With the resurgence and popularity of the "Twin Fin" and the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking video "5'5" X 19 1/4" (the masterpiece LOST movie starring Chris Ward and Corey Lopez from 1995-1996, released in 1997), it seemed like the perfect time to recreate our RNF-Classic model with a slight twist.
We believe that the original RNF from 1994 to 1997 was based on a narrow tail and nose.
Adding a twist to the "RNF-Classic" model,
This is a combination of the RNF-Quint (QUAD model) released in 2000.
This construction was responsive and mobile in the pocket of the wave, giving confidence in tight semi-circle turns. This incredible performance was achieved simply by using a tail similar to that of modern high-performance short surfboards of the time.
The outline was wider than originally planned, balanced with a short, flat-ish rocker to create a truly unique ride.
Most RNF-Classic models had no tail wings, but Corrie had a few built with a single, slightly angular wing, including the one he rode on his first trip to Raglan, New Zealand.
In 2000, the RNF-Quint (QUAD model) was released, inspired by the era of wider tails, the quad fin revolution, and more gliding structures in shortboards.
It was notable for its wider swallowtail, full round nose, thicker wheels, and deep wing influenced by MR.
Essentially for smaller waves, the swallowtail was wide, stable, and fast. It was a more "domestic" (easy) board and didn't have the same high-performance feel as the original, but it was a board that anyone, anywhere could enjoy.
Our latest evolution, the RNF-REDUX, blends the best of both boards, retaining the performance and driveability of the Classic with the glide and versatility of the RNF-Quint to create a high-performance hybrid .
This is a great paddle and glides easily over the face of flat waves, sloppy waves, and small, junky waves.
It also handles aggressive, high-speed waves that use the rails.
The rocker, bottom contour and forward outline are based on the Classic.
The Tail Outline is a hybrid of the two boards.
The slightly angular wings, influenced by the MR, lead to a narrow swallow tail. When turning in the pocket, the deeper wings and tucked tail reduce surface area for a precise, sharp feel.
The added area forward of the wing creates a more parallel space between the feet, giving direction, drive and glide.
Like all versions of the RNF, the
RNF-REDUX features a very gentle centerline rocker throughout and a subtle single concave under the front foot, helping the board stay directional even at slower speeds. The concave tapers toward the nose, making it easier to turn and finish.
The tail vee maintains a very gentle stringer line rocker. This construction makes it easy to turn and gives you great control. The aggressive channel from the center concave to the tail vee creates an aggressive rail rocker that shines when the board is on a rail.
And overall it feels like a board with a lot of rocker.
This means it allows for aggressive, tight turns and lips on the face of the wave.
About Finn
We went back to the Classic Twin Fin, which influenced the position of the front fin.
It's set a little further back, like they did in the 90s.
The RNF-REDUX is made with a 5-fin box as standard,
This board is, first and foremost,
It is designed so that you can start riding with the larger TWIN FIN.
But there are countless other ways to enjoy it too.
First, use the larger twin fin.
Try using two small trailer fins on each side of the rear.
Others are MR TWIN 2 plus 1, which has a large TWIN FIN in the front,
This is a method of attaching a small stabilizer to the center of the rear. This is the set I recommend the most.
Or, if you use it purely as TWIN, it feels faster, has the least friction, and feels freer.
If none of these are to your liking, try a standard quad or separate quads.
There is also a method called thruster that can be tailored to the person, place, and time.
Give it a try. You'll have fun with
RNF-REDUX .
-Matt Biolos
