Surfboard fin-setups
Not sure if you need a Single, twin, thruster, quad or 4+1 set-up? this guide is here to help you a bit on your journey to the set-up for you.
Choosing between five different setups can sometimes be confusing.
So here are a straightforward identification and explanation of each fin configuration.
Fins are an important component of any surfboard, despite the fact that they are sometimes overlooked. Surfboards would be skimboards or bodyboards without them.
So, what exactly are fins used for? Fins are used to balance your surfboard and keep it from slipping sideways as you cut through the water.
The larger the fins are, the more they will dig into the wave’s wall.
Fin selection is always a trade-off; you must sacrifice a few factors in order to improve or improve others. For example, do you want more drive and speed, better pivoting when turning, or more hold?
The answer to this question will aid you in determining which fin arrangement is best for you. Each setup will have a different effect on the ride, specifically in terms of maneuverability.
Fins and adjustable fin-setups are the least understood surfboard component due to the numerous forces at work.
Depending on the board and the conditions, fins will respond differently. To make a sensible decision, test a few different settings in similar situations whenever possible.
A surfboard can have one of six different fin configurations:
Single-Fin
This is the oldest fin-type, most often found on traditional surfboards and longboards and more recently on Mid Length Boards. These large fins allow you to surf quickly but these fins can make boards difficult for inexperienced surfers to control. We recommend moving your single fin towards the back of your board if you find the board feels too loose.
How to size single fins?
It is best to size your single / longboard fin relative to your board size. A generally accepted rule of thumb is to use the same size fin (in inches) as the length of your board (In feet) so for a 9ft board, you would use a 9ft single fin. Many surfers recommend going an inch bigger if you are riding your board as a single fin only set up for added control.
2+1 set-up
These set-ups consist of two smaller fins on either side, known as side bites, and one large (single) fin in the center of your board.
The 2+1 is a very common fin setup, found on an array of boards including eggs, funboards, mini-mal surfboards, and longboards. The two side bites help to stabilize the board giving you more control, making this setup better for beginner and intermediate surfers.
Twin
Twin fins, also known as keel fins, which rose in popularity during the late 70s, are a matching pair of fins, often found on fish shape boards. These fins are great in large waves, giving your board extra speed and offering more stability and control in turns than single fins. Twin fin boards are renowned for being fun to surf and encourage surfers to use their rails and take lines on a wave that they wouldn’t otherwise have if it wasn’t for these fins.
How to size twin fins?
All twin fins are usually either large or extra-large. We recommend using large fins if you are lighter or extra-large fins if you are heavier (read on to see our fin to weight size chart) but ultimately it comes down to personal preference whether you prefer the feel of a board with large or extra-large twin fins.
Thruster
These 3-fin thruster setups are probably the most common fin configuration and can be found on most boards from foamies to shortboards. This setup consists of 3 of the same size fins, with two placed further towards the nose of the board and one further back to nearer the tail.
Having 3 fins instead of 2 fins in a twin setup makes the board more stable and easier to maneuver as the back fin creates a bit more drag. Simon Anderson came up with this popular setup in the ’80s as he wanted to create a better fin set up for high-performance surfing in big waves.
How to size thruster fins?
These fins need to be sized according to the surfer’s weight. Please read on and check what size fins are best for you. Of course, some people prefer to go slightly smaller or slightly bigger in certain conditions, so we recommend experimenting to find out what works best for you. It is ultimately personal preference but the weight to fin size chart is a good starting point.
Quad
Quad fin setups offer a little bit of what the twin and thruster. The fact that this setup doesn’t include a center fin gives your board some added speed and allows you to turn quickly, with a little bit more control than the twin fin setup. This fin configuration is great for generating speed in small waves as the fins increase the hold which also makes the board more stable.
How to size quad fins?
As with Thruster fin setups, these fins need to be sized according to the surfer’s weight. Please read on and check what size fins are best for you. Of course, some people prefer to go slightly smaller or slightly bigger in certain conditions, so we recommend experimenting to find out what works best for you. It is ultimately personal preference but the weight to fin size chart is a good starting point.
5-fin
This 5 fin set, also known as tri-quad fins, allows you to experiment and play around with different fin setups. With 5 fin boxes, you have the option to ride your board as either a quad or a thruster which is great if you want a more versatile board as you are going to be surfing in different conditions.
How to size tri-quad fins?
Please refer to the how-to size sections for quad or thruster setups to get the sizing right for you and your board.
Fin-size
You will quite often find fins in different sizes Extra-Small, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large and it can be confusing deciding what size you need.
The fin sizes that you choose should be relative to your weight.
Please see the handy weight vs. fin size charts below for FCS & Futures fins to help you pick the correct size fins.
