I don't like using strips for fairing, they are too flexible and you can end up with hollows you don't want. I'd start out with a fairly thick batten, perhaps 3/4"x3/4" and if that won't take the bends well enough you can run it thru the table saw to make it slightly thinner until it does bend properly. A stiff batten won't bend where you don't want it to on it's own as easily as a flexible one.

Bill H.