Deciding what surfboard fins you should get comes to do a few key factors:
- What kind of board & fin system do you have?
- What kind of surfing do you want to do?
- What kind of waves will you be riding?
If you’re in a rush, here’s a general guide on what surfboard fins you should ride:
- A larger fin(s) is going to provide more drive, hold, and stability.
- A fin with more rake/sweep will facilitate smoother, drawn-out turns and carves.
- A fin with an upright profile or less of a sweep with be looser and feel more pivot-y.
From there, you can really begin to get into the details and history of surfboard fin design.
Check out some of the links below to find out how more details on how to choose the right fins for you.
Part of the fun in surfing is experimenting with different boards and fin setups. You’ll get a better sense for different waves, you’ll fine tune your style, and you’ll become a more versatile surfer overall.
If you just want the answers already, check out our reviews and recommendations for:
- The best longboard fins.
- The best thrusters.
- The best quads.
Step 1: Boards & Fin Systems
The first step in choosing a surf fin is thinking about what kind of board and fin system you already have.
Fin Systems and fin boxes are what attach your fins to the bottom of the board. Common ones include:
- Single Fin Boxes (Bahne Box, US Box)
- Single Tabbed Fin Boxes (Futures)
- Dual Tabbed Fin Boxes (FCS)
The fin set up is a key design component of your surfboard. Different set ups (single fin, twins, thrusters, quads) are better suited for certain waves and surfing styles – you’ll want to pick fins that match. Which system is better? That usually comes down to personal preferences, but you can read about the differences between FCS & Futures here.
Step 2: Fins for Different Styles of Surfing
With your fin setup and system in mind, you should think about what type of surfing you want to be doing.
Different set ups and different fins on the same board can produce a totally different experience.
Best Fins for Different Waves & Surfing Styles:
- A wider single fin is great for stability and down the line drive
- A single fin with a higher aspect ratio is better for sweeping carves and connecting turns with speed.
- Twin fins are great for speed and looseness.
- Large thruster fins produce good hold in bigger waves.
- Smaller thruster fins allow for quick snaps and aggressive surfing.
- Quads are excellent for speed, hold, and responsiveness.
Step 3: Surfboard Fins Explained
Your surfboard’s fins affect the way your board will turn, it’s speed, and hold on a wave. They do this by creating lift and drag.
Understanding how fins work will help you choose the best fin for your board.
- The Characteristics of a Surf Fin dictate how it will perform.
- The material your fin is made of has a huge influence over flex and recoil.
- The size of your fin will depend on the design of your board’s tail, your weight, and your surfing ability.