in your testing? Not trying to be a jerk, just asking because I am interested in your opinion and I’m a super geek like you for all this stuff (and a newb haha). Thanks so much for your efforts for the community!

[@SurfskateLove]

Oh I didn't take it that way at all. I just haven't been able to ride any of those yet.

[@pauljarine]

Long Island is part of HLC same as YOW right?

[@nitsan]

Oh also a quick tip. A knipex pliers wench is a killer pocket tool for skating in my opinion. Mostly because I always have it on me and I use it for a ton of other things as well. There's various sizes and I'd recommend the 6 inch. Model 86 03 150 - don't bother with the comfort grip version because it's just bulky in my opinion.

[@808Farm]

Great review Steve! We have been using the Waterborne with 9” Gullwing Sidewinders on front and back. We use double risers on the back instead of the surf adapter. I would like to start experimenting with different durometers on the bushings. Have you tried that setup? Highly recommended, thanks for the great videos!

[@SurfskateLove]

I haven't. I'm honestly not a fan of the Sidewinders. Too mushy for me.

[@richardstassen-nr5xy]

Dog this guy is biased towards only the products he likes that's why he can't give you a review on gullwings. This guy is not a surfer and has never surfed in his life so he won't be able to tell you or give you a review about any surfskate products that could mimic surfing.

[@tolapoto]

@Richard ya te he visto en algún comentario y me pareces lamentable y una persona triste... Si te vieses los vídeos de Steve verás que siempre dice que no es un surfista y que sus reseñas son productos de su propia experiencia. Es exclusivamente su opinión personal de su forma de conducir, no hay más... Para mi y para miles de usuarios nos parece una persona admirable. Para mi Steve es una persona a seguir siempre hablando de lo que expone en su canal... Me parece admirable que con su edad maneje de esa manera un surfskate. Tengo 44 años he empezado hace poco con un longboard donde aún me estoy recuperando de una fractura de muñeca y mientras me recupero no hago otra cosa que ver sus videos y deseando de volver a intentarlo. Eso sí, ahora con un surfskate (waterborne). @Richard, eres lamentable

[@salvadorochoa6664]

Thank you that is very helpful, i appreciate this learni g. Question. The fin system comes all the kit only? Or can I buy just the blue angled fin circles?

[@bina7735]

Thanks! I've just started learning to skate. I use a 29" mini cruiser. I love to carve and I try to learn pumping it. Surfskateing look so fun. Do you think I'ts a good ide to put a Waterborn on my mini cruiser?

[@SurfskateLove]

Sure, give it a shot!

[@michaelwho3284]

I just ordered mine for my 36” Ty for the information! I was wondering if you ever tested or would be willing to test how a board would would react with the surf skate adapter on the rear of a board instead of the front, or even a surf skate front adapter on the front and the rear. I’ve just kinda been curious what the results would be.

[@SurfskateLove]

It would be horrible. What makes a surfskate generate thrust is the combination of a radically turning front truck with a stable rear truck. If both trucks are the same, it doesn't pump. Like Hamboards and Gullwing Sidewinders.

[@michaelwho3284]

@@SurfskateLove lol snap, besides the pump and surf skate style I was hoping for like an application for say down hill skidless drifting 😂

[@joniabdurahman3842]

Nice review bro🤙 One question about it...if I already have a CX system, would you reccomend it in terms of a big game changer? Tnx🤙👍💪

[@SurfskateLove]

That's hard to answer because the feel is substantially different. But the question is which you'll prefer. The Waterborne is looser, has a wider range of motion, and deeper rail-to-rail lean. But it also has rebound less to center.

[@joniabdurahman3842]

@@SurfskateLove I think that I'll go for it ASAP 😁

[@Lehite]

Love my Penny High-line with the standard waterborne and riser blocks. Can the fin washer be purchased on its own to fit on a standard adapter for mega pump ? If not I could always fit a thin wedge between the actual truck and deck . We used to wedge and de-wedge the trucks for LDP That’s a nice campus for boarding 👍🏄‍♂️ 🛹 , and it’s so empty and quiet, was it a Sunday or just closed for term break ?

