Choosing fins for a surfboard can be daunting. There are so many options and you have to be sure to pick the correct style of fin for your board's finboxes. No worries, this article will help you out with simple pictures and explanations of everything.
FIGURE OUT WHICH FINBOXES YOU HAVE:
Center Fin Boxes:
Most all center finboxes are the same for longboards. The front of the fin has a metal pin that slides into a slotted groove in the box. Slide the horizontal pin down the box and make sure to screw it in. Some mid lengths and shortboards have center fin boxes as well, but the shorter the board, the less common. These boxes provide superb hold and as long as your fin is screwed in tight, you should have no problems losing it. Many modern longboards had "sidebites" as well, smaller fins on the sides around the center fin making a "2+1" setup. More on that later. The sidebites, like everything else come primarily in two styles of fin boxes.
Futures:
Widely preferred in our own polling of surfers, futures fin boxes are also called single tab. This is because the entire base of the fin fits into the box. A small grub screw is tightened to hold the fin solidly in place.
This is what a futures box looks like. Note the single groove to fit a single tab of a fin. The small holes at the bottom are where the grub screws go. The fin has a notch at the front and the back. In the front there is a small bar in the finbox that you pivot the fin down into, which holds the front down. The grub screw holds the other side of the fin tight.
FCS/FCS2:
Also called "two tab" because of it's two tabs on the base of the fin that fit into the fin box. There are small differences in FCS and FCS2, namely FCS 2 is supposed to be able to be used without a grub screw. Don't do that. Ever. FCS and FCS2 also use grub screws to tighten them down.
This is an FCS2 box AKA "two tab". You can tell it is an FCS2 and not FCS by the red bumps on the inside of the box. Those lock into the fins that have a small cutout there. You also pivot your fin into this box and screw the grub screw until it stops.
BUY THE RIGHT FINS FOR YOUR FINBOXES OR THEY WON'T FIT.
Futures do not fit FCS and vice versa. FCS fins fit into FCS2.
FIN SETUPS:
Single Fins:
Single fins were the dominant fin choice throughout the twentieth century. Even though twin fins were introduced in the 1960s, single fins remained more popular until the shortboard revolution began to gain traction in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Surfboard fins evolved to meet higher performance standards, yet single fins remained a popular choice for both shortboards and longboards until the advent of the thruster. With the introduction of the thruster, surfers were forced to rethink what was possible in high-performance surfing.
Today, single fins are mostly associated with longboards, with only a few retro models available. Compared to other fin setups, single fins offer far less maneuverability, but they make up for it with a lot of drive and hold.
This 9" raked longboard fin would go perfectly with any longboard in the 8-9' range as a single fin. The sweeping rake design allows for smooth turns with less stalling than more full templates such as pivot fins. Purchase this fin here.
For those who love to carve, the rake fin is a good choice. With enough size and skill even these more agile fins can still be a good time for long walks to the nose. If paired with side bites, most surfers size the center fin down to 6-8 inches.
Longboards setup for noseriding often feature wide, chunky tails that go great with the large profile of a pivot fin. Pivot fins are a tried and true shape that increases stability and hold during a nose ride at the expense of speed during turns. The name "pivot fin" refers to how it turns. It does not flow in arcs so much as pivot on a point stalling and setting up for a run to the nose. Pivots are not generally ridden with sidebites. Pivot fins coming very soon.
Play around and see what you like.
TWO PLUS ONE:
Many modern longboarders often prefer a two plus one fin setup over the traditional single fin due to the latter's limited mobility and release. This setup consists of a large single center fin and two smaller side bites, which provide the board with enhanced maneuverability. With the inclusion of side bites, longboarders can achieve a greater level of control and enjoy a more responsive ride.
Twins:
Twin fins are a popular choice for surfers who prefer smaller, weaker waves or longer, point break style waves. Compared to thrusters, twin fins offer a lot of drive and speed, but they lack the ability to turn on a dime that many surfers have become accustomed to with three or four fin set-ups. Instead, twin fins can feel loose and skatey, making them ideal for wide, carving turns.
To help bridge the performance gap between twin fins and thrusters, modern tail shapes have been developed. In addition, many modern twin fins come equipped with a third fin box, meant for a small trailer fin. This addition provides just enough turning power to the already fun and loose surfboard fin set-up.
Keels, as pictured above, with their longer profile provide extra hold and drive for surfers on twins. This set would go absolutely perfectly on any small wave groveler, retro or modern style fish such as the RNF '96 or the Firewire seaside. Even better, it would shred on your local shapers groveler or fish. Purchase these keels here.
Twins and keels are ubiquitous with the fish board shape and quads are used on everything from retro style fish to high performance short boards. Keels fall into the same category. Keels are just bigger twin fins. These setups are also found on mini sims, eggs, grovelers, tiny foamies etc. Have fun, try them out. A lot of surfers like to get a small trailer fin for the center spot it they've got it.
Thrusters:
Thrusters are the most common setup for high performance surfing as they allow surfers to ride in the pocket and execute sharp turns up the face of the wave. They are designed with three fins, which provide better hold than twin fins in larger surf. However, at the top of the wave, where release is needed, thrusters provide just the right amount of it.
If you're looking for aggressive turns and snaps, definitely go for some red thrusters like these here. The color adds +1 speed.
Three fins works great on all types of short boards, midlengths and guns. If you've never surfed a thruster setup, do yourself a favor and try it out. It will help with the snappiness of your turns.
Quads:
Quads are a modern adaptation of the twin fin concept that eliminates the center fin, resulting in reduced drag and increased speed. Similar to twin fins, the four-fin setup provides more speed and drive than thrusters. However, quads offer a unique advantage over twin fins with their ability to execute tighter turns and perform well in the pocket like thrusters. Because of their added drive, quads are commonly preferred for smaller, less powerful waves, or for riding barrels. Their versatility and unique capabilities have made them a popular choice for surfers seeking a board that can handle a variety of wave conditions.
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