System for Placement of Surfboard Fin Attachment for Multiple Foot Sizes

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods are provided for achieving a surfboard design that accommodates multiple foot sizes of board riders. In one embodiment, the surfboard may include a first multi-fin plug securely mounted to a bottom surface at a first lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the first multi-fin plug comprises a first plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a first fin. The surfboard may include a second multi-fin plug securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a second lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the second multi-fin plug is on an opposite side of the centerline and comprises a second plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a second fin.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/234,065 filed Aug. 14, 2009, entitled “SYSTEM FOR PLACEMENT OF SURFBOARD FIN ATTACHMENT FOR MULTIPLE FOOT SIZES,” and is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/778,026 filed May 11, 2010, entitled “SYSTEM FOR FIN PLACEMENT ON SURFBOARDS,” both of which are hereby expressly incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Ever since the advent of multi-fin design in surfboard manufacture, there has been various fin configuration systems devised to capitalize on their respective advantages and disadvantages.

A very popular fin configuration known in the art as the thruster fin configuration consists of two widely spaced fins positioned approximately directly below the back foot of the surfer in his natural stance and very close to the edge or rail of the surfboard. A single trailing fin is positioned more towards the tail of the surfboard. The thruster fin configuration has made major breakthroughs in the maneuverability and control of surfboards due to its ability to complete fast turns and to grip the higher part of the wave. A similar configuration using four rather than three fins is known in the art as the quad fin configuration. In this configuration there are two trailing fins rather than a single trailing fin.

The predominant configuration of the leading fins in any configuration is to place these fins close to the rail or edge of the surfboard. The intent is to use as much of the surfboards width as possible to allow the fins to be placed where they have the most likelihood of engaging the water during turns and during maneuvers at the high or steep parts of the wave.

This has resulted in a situation where it is common for the surfboard rider to have to move his foot in order to properly leverage and balance the forces acting on the surfboard and the fin during maneuvers. This repositioning of the foot results in momentary loss of control, the possibility of wrong placement and repositioning and also represents a significant delay in executing the turning maneuver.

There remains a need for a surfboard design that allows the surfer to make turns direction without the need relocate the foot. This way the surfer can keep their foot in the one location and execute turns and maneuvers faster and with more confidence. However, the surfboard fins cannot be attached at the optimal position for a given surfer during commercial manufacture when the foot size of the given surfer is not yet known. Accordingly, there remains a need for a surfboard design that makes it possible to accommodate a variety of foot lengths after commercial manufacture of the surfboard.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance with one or more embodiments and corresponding disclosure thereof, various aspects are described in connection with an improved surfboard design, as well as a system and method for fin placement on surfboards. In one embodiment, there is provided a surfboard having an elongated body extending between a nose and a tail along a centerline of a longitudinal axis, wherein the body comprises a deck, a bottom surface, and a tail region. The surfboard may have a first multi-fin plug securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a first lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the first multi-fin plug comprises a first plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a first fin.

In related aspects, a given one of the first plurality of fin base slots may be aligned with one of a toe tip and a heel of a user. In further related aspects, the first multi-fin plug may have a first plurality of grooves, each groove interfacing with one of the first plurality of fin base slots, each groove configured to receive a fastener for the first fin. In yet further related aspects, the surfboard may have a second multi-fin plug securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a second lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the second multi-fin plug is on an opposite side of the centerline with respect to the first multi-fin plug and comprises a second plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a second fin.

In accordance with one or more embodiments and corresponding disclosure thereof, there is provided a surfboard having an elongated board having a centerline of a longitudinal axis, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a tail region. The surfboard may have a first plug securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a first lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the first plug comprises a first plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a first fin. The surfboard may also have a second plug securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a second lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the second plug comprises a second plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a second fin. The first plurality of fin base slots and the second plurality of fin base slots may be spaced to accommodate multiple foot sizes.

