The correct choice of surfboard fins represents a very important step in our surfing journey. So, before buying your next set up of fins, it is essential to have clear your level, your physical characteristics and where you usually surf. Discover how to choose surfboard fins!
Having clarified these concepts, it is equally important to choose the most suitable type of fin for your surfboard. As there are many models of boards, there are just many models and set up of fins. Each one of them has their own particularities.
In this Surfintrip post, therefore, we will give you some advice on how to choose the type of surfboard fins that best suit you. Remember that if the fins you have chosen do not suit your level, your board or your surfing style, they will not help you to improve and progress.
How to choose surfboard fins: techinical aspects
Fins are the extension of your surfboard and will affect it in three main aspects:
- The Drive: this is the capacity to generate acceleration and speed. The width of the fin´s base, its total area, and the materials used in the fin´s construction affect the drive. The larger the base is, the bigger the surface area is, the more drive your fins will generate.
- The Pivot: this is the ability of the fins to make short turns. Fins with little pivot will make your surfboard doing short turns, which is what we need for small or relatively slow waves. At the opposite, fins with lot of pivot will allow you to make large bottom turns, which is perfect for fast and long waves. The angle between the leading edge of the fin and the board, called “Sweep” or “Rake”, is the parameter that influences the pivot capacity of your fins. The more the angle, the steeper the fin, the more pivot your fins will generate.
- The Hold: it varies according to the height between the base and the top of the fin. Surf fins with a lot of grip (higher fin height) will provide more stability in critical phases (for example during a deep bottom turn), while fins with less grip will allow you to slide the tail more easily.
How to choose surf fins: different configurations depending on the board
Among the most important things before buying a set of fins is to know the level and weight of the surfer and how many boxes the surfboard has. Starting from these elements, we are ready to choose the right surfboard fins for you.
- Single fin: These are boards with a single box, usually these are more traditional and “old school” surfboards. This type of fin is perfect for making wider lines (therefore less radical) making the most of the rails of the board. Furthermore, this set up allows us to position the fin more or less forward according to the needs of the surfer and the conditions.
- Thruster: It is the most used system ever. This type of set up is characterized by two fins placed laterally in the lower part of the board and one placed in the central part of the lower part. The central fin serves as the axis of rotation of the board and allows us to perform tighter maneuvers. This type of set up is suitable for both experienced and novice surfers as it gives the board both stability and speed.
- Quad: This set up is mostly used in big, fast and barrelling wave conditions. The four fins push the water towards the end of the board giving a strong sensation of acceleration, so if you want to go fast and hurtle over the waves, these are the perfect fins for you! Only recommended for an advanced level.
- 5 fins: Some of the new generation boards come out with this type of 5 fins system. We never use 5 fins at a time but this system allows us to change between the various set ups very easily, making this type of boards very versatile. The 5 fins system is perfect for all those surfers who surf in variable conditions and in different parts of the world.
Surf fin materials
The manufacturing components of surfboards are very important as those of the fins we use. In fact, the material plays a fundamental role when choosing the fins and will affect their grip and flexibility as well as the speed of our board.
- Plastic Fins: These fins are the most common among people who are new to this sport. The advantages of these fins are the lightness and especially the price compared to fiberglass or carbon fins.
- Fiberglass and carbon fins: Absolutely the best performing fins. Those in fiberglass are characterized by greater flexibility and therefore greater manoeuvrability. Carbon fins are stiffer but at the same time offer more grip. Compared to plastic fins, the difference is immediately noticeable.
- Bamboo fins: 100% environmentally friendly this type of fins is made of bamboo slats which help the fin to be more flexible. Perfect for speed and manoeuvrability.
- Fins made from recycled materials: They can be made from: fishing nets, small boat parts and even the remains of old surfboards. A good option both from an economic point of view and from an ethical point of view.
What are the best surf fins?
It is very difficult to answer this question without taking into account the physical characteristics of each person, the level and the type of waves you want to surf. In general if you are an expert surfer looking for speed and manoeuvrability we recommend fiberglass fins. If, on the other hand, you are a beginner and you are just starting out in the world of surfing, we advise you to use plastic fins.
Now you know how to choose surfboard fins and, if you are visiting the Canary Islands and want to learn to surf we will teach you! Come and visit us at our surf school in Corralejo, Fuerteventura. With Surfintrip you will learn with the best advice!
