Surfboard Fin Setups. Which One For You?

The fin, or fins, underneath your surfboard are there to help with the steering of your board.  The fins will also assist with stopping the surfboard from sliding around on the wave.

The further the fin goes down in the water, the more control you will have over the surfboard on the wave. The shorter the fin, the less resistance there will be on the water. The longer the distance of the fin where it is attached to the base of your surfboard, the faster you will be able to go.

Another important factor for your surfboard is how close together the fins are. The surfboard will be looser, or easier to turn, when the fins are placed closer together. The surfboard will also become easier to turn the further towards the front (the nose of the surfboard) that the fins are positioned.

There are 2 types of fins. Fins that are able to be removed from the surfboard, and those that are permanently fixed.

Fins are generally referred to by their number. For example, one fin is called a single fin, two fins are twin fins, and three fins are usually known as thrusters, or tri fins.

Single Fins - Having just the one fin was the very original fin set up. Single fins are now very popular with the longboards. Longer fins are often used in this situation to help stop the surfboard from sliding around on the wave. Single fins will be larger in size due to the fact that there is only one. Single fins will hold up well in the big waves, but your surfboard will be tighter.

Single fins are generally positioned further towards the back of your surfboard to give you more control of the board.

If you want to ride the nose (or hang 10 off the front of your surfboard) you will need a fin that is deeper in the water and wider at the base where it meets the bottom of the board.

Twin Fins - Two fins are a popular combination for the retro surfboard and fish or swallow tail surfboard. The two fins in this scenario help keep the symmetry of the surfboard in place with the V-shaped tail.

Twin fins can increase the surfer's sensation of speed and make the surfboard more looser and easier to turn.

Thruster - Three fins is probably the most universally popular combination, especially for the modern shortboard. Typically, in this set up the 3 fins are the same size. The 2 side fins will allow the board to be more responsive and able to perform more radical turns. The center fin makes the surfboard a bit more stable. This fin setup is common on shortboards, some hybrid surfboards, and funboards.

2+1 Fins - Some modern longboards are now available with a larger middle fin and 2 smaller outer fins. This is known as a 2+1 fin system. The side fins help create some drag which will result in you being able to get on a wave sooner. Your longboard will also be looser as a result of these 2 outer fins, which will help make the surfboard more responsive.

Quad or Four Fins - Four fins can be used on fish surfboards due to the even number. The extra set of fins adds to the speed. The lack of a center fin means there is less resistance in the water. Some big wave surfers are experimenting with the quad set up.

What Sort of Fin is Right For Me?

There are many possible fin combinations. You have to consider the size of the wave you will normally be surfing. Do you want to perform radical maneuvers or glide through the water? Do you want to surf faster or slower?

Some surfboards like the fish or swallow tail need a symmetrical fin set up to enhance the V-shape at the tail of the surfboard.

A great option for your surfboard can be to have a removable fin box set up. This allows you to play around a bit with the placement and size of the fins. This makes your surfboard more flexible to varying surfing conditions.

You can change the performance of your surfboard immensely with the fin set up.

In Summary.

Radical Maneuvers. Can have two or three fins.

Fast Surfing. Two fins will give you the sensation of less water resistance. Four fins can really add to the speed and drive of the wave.

Hanging Ten. You need a single fin that is deep into the water and wide at the base where it joins the board.

Longboards. Tend to have a big single fin. Longboards are generally more for gliding through the waves than performing radical maneuvers.

Fish or Swallow boards. Due to the V-shaped tail (or back) of the board, these surfboards come with symmetrical fin systems, usually a twin.

To get more information on surfboards, surfboard shapes, and surfboard designs fill out the form below for a special guide, “Surfboard Buyers Guide.”

In this guide you will learn exactly what type of surfboard is perfect for you. We will help you pick the length, width, thickness, shape, fin setup… I think you get the point. If all the differences of surfboard shapes and how they apply to you and your style seem confusing then don’t hesitate use the form below and request you guide now.