In accordance with one or more embodiments and corresponding disclosure thereof, there is provided a method that involves: calculating a plurality of foot sizes for surfboard users; and mounting a first plug to a bottom surface of a surfboard at a first lateral distance from a surfboard centerline, the first plug comprising a first plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a first fin to be aligned with a user heel. The method may further involve mounting a second plug to the bottom surface at a second lateral distance from the centerline, the second plug comprising a second plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a second fin to be aligned with a user toe tip, wherein the first plurality of fin base slots and the second plurality of fin base slots are spaced to accommodate the plurality of foot sizes.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more embodiments comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the one or more embodiments. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various embodiments may be employed and the described embodiments are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment in profile view from the rear.

FIG. 2 shows an example embodiment in plan view from the top.

FIG. 3 shows an example embodiment during turn while in the surf.

FIG. 4 shows a known type of fin placement method.

FIG. 5 provides a plan view of an example lateral multi-fin plug including cross section line.

FIG. 6 provides a side view of an example lateral multi-fin plug when viewed after the plug has been cut at the cross section line of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates the underside of an exemplary surfboard with lateral multi-fin plugs.

FIG. 8 illustrates the relationship between the slots in a lateral multi-fin plug and various foot sizes of surfboard riders.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment that implements a thruster or tri-fin configuration looking from the back of the surfboard in profile view. The example embodiment relates to a turn executed by the surfer using downward pressure from the heel 15 in what is called a backhand turn in the art. The example embodiment can be assumed to use the same principles of design when applied to the toe and ball 22 of the foot or in a forehand turn as it is known in the art.

FIG. 1 depicts two leading fins in a thruster fin configuration namely the left 13 and right 12 fin. The surfer's rear foot 16 is depicted. The surfer applies downward pressure to the surfboard through the ball and toes 22 of his foot and through the heel 15 of his foot. Pressure is applied to either the heel or the ball and toes of the foot depending on whether the surfer wants to execute a forehand or ball and toes 22 based turn or a backhand or heel 15 based turn.

A point of balance 20 occurs at a location less than or equal to halfway between the distance 11 from the centerline 18 to the fin 12. If the heel pressure 15 occurs at a distance 21 that is less than the distance 10 from the fulcrum point, the surfer's downward pressure 15 will tend to force the surfboard to flatten out rather than to bank into the turn with a resulting loss of control and maneuverability.

However, if the heel pressure 15 is applied to a point that is a greater distance from the boards centerline 18 to the point of balance 20, the result is that downward pressure 15 is applied directly to the fins 12 turning surface and the boards 14 bottom planning surface resulting in more control and a tighter turning circumference or arc.

FIG. 2 shows the example embodiment in plan view with the point of pressure for the heel 15 being applied at a distance 21 that is greater than the distance 10 of the point of balance 20 from the board's centerline 18.

FIG. 3 shows the advantage of placing the fin 12 at a position defined by the design described herein. This figure further illustrates the forces that occur during the turn of a surfboard and how the design described herein produces advantages.

FIG. 3 illustrates a backhand turn where pressure is being applied to the surfboard by the heel 15 of the foot. The water surface 32 is being used by the surfboard for a plane effect. The curved shape of the surfboard is known in the art to contribute to the board's ability to turn. As the board begins to turn, pressure 30 and the foiled shape of fins known in the art begin to add to the hydrodynamics allowing the board to turn. As the side of the surfboard 14 digs into the water 32 pressure starts to increase 31 at the side or rail of the surfboard.

FIG. 3 more readily illustrates how the placement of the fin 12 in the example embodiment is preferably no greater than twice the distance from the centerline 18 to the point of downward heel pressure 15 so that it 15 can be applied to the fin-ward side of the point of leverage 20.

On this basis the equation for the placement of fins using this present design can be expressed as A<2B, where A equals the distance of the fin 12 from the centerline 18 and B equals the distance from the centerline 18 to the heels point of downward pressure 15.

