Smith / Parrish: 2+1 Combo

The Smith / Parrish Full Base sold as a matched 2+1 — one centre fin plus a pair of side bites — from a template with North Shore roots that go back to the 70's.

A three-fin set in solid fiberglass, Futures compatible, in smoke. The centre fin comes in 6.5", 7.0" and 7.5"; the side bites in 3.25" and 3.7". The template traces back to the North Shore and the mark Charlie Smith and Tom Parrish left there in the 70's: moderate in base width and moderate in rake, drawn for a steady and natural feel rather than for any one trick. It works as a single fin on its own and is at its best anchoring a 2+1.

How that reads

Moderate base and moderate rake is a deliberate setting rather than a shortage of ideas: enough base to push against off the bottom, enough rake that the turn draws out instead of snapping shut. The two side bites add hold on rail and keep the tail from sliding when the wave stands up, while the steering stays with the centre fin. A bigger centre fin lengthens the turn and adds hold; the smaller side bites leave the tail freer.

Who it suits

Mid-lengths, eggs and longboards with a centre box and two side plugs, ridden from the front foot as much as the back. Additional combinations and colour variants are available if you buy the centre fin and the side bites separately rather than as this set.