- Now it is time to determine if the fin needs more adjusting. The off-side turn is the best place to start. If the water-skier is right foot forward then the turn that goes from right to left is the off or weak side turn. The fin should be adjusted only if there is a problem on one side. Again if the problem persists on both sides then the problem is bindings instead of fin position.
If the water ski tip digs in at the finish or start of the off side turn, then the tip of the fin needs to be raised to the point where it does not dig in. The fin should be scribed across the top of the fin at the bottom of the ski. Scribe it with something sharp or you can even use a pencil. Once it is scribed you can always go back to the original position in case of a bad adjustment. To raise the tip of the ski three inches at the finish of the off side turn, loosen the fin clamp just enough to allow adjustment by softly tapping on the front of the fin with a plastic mallet or wooden hammer handle. Push the tip of the fin up half of the scribe line or approximately 1/32 of an inch. Yes, these small adjustments really effect the ski. By lifting the tip section of the fin up into the ski 1/32 of an inch you raise the tip of the ski 3" in the finish of the turn. If you go too far the ski will not change edges correctly or it will do a wheely at the finish of the turn. Don't move the back part of the fin yet.
Only move the front portion of the fin at this time. Only make one adjustment at a time on your ski and give it some water time to make sure you have made the correct adjustment. If you are a good water-skier you want as much of the tip of the fin down as you can with out breaking you at the waist at the finish or start of the turn. Once the tip adjustment of the fin is set you can determine what adjustment is next. If the ski is performing well do not adjust it.
The rear of the fin can be examined next and determine if the fin needs more adjusting to maximize performance. If the ski is hard to turn on your off side turn, you need to decrease the depth of the tail of the fin. If the tail section of the fin is deeper it will feel like a rail and be very hard to turn. Most skiers turn too hard and do not need this adjustment. In certain cases skis are hard to turn especially on your off side. If the ski feels like it is on a rail and you just can not turn it, go to the next adjustment. Tap the scribed mark on the rear of the fin up into the body of the ski about half of the scribe mark or 1/32". This will make a huge difference in ease of turning on your off side and also effect the on side turn. The opposite is true if the ski is overturning. When the ski overturns on the off side you need to add tail depth in the rear of the fin only. Again make small 1/32" adjustments and test on the water until the desired finish of the turn is dialed into.
Front and back movements effect the turning radius of the ski and how sensitive the fin is to changes in body position. If the skier has a slack line continuously on the on side turn, move the fin forward 1/16". This will tighten up the radius of the turn and tighten up the line. If you move the fin back the ski will act shorter. Forward movements will make the ski seem shorter.
Remember one thing. A relationship with your professional ski shop is the key. They can go with you on the water or they can recommend a coach or technician. If you can not go to the water with your shop, then bring in a video tape of your skiing. Ski shops can be the key to getting good educational tips and demo equipment.