REASON
I have re visited one of my own models called the Mini- Mini since this type of model has now gained relevance again in this anything goes new market. Of course, I could not help updating it with some new tech in bottom design and have concentrated on longer sizes for those who struggle with paddle and who are not out to win a world title. The basic idea is to have the surfer positioned further forward with no reason to retreat to the tail coz the motor isn’t there anymore
PLANSHAPE
Like the original, the Hydro Mini is very forward centric and perhaps this new model even more so. It is amazing how much better a board paddles if it has more surface area further forward and indeed less rocker to the nose as well, but we will come to that in the rocker section. The tail area is radically pulled in the last 2 feet and the tail rocker flipped obsessively to encourage the surfer to be operating more forward coz that’s where the fin sets are located – further forward, but will come to that in the fin spiel.
ROCKER
The tradition malibu is basically devoid of nose rocker so the greedy bastards can paddle better and steal all our waves and because they are so long, they need excess tail rocker to turn and this is also what the Mini has but perhaps more extreme for its much shorter length c/f to a malibu. Because the fin sets are further north the tail needs even more lift to allow the rider to pivot the board without a flatter exit rocker restricting the rider operating from further forward where his fins are. Both the front and back feet positions can be closer together and further up from the tail and still with all the command necessary. Front foot down when seeking speed and back foot down seeking pivot and no running up and down searching for the sweet spot you just left.
BOTTOM + RAIL SHAPE
The original Mini Mini had a much shorter cathedral hull, the Hydro Mini has the hull running from the nose two thirds of the entire length then it descending into a deep release vee out the last third which also helps the board sit down and behave so the rider can hold his forward position without any surprises. Cars have the steering wheel in the front seat- so does the Hydro Mini. Since there is so much lift going on it is wise to keep the rails easy to immerse so they are moderately pinched.
FIN POSITIONS
The fin clusters are the same as a normal 5 fin set up, but just moved forward an extra few inches which is a lot when it comes to fin positions. I have chosen future boxes for their extra base stability so, if need be, you can use a bigger centre fin without it caveating at pressure in bigger waves. Futures will do the job.
DIMS
6.4 X 20 ¾ X 2 5/8 = 36.9 LTS
6.6 X 21 X 2 11/16 = 39.35 LTS
6.8 X 21 ¼ X 2 ¾ = 41.5 LTS
6.10 X 21 1/2 X 2 ¾ = 43.7 LTS
7.0 X 21 ¾ X 2 13/16 = 46 LTS