When you see surfboard fins, you might just think they look cool. But they’re critical in helping you ride waves. Without them, you’ll have a long day of wiping out in the ocean.
What are the fins on a surfboard used for?
Surfboard fins are designed to give you more control and stability. They help you to change directions better by allowing you more balance when shifting your weight side to side. They make all the tricks pro surfers do possible. Therefore, surfboard fins do make a difference, and it’s important to pick the best one that’ll keep you shredding the waves and having fun.
With these factors in mind, here are the 10 Best Surfboard Fins for 2020.
10. SBS 10″ Surf & SUP Fin
The SBS Surf Fin can give you just the control you’re looking for. It gives great stability for flat water paddling, turns, and noseriding. It’s also versatile in being able to attach to surfboards, longboards, and standup paddleboards. Best of all, it’s easy to install.
SBS offers a free “no tool” fin screw and plate set. This allows you to attach the fin to your board without any tools.
The fin also comes with a cover to keep it protected whenever you’re not using it. In addition, if you use the SBS surf fin for paddle boarding, you can paddle multiple times on one side without going in a circle.
Cons: The SBS surf fin isn’t compatible with inflatable stand up paddleboards such as the Bali Solistice and the AquaMarine SPK2.
Product Description
- Good hold in both flat water paddling and for turns and noseriding
- Depth: 10″, Base: 6.5″, Rake: 28° / MATERIAL: Glass Filled Nylon
- Works on any SUP or surfboard with a standard 8.5″ or 10.5″ fin box
- Incompatible with some Inflatable SUPs such as the Bali Solstice
- Suitable for Longboard / Surfboard / Stand Up Paddle
- Free “no tool” fin screw with plate set
>>Check on Amazon
9. Ho Stevie! Polymer Surfboard Fins
A broken fin can mess up a good surf day. If durability is important to you, The Ho Stevie! Fins are one of the most durable fins on this list. It’s made of fiberglass with a polymer. This gives the fin more flexibility than the average plastic fin.
The company that sells this is even willing to replace it if it does break. The Ho Stevie! Fins are also thinly shaped, helping you have less drag while surfing. These are a great bargain at only $20.
Cons: The Ho Stevie! Surfboard Fins aren’t the best for riding the biggest waves. It also doesn’t give as much explosive speed when you’re pumping.
Product Description
- Thruster fins fit any surfboard that uses FCS or Futures fins
- Good for acceleration at point break
- 3 surfboard fins, wax comb/fin key/bottle opener, fin screws, and travel case
- Durable with better flex than standard nylon plastic fins
- Color Options: Aqua, Black, White
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8. Surf Squared Surfboard Fin Set
When you’re an elite surfer, you want fins that’ll let you really shred the waves. The Surf Squared Thruster Fins are exactly the ones to let you do it. They have a light honeycomb construction which increases performance and speed.
It’s the same construction used by most pro surfers. The Surf Squared Fins are compatible with any board that has Futures fin boxes. They work well with most surfboards and can handle most conditions. Cons: There’s not much downside to these. Some question whether other fins are faster, but you can definitely get a lot of speed with these.
Product Description
- 3 fin set
- Balanced template that works well with most surfboards, wave types, and surf conditions
- Base: 4.5″. Height: 4.75″ Area: 15 5/8″². Flat foil
- Designed by 2 dedicated surfers
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7. FCS ARC Tri Fin Set
The twist and turns you see surfers make are some of the best parts of surfing. The FCS ARC Tri Fin Set is great for getting that maneuverability. You get two larger side fins and a small back fin. The small back fin allows for more quick releases when you’re making those turns on the waves.
It’s designed to be like a fiberglass fin but comes at a reduced weight. The combination of the fin set allows you to have more drive in your surfing. It’s great, particularly for larger surfers.
Cons: The only downside is it’s a little more on the expensive side at around $85.