[@SurfskateLove]

I get the whole place to myself every Sunday. :)

[@_fhps_]

Parabéns pelo vídeo 👏👏👏 Vendo esse waterborne fin system fiquei com a seguinte dúvida: se eu colocar um pad com angulação no truck dianteiro do carver cx, também irei ter esse efeito do mega pump? Abraço!!!

[@SurfskateLove]

Não, de jeito nenhum. Eu tentei encunhar e desencravar o CX e não funcionou nada bem. O CX foi projetado com uma geometria muito específica e alterar a geometria faz com que pareça pior e não o melhora de forma alguma.

[@_fhps_]

Obrigado 🛹🛹🛹

[@alexanderpicken1899]

Could you do a more in depth comparison about the differences between 3 fin system modes. Perhaps a speed test where you see how fast you can reach the end of a straightaway in each mode to get a better idea of speed. Or a carving test where you see how tight you round a corner. There's always user error and it's hard to get a perfect idea but a back to back comparison in the same scenario would be super helpful! I have a waterborne standard at the moment and I'm looking to use the mega pump mode to make my commute quicker so I want to see if it's really worth it for the extra speed. Great video as always thanks!

[@SurfskateLove]

Smart, will do!

[@richardstassen-nr5xy]

How is it that you're giving a review and you haven't even demonstrated the different modes on the product yourself?

[@1009Valentin]

ATTENTION! You assembled the Fin-Setup wrong! The other blue spacer fits on the other side of the Kingpin. If you assemble it the way you did, the nut is in a slightly wrong angle to the swiffle plate and compresses one side of the bearings more than the other side!

[@SurfskateLove]

Yes, I know what you're talking about. I removed that and the bearings/washers just to show the arrow on the back side. I put it back in when it all went back together, you just don't see that in the edit. But that's a great point, I should have highlighted that. Thank you!

[@joenottoast]

could you put a 15 degree angled riser on the original waterborne to get megapump mode similar to the fin system?

[@SurfskateLove]

I imagine it would have the same effect. But it would put your deck much higher off the ground.

[@studiopiko]

What's the deck you're using in the video, Steve? got a link?

[@SurfskateLove]

This is the Taurus.

[@Lehite]

Could a wedge riser under the adapter work for a poor mans version instead ?

[@SurfskateLove]

I'm not sure, I haven't played with wedge risers much.

[@corialcorn4051]

Can you add the FIN system to an existing waterborne? Or have to buy a new set to use it? Also, have you used qwiktrucks yet? Would during about waterborne on qwiktruks system, feels like it would make the board really high.

[@SurfskateLove]

You have to buy the FIN system, which has internal modifications to make it work. I haven't used Qwiktrucks yet.

[@NeoVdV]

Can you only use the rail adapter only without the surf adapter as I already have a surfskate truck in front but want to transfer it to a longboard 50' a d to give it better turning ?

[@SurfskateLove]

Of course!

[@NeoVdV]

@SurfskateLove Then I only need to add risers on the front truck ? Is it a positive step to put only the rail adapter or not really necessary. Or from what length of board ? And as I'm a total newbie, never ever had a board under my feet, at 62 tomorrowwill be the first time, is it safe to do so or wait till I first got the basics ?

[@HandymanCreativeSolutions]

Is standard mode the adapter without the blue ring?

[@esk8windsor]

Im having an issue with the back wheels coming off the ground without using the rail adapter. Any ideas to prevent this? Thinking swapping the back bushings might help.

[@SurfskateLove]

That's the point of the rail adapter.

[@esk8windsor]

​@SurfskateLove gotcha! Thanks man. Is your personal preference still with the risers?