Although the design described herein recognizes that this principle can be used to place fins at any distance less than twice the distance of the centerline 18 to the heel 15, it is known in the art that there is a distinct advantage to placing the fins as far as possible apart to allow maximum opportunity for the fin 12 to engage and interact with the wave surface.

In the example embodiment the fin 12 placement is calculated to allow the complete point of contact between the heel and its applied downward pressure 15 and the surfboard deck to occur at a distance of greater than halfway between the centerline and the fin 12. This will ensure that all applied force is made to the correct side of the fulcrum of balance 20 during the turn.

FIG. 4 is included as prior art for the purposes of clarification and explanation. This figure discloses one of the most used calculations for the placement of fins. In this calculation, the fins are placed approximately one inch 40 from the board's edge or rail. The intent is to ensure that there is maximum opportunity for the fin to engage and interact with the wave surface depending on the surfboards design.

FIG. 4 also exemplifies why there is a common need to reposition the foot during turns. If the distance from the centerline of the surfboard to the fin is more than twice the distance of the heel or toe-ball from the centerline of the board, the surfers downward pressure will be applied to the wrong side of the fulcrum of leverage forcing the board to move sideways away from the arc of the turn forcing a wider turn and possible loss of control.

With respect to alternative embodiments, even though the example embodiment uses a fin placement calculation that positions the complete heel region to the fin 12 side of the fulcrum of leverage 20, an alternative embodiment can be applied to any fin 12 configuration that places the actual point of downward heel pressure 15 as a specific point located by averaging the downward pressure of the area covered by the heel as it makes contact with the board. It is noted that the design described herein can be used for surfboards with any number of fins greater than one.

The example embodiment discloses a method where the fins are attached to the surfboard using customized manufacture based on the intended user's foot length. Alternative embodiments could include a fin placement system to allow for multiple fin placements depending on the length of surfers foot.

An alternative embodiment could include a set of fin attachment devices known in the art set in multiple configurations to accommodate the longest, the middle and shortest average foot width of the intended customer population so that custom fin placement can be achieved without customizing the manufacturing process to each surfboard rider.

Alternatively, a customizable fin box system could be used that allows the fin to be placed anywhere in a range of positions depending on the foot length and in accordance with the rules set by the design of the embodiments described herein.

In accordance with aspects of the embodiments described herein, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary surfboard that comprises an elongated board or body 14 extending between a nose end and a tail end along a centerline 18 of a longitudinal axis. The elongated body 15 may comprise: a deck; a bottom surface; and a tail region (see FIG. 2). In one embodiment, a first fin 12 is securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a first lateral distance 11 from the centerline 18, resulting in a first fulcrum of balance 20 located along the first lateral distance 11. With reference to FIG. 3, the deck may support a foot of a user placed in the tail region, the foot transferring a downward pressure 15 to the body at a first pressure point (e.g., the tip of arrow 15). The first fulcrum of balance 20 may be located between the centerline 18 and the first pressure point, such that the user is able to apply the downward pressure 15 to a fin-ward side of the first fulcrum of balance 20. In another embodiment, the downward pressure 15 may be at the ball or toe region of the foot. In yet another embodiment, the fin 13 is mounted to the bottom surface according to the principles described above with respect to fin 12.

In related aspects, the first fulcrum of balance 20 may occur at a location less than or equal to halfway from the centerline 18 to the first fin 12. For example, the first fulcrum of balance 20 may be located at about a midpoint of the first lateral distance 11. In further related aspects, the first fin may be mounted no greater than twice a first pressure point distance 21 between the centerline 18 to the first pressure point (tip of arrow 15).

In the present example, the first lateral distance 11 comprises a user defined distance from the centerline 18. In another example, (not shown), the first lateral distance may be defined with respect to the fin location or surfboard edge. In other words, the lateral distance may be defined as the distance from axis 19 toward the center of the board.