Product Description
- Large fin with a wide base
- Thinner tip for the side fins
- Maneuverability
- Flex
- Designed to deliver the feeling of a traditional glass fin with reduced weight
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6. Santa Barbara Surfing SBS Fins
Introducing the Santa Barbara Surfing SBS 8-inch Longboard & SUP Single Fin, the perfect accessory to enhance your surfing experience with unparalleled stability and performance. Crafted by Santa Barbara Surfing, this fin boasts a sleek black design adorned with the brand’s logo, adding a touch of style to your board.
Constructed from durable nylon and fiberglass, this fin ensures strength and reliability in the water. Compatible with a wide range of SUPs and longboards featuring standard 8.5″ or 10.5″ fin boxes, it serves as a direct replacement for many off-the-rack boards, offering an easy upgrade path to our 9″ or 10″ fins for enhanced hold and drive.
Versatile and adaptable, this fin is suitable for longboard, surfboard, and stand-up paddle use. Plus, with the inclusion of our “No Tool” fin screw and plate set, installation is hassle-free, allowing you to hit the waves in no time. Experience superior performance and versatility with the Santa Barbara Surfing SBS 8-inch Longboard & SUP Single Fin.
Product Details
- Brand: Santa Barbara Surfing
- Color: Black with Logo
- Material: Nylon, Fiberglass
- Sport: Surfing
- Product Dimensions: 120″L x 48″W
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5. Prosea Flashion Banboo Surfboard Fins
If you’re a more casual surfer, you don’t need much for your fin to make you happy. As long as it fits, gives you some control and looks good, that’s all that matters. The Prosea Flashion Surfboard Fin comes in a variety of colors, sizes, and templates.
It has a unique look being made with fiberglass, carbon, and bamboo. But the Prosea Fin doesn’t just look good. It works great in many conditions such as beach breaks and point breaks. You can get good power on your bottom turns while still snapping off the top. Best of all, it works on any board type, and it’s easy to install.
Cons: They’re not as light as other fins like the Futures. This means you’ll have less drive and your turns may not always be as tight.
Product Details
- Lightweight fins with good flex
- Smooth feel
- Works well in beach breaks and point breaks
- Usable on all board types
- Multi-colored
- 3 fins with 1 Key and 6 Screws in the package
>>Check on Amazon
4. FCS Mark Richards Twin Surfboard Fins
Introducing the FCS Mark Richards Twin + Stabilizer Template fin Set, crafted to elevate your surfing experience with exceptional drive and speed. Renowned for Mark Richard’s twin template, this X-Large set is designed to enhance maneuverability and freedom on the waves.
Complemented by a small stabilizer (centre fin), it ensures added control without compromising the twin fin setup’s agility. Engineered to seamlessly integrate with the FCS II Fin System, this set includes two Performance Core fins alongside a smaller stabilizer fin. Perfectly adaptable to all board types including fish, funboard, and twin fin boards, these fins boast a flex pattern that extends progressively from base to tip, enabling surfers to maintain drive and hold through each turn.
Light and versatile, they excel in various surf conditions, making them an indispensable addition to any surfer’s arsenal. Available in the striking PC – Black & White Swirl color scheme, these fins redefine performance and style in the water.
Product Details
- Size: X-Large
- Color Options: PC – Black & White Swirl, Neo Glass, PC – Black Colour Swirl, PC – Lavendar – Black
- Brand: FCS
- Item Weight: 0.2 Pounds
- Product Dimensions: 10.24″L x 2.36″W
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3. BPS Surfboard Bite Fins
These versatile side fins can fit any surfboard, shortboard, funboard, and longboard that use FCS style fins. It’s another good low budget option at $15. The BPS side fins give you power, drive, control, and stability. A great combination of traits to have for a good surf session. The side fins come with a BPS combined wax comb, hex key, and bottle opener.
Cons: These fins are thinner than FCS fins. They’re also very sharp on the edges, so be sure to sand them.
Product Details
- Set of two-bite fins with fiberglass reinforced nylon construction
- Fits any surfboard, shortboard, funboard or longboard that uses FCS style fins
- The set comes complete with a BPS combined Wax comb, Bottle Opener and hex key.
