Rake: how is it measured and what does it do

How is it measured? We measure the rake at the trailing edge of the fin. With our current plan form shape this provides the most accurate determination of the fin’s rake. The rake is measured from a perpendicular reference from the tail of the board, where 0° rake represents 90° from the trailing edge to the board’s tail.

Positive rake figures point the tip of the fin towards the nose of the board (typical for formula fins, for example +1° rake = 1° forward from perpendicular = 90°+1°=91° from trailing edge to the tail).

Negative rake figures point the tip of the fin towards the tail of the board (typical for slalom/speed fins, example -0.5° rake = 0.5° backwards from perpendicular = 90°-0.5°=89.5° from trailing edge to the tail).

Now you know how we measure the rake, you may want to know how rake can influence your set-up.

Positive rake will give better up-wind angles, make the fin more powerful and tends to bring the nose of the board down.

Negative rake will give up some up-wind ability, depowers the fin to some degree and lifts the board’s nose a bit.