In yet further related aspects, the surfboard may comprise a second fin 13 securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a second lateral distance from the centerline 18, resulting in a second fulcrum of balance located along the second lateral distance. Here, the foot may transfer a second downward pressure to the body at a second pressure point (e.g., at the ball and/or toes of the foot). The second fulcrum of balance may be located between the centerline 18 and the second pressure point, such that the user is able to apply the second downward pressure to a second fin-ward side of the second fulcrum of balance. For example, the second fulcrum of balance may occur at a second location less than or equal to halfway from the centerline to the second fin.

In still further related aspects, the first pressure point may be located between the first fulcrum of balance 20 and the first fin 12, such that the user is able to apply the downward pressure to a fin-ward side of the first fulcrum of balance 20.

In accordance with aspects of the embodiments described herein, there is provided a method that involves: (a) averaging a downward pressure by a user's heel in a tail region of a surfboard; (b) determining a pressure point in the tail region at which the heel transfers a defined downward pressure; and (c) mounting a fin to a bottom surface of the tail region of the surfboard at a selected distance from the surfboard's centerline, such that a resulting fulcrum of balance for the surfboard is located between the centerline and the pressure point. For example, the fulcrum of balance may occur at a location less than or equal to halfway from the centerline to the fin.

In the alternative, or in addition, step (a) may comprise averaging a downward pressure by a user's ball or toe area in a tail region of a surfboard, and step (b) may comprise determining a pressure point in the tail region at which the ball/toe transfers a defined downward pressure. The method may further involve performing similar calculations for a different part of the user's foot, and then mounting a second fin to the bottom surface of the tail region to achieve similar fulcrum-of-balance results as step (c).

In accordance with one or more aspects of the particular subject of this disclosure, there is provided a surfboard with one or more multi-fin plugs or attachment devices for accommodating multiple foot sizes. For example, a pair of multi-position fin plugs may be placed at the bottom surface in the tail region of the surfboard, wherein the plugs allow the surfer to place fins at the appropriate positions relative to his/her foot length. In one approach, a first fin may be placed at the toe tip and a second fin may be placed at the heel of the foot. This is in contrast to known surfboard designs with fins placed either on the centerline of the surfboard, in the case of single fin surfboards, or near the rail or edge of the surfboard, as in the case of twin fin, three fin or thruster, or quad fin configurations. For example in the case of a thruster, the two forward fins are usually placed under the surfer's back foot approximately one inch from the edge of the surfboard with a trailing fin further towards the back of the surfboard in a position directly over the centerline of the board.

FIG. 5 discloses the plan view of a fin attachment device commonly called a plug in the art. Multiple anchors 111 are used to help the surfboard maker firmly attach the plug to the surfboard. The example embodiment is placed on the surfboard in a lateral position meaning that they are placed along a line that is perpendicular to the surfboards centerline 134 towards the two sides of the surfboard.

In a traditional single fin plug system, there is a slot for the base of the surfboard fin to be inserted and an angled screw hole which allows a threaded pin or screw to be used to apply pressure to the bottom of the fin base to stop it from being pulled out or moving during use. In contrast to such a traditional fin plug system, there is needed a configuration that allows for multiple lateral fin positions. For example, the disclosed plug in FIG. 5 shows a three position plug designed to be used on the right side of the surfboard. A similar multi position plug would logically be placed on the other side of the surfboard in practice.

The plug features three fin base slots. The slot 110 closest to the centerline of the surfboard is on the left, the slot 113 closest to the edge of the surfboard is on the right and the middle slot 114 is in the center of the two other slots. Each slot has a threaded hole 112 that allows the rider to anchor the base of the fin to the plug using a threaded pin or screw.

FIG. 6 shows the lateral multi-fin plug from the side view where there is a cross section at the point shown 115 in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows how the threaded hole 112 seen in FIG. 5 angles down 116 in the side view to allow the threaded pin or screw to engage the surface of the base of the surfboard fin and anchor it for use while surfing. The same threaded holes can be seen for the innermost 119, middle 118, and outermost 117 fin slots.