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2. YEP.SURF Surfboard Single Fin
The YEP.SURF Classic Surfboard Center Single Fin, available in a vibrant yellow 8-inch option, is crafted from high-quality fiberglass. It features a full outline with an increased surface area and a more curved tip for effortless pivoting and quick turns, making it ideal for setting up nose rides.
This fin promotes tight arc turns while maintaining hold and drive, suitable for all board types. Durably designed and tested by UPSURF’s professional group, it ensures top performance and longevity for surfers seeking a reliable and dynamic fin.
Product Details
- Color Options: Yellow 8 inch, Black 7 inch, Blue 10.25 inch, Green 9 inch, White 11 inch
- Brand: UPSURF / YEP.SURF
- Material: Fiberglass
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1. LEDONNE Precision Fit 9″ Dual-Pack Surf Fins
The LEDONNE Fin 9″ Surf & SUP Fins, priced at USD 4.99-5.49 per piece, offer unparalleled quality and ease of use for surfboards and paddleboard enthusiasts. Made from durable GFPA reinforced nylon for flexibility and rigidity, these fins ensure high stability and easy control of direction and speed on the water.
Featuring a no-tool, quick-release installation system, they are designed for universal compatibility with most paddleboards and kayaks. LEDONNE’s commitment to quality and affordability makes these fins an excellent choice for both beginners and professionals, backed by a 1-year warranty.
Product Details
- Color Options: Blue, Black, and Red
- Material & Durability: Made of GFPA reinforced nylon for rigidity and flexibility, ensuring high stability and balance.
- Compatibility: Fits most paddleboards and surfboards with a 9.8″ length, 1.57″ width, and 8.46″ height, suitable for standard fin bases.
- Easy Installation: Features a no-tool, quick-release system for hassle-free attachment.
- Design: Includes two 9″ fins with an extra pin and connecting nylon rope for secure attachment.
- User-Friendly: Ideal for all levels, from professionals to beginners.
- Quality Assurance: Offers great value with one of the lowest prices on the market and a 1-year warranty.
>>Check on Amazon
How Do You Attach Surfboard Fins?
The process is different depending on the type of fin you have. But let’s go over how to install two of the most common ones. The Future fins and the FCS fins
FCS: For FCS fins, your surfboard should have two holes that allow the fin to slide in. When you slide the fin in, you can take your fin key, and tighten the screws. Be sure not to overtighten them so you don’t strip the threads.
The rake of the fin should be pointed to the tail, the curved side should be pointed to the outside of the surfboard, and the flat side should be pointed to the inside of the surfboard.
Future: The Future fins have a groove cut out in the back. If you can’t tell which side is the back, it’s located in the direction where the top of the fin curves back. Boards that are compatible with future fins will have a long box.
You put the back part of the fin in the middle of the box and slide it back until you feel ir slotted in. Then you push the front of the fin down.
Use your fin key or screwdriver to tighten the bolt, but again, don’t tighten it too much so you don’t break the plug. The video below by Zed from Zed’s Surfing Adventures educates you on how to attach fins to a surfboard. Check it out!
Can You Surf Without Fins?
You can, but it’s much more difficult. Only the expert surfers can really manage surfing without surf fins. If you’re a beginner or intermediate surfer, you need surf fins to help you make turns and get speed. But even most expert surfers get fins and choose to only take them off their surfboard in certain conditions. Check out these tips on how to surf if you’re new at this.
Do Surfboards Come with Fins?
Surfboards don’t generally come with fins. You have to buy them separately and attach them to your board.
Good Quality Surfboard Fins and Board
Consequently, it all comes down to what you really want. Do you want more quickness in your turns? Your best bet is the FCS Arc Performance Tri Set or the Naked Viking Surf Thruster fins. For anybody shopping on a bargain, the Ho Stevie Polymer Surfboard Fins and the LEDONNE Surfboard Fins are the best deals out there.
For the best drive and the most durability, go with the South Bay Board Fins. Whichever you choose, once you get some quality surfboard fins, you’ll be shredding the waves in no time. Picking a good surfboard is as important as picking good surf fins. Learn how to choose a surfboard that is ideal for you and check out the top 10 beginner surfboards.
