FAQ

Here you will find some of our most frequently asked questions. To see the answer just click the "LEARN MORE" button. If your question is not listed have no worry; you can email a support rep at customersupport@futuresfins.com and we will get back to you within normal business hours.

Q: Where can I buy Future Fins?

A: Check out our store finder: STORE FINDER

Q: Why is Future Fins the strongest fin system?

A: Futures is the strongest out of any other fin system because its strength comes from its encompassing flange. This flange acts as a lap joint, which is similar in looks and in strength as an L-bracket. The perfect material ratio mix of the box and flange allows the flange to adhere to the foam and fiberglass when laminated.

Another key strength aspect is that Future Fin boxes are installed before lamination, unlike other fin systems that are installed after. By installing before lamination, Future boxes become part of the board thats being glassed, which keeps the boards integrity and becomes one single entity. Future boxes are not only the strongest fin system; its the lightest post-installation system on the market too.

Q: What is the best way to find the right fin for me?

A: Our Fin Selector: FIN SELECTOR

Q: What is the warranty policy for Future Fins?

A: Futures will warranty any product that is deemed a manufacturing defect. The product must be given a R.A. # by the retail store that the fin was purchased at and returned to the factory. Futures will inspect the product to determine if it is a manufacturing defect. All defective products will be replaced at no charge.

- All returns/exchanges must be issued a Return Authorization # given by a Futures employee. Returned package must have R.A. # clearly labeled on the outside of the box. Futures will determine if the product is suitable for warranty upon receipt.

- Futures will not warranty any product that is broken or damaged due to use. For example: Any product damaged by hitting a sandbar, reef, rock, or any other type of damage that is not a manufacturing defect. NOTE: FUTURE FINS ARE DESIGNED TO BREAK AWAY UPON IMPACT. This is to help prevent damage to the fin box and surfboard. All broken fins that are not under warranty can be purchased as a single fin replacement at retail outlets.

Q: How do I get sponsored by Futures?

A: Submit a detailed resume to customersupport@futuresfins.com, Pictures and Video and are a huge plus.

Q: Do you have a water testing tank to test fins?

A: Our building block foils have already proven themselves in flow tanks and we pull them from a database. There is no need to reinvent the wheel, but of course the best way to test a fin is to surf it. Futures has an amazing list of team riders spread out across the world and their feedback is much more valuable than watching water move in a tank.

Q: What's the reason why fins sometimes hum?

A: Short Answer: Pressure differences = Vortices or Turbulence = Vibration = Humming Fins

Long Answer: As water flows around a fin there are different pressures on each side of the fin. After the water flows over both the inside and outside surfaces, forces meet up at the trailing edge of the fin, and in cases with very different pressures, vortices or turbulence can be generated. These vortices push and pull on the trailing edge of the fin, causing it to vibrate. This vibration creates pressure waves or sound. Think of it as your voice when you blow air across your vocal cords.

Have you noticed that your fins hum at certain points while you are surfing, for example during a bottom turn on a fast wave? The vibration hum can be amplified or become louder in cases of resonance. In fin terms resonance happens when the pushing and pulling from the vortices causes the fins trailing edge to move back and forth how it wants to move naturally. Or more technically, resonance can be defined as the circumstance when the force applied to the system is equal to the damping or resistance of the system at the systems natural frequency.

How do you fix it? Sand the sides of the trailing edge with a 100-150 grit sand paper (give it a few passes) and then surf it, if it still hums then give it a few more passes with the sand paper. The idea is to minimize the pressure difference at the trailing edge by sanding off any imperfections that may have been left from the production process. Make sure you don't sand too much, the more you sand, the sharper and more dangerous the trailing edge gets.

Q: How do you fix a stripped screw?

A:
Step 1: Clean the box in question with a little fresh water to remove any sand or grit and make sure the screw hole and work area are clean and dry.

Step 2: When dry, use masking tape to cover the screw hole on the inside cavity of the box so the resin doesn't run out the bottom of the hole.

Step 3: Prepare the epoxy by following the instructions on the back of the package. Fill the screw hole with Five Minute epoxy. NOTE: Leave a little void at the top of the screw hole, to allow the drill to be started easier. Allow the epoxy to dry for a few hours.

Step 4: Use the #21 drill bit to drill a hole through the epoxy following angle of the original screw hole.

Step 5: Now use the 10-24 tap to re-tap the drilled hole following the angle of the original screw hole.

Step 6: Screw in the screw and check for tightness, then go for a surf!