FIG. 7 shows how the three slots 110, 114, 113 are angled slightly towards the leading edge of the plug so that a centerline projected from each slot converges at a point 139 towards the front of the surfboard. In the example embodiment the distance 130 from the centerline 134 of the board to the point of convergence 139 for the centerlines 133, 132, 131 of the three fin slots 110, 114, 113 of the lateral multi-fin plug is one inch. The distance from the centerline 130 and position 135 of the point of convergence 139 may be calculated. Such calculation techniques may be expanded to cover the case of the lateral multi-fin plug rather than just one in the case of a traditional fin plug.

In the example embodiment, the surfboard uses two forward fins with lateral multi-fin plugs positioned the same distance from the centerline of the board along a line 138 that is perpendicular to the centerline 134 of the surfboard.

FIG. 8 describes an example embodiment of how the lateral multi-fin plugs are placed on either side of the surfboard in relation to the length of the foot of the surfer using the surfboard.

The two lateral multi-fin plugs 151, 152 are placed along a line 138 that is perpendicular to the centerline of the surfboard. In the example embodiment the lateral multi-fin plugs 151, 152 have been designed to accommodate use by surfers with foot sizes of standard shoe size nine 158 to standard shoe size eleven 156.

During manufacture, the surfboard maker will place the lateral multi-fin plugs 151, 152 at a position that is equidistant from the centerline of the surfboard so that the tip of the toe of a size nine foot 158 will just touch the centerline of the inside slot 162 of the plug 151 on the left hand side of the board. The heel of a size nine foot 158 will just touch the centerline of the inside slot 163 of the right side plug 152. The distance 153 from the two inside plug slots to each other will be the length 153 of a size-nine foot. The position of the toe and heel in the above example swaps depending on whether the surfer is a natural (left foot forward) or goofy foot (right foot forward) surfer.

The plug slots are half an inch apart. This allows for a size ten 157 and size eleven 156 foot to be accommodated with the same set of lateral multi-fin plugs without the need to modify or customize the surfboard for the surfer.

As a result a surfer with a size-eleven foot can place their fins on the outermost fin slots 166, 167 or in the middle slots 164, 165 for a size ten 157 foot.

The example embodiment is provided on the assumption that the majority of surfers being targeted by the surfboard manufacturer have between a size-nine and a size-eleven foot. However, lateral multi-fin plugs can be modified to accommodate any combination of foot sizes requested by the surfboard manufacturer.

Alternative embodiments may contain more slots and/or a greater lateral width to accommodate surfers with a wider range of foot sizes. Additionally a lateral multi-fin plug could contain slots with a smaller distance between each slot to allow finer tuning of the fin position to the surfers foot size. An alternative embodiment could contain two or more fin slots in the lateral position that is perpendicular to the centerline of the surfboard.

In accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, there is provided a surfboard having an elongated body extending between a nose and a tail along a centerline of a longitudinal axis, wherein the body comprises a deck, a bottom surface, and a tail region. The surfboard may have a first multi-fin plug securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a first lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the first multi-fin plug comprises a first plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a first fin. In related aspects, the surfboard may have a second multi-fin plug securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a second lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the second multi-fin plug is on an opposite side of the centerline with respect to the first multi-fin plug and comprises a second plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a second fin

In accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, there is provided a surfboard having an elongated board having a centerline of a longitudinal axis, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a tail region. The surfboard may have a first plug securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a first lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the first plug comprises a first plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a first fin. The surfboard may also have a second plug securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a second lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the second plug comprises a second plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a second fin, and thereby accommodate multiple foot lengths.

While the present invention has been illustrated and described with particularity in terms of preferred embodiments, it should be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended thereby. Features of any of the foregoing methods and devices may be substituted or added into the others, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art. It should also be understood that variations of the particular embodiments described herein incorporating the principles of the present invention will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art and yet be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A surfboard, comprising:

an elongated body extending between a nose and a tail along a centerline of a longitudinal axis, and comprising: a deck; a bottom surface; and a tail region; and

a first multi-fin plug securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a first lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the first multi-fin plug comprises a first plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a first fin.