[@kendoglarson5419]

What wheelbase do you think is ideal for this setup? Approximate inches.

[@SurfskateLove]

There's no "ideal wheelbase" for any setup. There's only an ideal wheelbase for riders. So it depends on the stance width of the rider.

[@33vi]

Has anyone put this on an eskate? If so, how do you like it ?

[@theoriginalrabbithole]

I already have the original Waterborne Surf and Rail High Performance Pack. Can I get an 'Extra FIN Set' they sell for $18. on the website and just install it on my existing system or do I have to buy another adapter to get the FIN aspect?

[@SurfskateLove]

You have to buy the FIN adapter. It has modifications to it.

[@apl-zy7ml]

How tall are those risers? And how long are the bolts for it?

[@SurfskateLove]

1" riser, 2" bolts.

[@kendoglarson5419]

Do you think there is any advantage with concave deck?

[@SurfskateLove]

Of course! I locks your feet in for sharp maneuvers.

[@haydenburgess3603]

My main problem with the rail adapter was that it kept rattling and I couldn’t get it to stop so I just stopped using it. I reached out to waterborne but they didn’t respond

[@SurfskateLove]

Yeah I get rattling too.

[@WATERBORNESKATEBOARDS]

Woops, we do have a fix for that now. it can be done yourself with some basic tools, or we can send you a new part that isolates the Rail Adapter Kingpins from the truck mounting plate

[@haydenburgess3603]

Hey guys I just saw the response now. Could you give me some instructions on how to fix the rail adapter at home or tell me how I can order the new part?

[@nitsan]

By the way you should maybe add Amazon affiliate links below your videos. Could give you some extra budget for the channel.

[@SurfskateLove]

I don't use affiliate links as a rule in order to maintain objectivity.

[@suphanut2998]

แปลไทยให้หน่อยครับผมฟังไม่รู้เรื่องครับ

[@SurfskateLove]

Working on it.

[@vincentguo8530]

The quality of Waterborne adaptor is Horrible! As well as their ‘Customer Care’, they should probably change it to ‘Customer? Don’t care’! I bought their fin system surf adapter, used it for less a hour, then I found out the pivot plate and Base plate rub together which result 4 significant holes on my adapter. I send them the photo showing them their product defect, they replied me and said they were very familiar with this issue.( they also pre-prepared a KZbin video to show you how to fix this problem) Here is what they replied me in the mail: ‘I am familiar with this problem and there is a very effective solution for it. The problem is that the recessed area for the large bearings was machined a couple millimeters too deep, so the parts get too close as they rotate. The solution is to add 2 more large bearing washers, each 1 millimeter thick. These will act as spacers, which prevent the 2 parts from rubbing together. ‘ Well, if they already knew this that well, why still selling that defective product? Instead of fix that in the first place? What is funny is, while they DO recognize that’s their design issue, which caused wear and tear I mean 4 holes on my adapter, but when I insist for a replacement, they start to blame me that it could be me who leave the main nut loose!! I already told them on first mail that the nut was tight. I’m very familiar with the top surfskate brands out there I own almost all of them, I check everything before using a new set up. They refused to replace my defective adapter, they said it’s still useful, I just got some ‘cosmetic’ issue. Well, already it’s getting thinner, clearly it’s not stronger than before, I would not take the chance to ride it anymore. Also what I paid is for a new one, even though it’s just cosmetic, it’s their fault to cause that problem, why ask me to accept that instead of take their responsibility as it supposed to be? Do you sell cosmetic problem products to other customers? I’m very disappointed with either their product or their ‘ Customer Care’. Would not recommend it to anyone. With the price to get their adapter + truck, there are lots of choices out there which you will have peace of mind. Lifetime warranty ?? What a joke!!

[@vincentguo8530]

Nothing against Steve here though. I like your channel and followed you since pandemic time. Just want to share what I experienced with surfskate community.

[@SurfskateLove]

That's a bummer to hear! I'll pass this along to them.