What surfboard fins should i get

Single fins are most commonly found on longboards. The original fin set up is considered outdated by some, but it is still appreciated by others because it brings a different feel while riding the wave. They are usually long and wide, big enough to provide control over the surfboard on its own. Provides good speed, as fewer fins creates less drag. Single fins are great for smooth, slow turns. The size of the single fin can help to prevent spinning out in the tube. Hard to do quick, sharp turns.

At that time, the world discovered how twin fins offered extra manoeuvrability and speed, giving Mark Richards a competitive edge to beat other competitors riding single fins. This is currently the most popular fin set up for most surfers, from beginners to experts. The extra fin placed in the middle at the back of the tail provides more stability and manoeuvrability.

The thruster setup has played a huge part in the evolution of high performance surfing, making many radical manoeuvres possible. Ideal Conditions: Many types of conditions. Super fun in good to epic conditions. Holds well in steep, powerful surf and tubes. The four-fin set-up gets a little bit of both the characteristics of the twin fin and the thruster set-up. Quads can be great in small surf, especially if the rear fins are further up on the surfboard and closer to the rails. This helps surfers generate speed, even in weak waves, and helps to do quick turns, a bit like with a twin fin would, but with extra control.

Surfers also use quads in big hollow waves, with the back fins placed further back on the board, for extra hold in steep waves.

Advanced surfers enjoy the extra speed gained from not having a centre fin, and the additional hold on higher lines, due to having 2 fins near the rails. At its best in clean, powerful and good surf. When choosing fins, other aspects need to be considered, here are a few:. Use the recommended guides provided by the manufacturer for a great starting point using you weight. See advanced notes for a more in-depth analysis. Stay within your recommended fin size if your not confident with fin selection.

Each size range will have a variety of different templates to choose from, all with a range of different performance characteristics. Overall fin area is used to categorise each templates size range, so you can select the right fin size easily. Within each size range there will be variations of fin area, paying attention to this can give you an idea of dropping or increasing fin size to suit. Like everything a balance will provide you with the most versatility.

The deeper the fin is the more leverage the fin will have when rolling onto the rail. This helps with stability and overall hold, just like increasing the area. Taller surfers might benefit from deeper fins, and shorter surfers might like less fin height. Base is an important aspect of area.

Increasing the base will make a dramatic difference in the drive you feel out of your bottom turns. If the board feels stiff or hard to turn, putting in a fin with a smaller base, less rake, or more flex might free it up a bit. The further the tip overhangs the base the more rake a fin will have. Fins with a large overhang are considered to be lower aspect ratio and they will be more stable because the fin tip in the back corrects and holds the board straight.

This is good when the conditions are heavy or you want to wrap sweeping cutbacks. However they offer control, stability and predictability, making them perfect for beginner surfers or surfers that enjoy riding fast in a straight line. Twin-Fin refers to a surfboard with two fins. Typically found on shorter surfboards designed for small waves, generally unsuitable to larger surf. In modern surfing, the Thruster is the fin set-up type of choice.

Designed for performance surfing, allowing a surfer to ride with speed and perform radical manoeuvres whilst maintaining control throughout. The modern Thruster is the most common fin set-up type of the bunch. The Quad aka four fin setup is used for creating speed whilst maintaining control over your board.

Advanced surfers performing turns on a Quad get the benefit of increased speed, power and drive through turns. Over the last few years, the five-fin set up has become increasingly popular.

With most new surfboards coming with five fin plugs surfers now have the ability to swap and change fin set-up in a matter of minutes.

The five-fin set-up often but not always gets ridden as a quad with a small central fin called a 'trailer fin'. The elements of a fin impact the way it performs - with small adjustments in size, shape and contours completely changing the way a surfboard will feel.

Now, as far as surfboard design and construction goes, the micro-elements of a fin can get super techy at times, and is far from essential knowledge. Rake refers to the length of the front edge of the fin.

Put another way, it's how far back the fin curves from the base to tip. Fins with a small rake are great for speed and predictability. Whereas fins with a large rake will be better for short, fast tight turns. Splay refers to a surfboard's outer fins only - referencing the angle in which they stick out in comparison to the board's stringer.

The base length refers to you guessed it the length of a fin is at its base. Fin's with a longer base length will give you more speed and predictability. Fins with a shorter base allow for increased manoeuvrability, resulting in sharper, tighter turns.

Foil refers to the surface of the inside and outside of a fin. Foil changes the flow of water through your fins and ultimately decides how your board will perform. Although all fins will have slightly different foils, a traditional thruster will have a symmetrical middle fin with the two outside fins being slightly rounded on the outside.

Flex refers to how much a fin bends when a surfer is turning. The more flex, the looser it will be. Making for a fun, unpredictable way of surfing. Fin height is the measurement from the base to the tip. The larger the fin, the more control and stability it will have. These fins are perfect for beginners and less experienced surfers. Enter yourAs with most things in surfing, your ability will effect your equipment choices.

For example; the waves you like, how often you surf, your surfboard type and how you choose to ride a wave. Fins are no different. It's important to choose fins that are suited to your ability that allow you to ride in the way you want. For example a large, stiff single fin on a longboard is going to be suitable if you're a beginner.

Whereas for an advanced surfer, a thruster set up with small, flexible fins would be more appropriate. Another factor to consider when choosing fins is your size. Your height and weight is going to affect how a board performs and subsequently the fins you should choose. As a beginner surfer, you should be looking for a large stable fin set up. Found on most beginner boards.