2. The surfboard of claim 1, wherein a given one of the first plurality of fin base slots is aligned with one of a toe tip and a heel of a user.

3. The surfboard of claim 1, wherein the first multi-fin plug further comprises a first plurality of grooves, each groove interfacing with one of the first plurality of fin base slots, each groove configured to receive a fastener for the first fin.

4. The surfboard of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises one of a threaded pin and a screw.

5. The surfboard of claim 1, wherein each given slot of the first plurality of fin base slots is angled such that a given line extending from the given slot toward the nose converges at a first convergence point laterally offset from the centerline at the nose by a first defined distance.

6. The surfboard of claim 1, further comprising a second multi-fin plug securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a second lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the second multi-fin plug is on an opposite side of the centerline with respect to the first multi-fin plug and comprises a second plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a second fin.

7. The surfboard of claim 6, wherein the first plurality of fin base slots and the second plurality of fin base slots are spaced to accommodate multiple foot sizes.

8. The surfboard of claim 6, wherein the second lateral distance comprises the first lateral distance.

9. The surfboard of claim 6, wherein:

a given one of the first plurality of fin base slots is aligned with a toe tip of a user; and

a given one of the second plurality of fin base slots is aligned with one of a heel of the user.

10. The surfboard of claim 6, wherein the second multi-fin plug further comprises a second plurality of grooves, each groove interfacing with one of the second plurality of fin base slots, each groove configured to receive a fastener for the second fin.

11. The surfboard of claim 6, wherein each given slot of the second plurality of fin base slots is angled such that a given line extending from the given slot toward the nose converges at a second convergence point laterally offset from the centerline at the nose by a second defined distance.

12. The surfboard of claim 11, wherein the second defined distance comprises the first defined distance.

13. A surfboard, comprising:

an elongated board comprising: a centerline of a longitudinal axis; a top surface; a bottom surface; and a tail region;

a first plug securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a first lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the first plug comprises a first plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a first fin; and

a second plug securely mounted to the bottom surface in the tail region at a second lateral distance from the centerline, wherein the second plug comprises a second plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a second fin.

14. The surfboard of claim 13, wherein the first plurality of fin base slots and the second plurality of fin base slots are spaced to accommodate multiple foot sizes.

15. The surfboard of claim 13, wherein:

the first plug further comprises a first plurality of grooves, each groove configured to receive a first fastener for the first fin; and

the second plug further comprises a second plurality of grooves, each groove configured to receive a second fastener for the second fin.

16. The surfboard of claim 13, wherein the second lateral distance comprises the first lateral distance.

17. The surfboard of claim 13, wherein each given slot of the first plurality of fin base slots is angled such that a given line extending from the given slot toward a board nose converges at a first convergence point laterally offset from the centerline at the nose by a first defined distance.

18. The surfboard of claim 13, wherein each given slot of the second plurality of fin base slots is angled such that a given line extending from the given slot toward a board nose converges at a second convergence point laterally offset from the centerline at the nose by a second defined distance.

19. A method, comprising:

calculating a plurality of foot sizes for surfboard users;

mounting a first plug to a bottom surface of a surfboard at a first lateral distance from a surfboard centerline, the first plug comprising a first plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a first fin to be aligned with a user heel;

mounting a second plug to the bottom surface at a second lateral distance from the centerline, the second plug comprising a second plurality of fin base slots to accommodate multiple lateral positions for a second fin to be aligned with a user toe tip, wherein the first plurality of fin base slots and the second plurality of fin base slots are spaced to accommodate the plurality of foot sizes.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

determining a foot size for a given user;

inserting and securing the first fin to a selected one of the first plurality of fin base slots; and

inserting and securing the second fin to a selected one of the second plurality of fin base slots, wherein a fin-to-fin distance between the first and second fins corresponds to the foot size.