Once you have found your ideal surfboard, there is a second important point: your choice of fins.
When we talk about surfing essentials, we often forget about the fins. They play a major role in the responsiveness and performance of your board. They allow for better speed, control and drive. This is why it is so important to choose the right fins, especially for non-beginners who are looking for heightened sensation and responsiveness during their session.
THE DIFFERENT FIN SETUPS:
First of all, it is important to know the 4 main categories of fins.
The Single Fin setup is the most original and retro. It means that only one fin is mounted on the board. It is particularly popular on longboards and/or funboards. It is often long and wide to give more control and a different feel to the board. This type of fin is ideal for small to medium size, flat waves without too much power
Top tip:
- Allows you to generate good speed.
- Perfect for wide arced turns.
PS: This setup is not suitable for fast and tight turns.
The Twin-fin setup consists of two side fins. This type of setup became popular in the 70's. This type of fin is ideal for surfing small and medium size waves.
Top tip:
- Much more drive than with a single fin.
- More speed.
- Excellent maneuverability.
PS: Difficulty in making turns in choppy waves.
The Thruster set-up, also known as a three fin set up, is the most popular set-up. It is suitable for both beginners and experts. The reason it is so popular is that it is very versatile and suitable for all types of conditions.
Top tip:
- Excellent drive.
- Excellent maneuverability.
- Easy to turn.
- Better performance.
PS: Need to actively drive the board forwards to gain maximum speed
The Quad Fin setup is a mix between a Twin-fin setup and a Thruster setup. Ideally used for small waves to get maximum speed and to still be able to make tight turns. It is also used in big hollow waves for speed and maneuverability. You can use this type of setup for all types of conditions, but you should favor clean and powerful waves.
Top tip:
- Speed, as there is less fin angle.
- Good maneuverability.
- Ideal for powerful waves and tubes.
Once the choice of the fin set-up is made, you should consider 4 criteria to choose the right adapted fins:
- Weight
Fins all have different sizes that you have to choose according to your weight. This criterion should not be neglected because if you choose a fin that is too small for your weight, you risk sliding out. On the other hand, if you choose a fin that is too big for your weight, you may find it difficult to turn.
- Skill set
Your skill set is an important criterion in the choice of a board, especially for beginners. For those who surf with foam boards, it is preferable to use plastic fins to avoid injury.
- Surfboard
Next, it all depends on the type of surfboard. As explained above, you should choose your fins according to the type of setup: Single, Twin, Thruster or Quad. There are 3 main types of boxes: FCS 1, FCS 2 and FUTURES. Please note that FCS 1 fins are compatible with FCS 2 boxes, but the reverse is not possible. At VENON Surfboards, we have chosen to equip our boards with FUTURES boxes
- The type of waves and surfing desired
THE DIFFERENT MATERIALS:
- Composite Fins
These are price point fins, ideally made for beginners, as they do not have the best properties a surfer can look for. They are light and strong plastic-like fins made by pouring plastic into a mould.
- Fiberglass and Honeycomb Fins
Ideally suited to short boards, these fins are strong and flexible. The honeycomb design adds lightness.
- Carbon fins
Fins made of carbon are even lighter than other materials. They are stronger and provide more rigidity and stiffer flex.
The Venon Surfbaord team hopes that this article has been useful and has helped you to choose the type of fin that suits you best.
If you still have questions, don't hesitate to contact us, we are always available to help!