F-One FLOW Medium Carbon fin review by Billy Ackermann
For quite some time now F-One has offered their FLOW surf fins in an Extra Small (XS) template only but recently added a Medium (M) to further their offering, optimizing more boards for more riders in the F-One lineup. The size and drive of this Medium template is exactly what some larger riders have been waiting for, including myself. Taking it one step further, F-One has also introduced a carbon model in addition to the current honeycomb fin that we already know and love.
F-One's FLOW fins are now available in two constructions: Honeycomb or Carbon.
F-One uses standard Futures fin boxes and their FLOW fins come in a 3x thruster setup. Swapping out your fins can really change it up, and since certain riders prefer different hold-to-release ratios, its worth giving different fin sizes a try. Fin size can also help your performance a lot – the XS have been fantastic for freestyle on my Magnet 4’11". I'm 200lbs without my wetsuit on, and for me, the XS fins work best in smaller waves and flat conditions. Since the XS are smaller, they're very forgiving for freestyle trick landings; I don't have to land absolutely perfect every time to ride out smooth whereas a larger fin bites more and I must me more precise with my landings.
While every fin option has its tradeoffs, I must say, I am digging the new FLOW M size. On the wave, the M FLOW fins provide better hold and drive, especially for guys my size. I feel more stable as I link up my bottom to top turns, and the more control at speed I can have the better -- I hate those little bobbles that I sometimes get with smaller fins which cause explosions at high speeds, especially on a wave.
The FLOW fin template is designed specifically to handle the demands kiting puts on your fins versus pure prone surfing. Some of my standard surf fins are not up for the speed and torque pushed on them while kiting and as a result, with standard surf fins, you can get some funky flex and humming. The FLOW fin design is optimized for kitesurfing, ensuring you don't get any weird noises or funky feelings.
The Medium FLOWS have way more grip in comparison to the XS fins, but surprisingly, for me, the release was fantastic and fully under control. The feeling was idyllic; with the M FLOWS under my board, I have better control as I slide through my turns and have way more stability when traveling at higher speeds.
The new carbon model takes it even a notch higher with a stiffer construction that generates even more speed and provides a bit more rigidity offering an even snappier and responsive fin.
Hendrick lives his life like he rides a wave: with passion, dedication and a lot of training. He stays focused and stoked no matter the board, as long as he's connected to the ocean and nature. Hendrick is hungry for more and wants to share his passion with whoever he rides with.
NATIONALITY Cape Verdean / Swiss AGE 19 HOMESPOT Ponta Preta, Sal Island FAVORITE TRICK Backroll tic tac and kiteloop DREAM TRICK Handle pass, Boggieloop 3 REASONS TO GO KITING Don’t stress, do my best and forget the rest BIGGEST INSPIRATION My mom FAVORITE MEAL Cachupa guisado with omelet for breakfast
“For me, kitesurfing is more than a sport..."
Can you tell us a bit more about your passion for kitesurfing?
For me, kitesurfing is more than a sport, it’s a lifestyle, it’s a life attitude, it’s a part of me. When I’m kiting my goal is to get better each session, to learn new tricks, to jump higher and do better turns on the waves and so much more. I’ve been kiting since I was 8 years old and since then, the world has opened to me and given me the chance to meet people who share the same passion but come from different places. It’s allowed me to travel with people to amazing destinations, ride different conditions and have as much fun as possible.
You just won the lottery, what would you do first?
Support all people in need and build some guest houses around the globe.
Next destination?
Where the waves roll and the wind blows.
“The world has opened to me and given me the chance to meet people who share the same passion.”
