Are you searching for the best fins for your longboard? How much experience do you have with your existing fins? Following is everything you need to know about buying fins for a longboard online.
Firstly, choosing a fin for your longboard is just like choosing the longboard itself. There is a lot of room for experimentation in terms of styles, configurations, materials, flex and a few other things.
You can experiment with a variety of types to find out what works best for you in various conditions. It is important to remember that you will need different types of fins and different set ups for the best experience in different conditions.
Removable Or Fixed Fins
This is pretty self-explanatory. Fixed fins are laminated right into the longboard whereas removable fins fit into a box that is installed in the longboard. It’s better to choose removable fins as these make repairs easy.
Size Of The Fin
The size of the fin is heavily dependent on your weight. If you weigh over 90 kgs, it is recommended to choose the XL size whereas S size is recommended for a weight range of 50 to 70 kgs. Here is the complete list of recommendations:
- Grom Weight less than 45 kgs
- XS Weight less than 55 kgs
- S Weight in the range of 50 to 70 kgs
- M Weight in the range of 65 to 90 kgs
- L Weight more than 75 kgs
- XL Weight more than 90 kgs
Shape Of The Fin
Fins are sold in a variety of shapes. Here are some of the most common shapes:
Flex fin – the biggest advantage of using a Flex fin is that it is extremely versatile and offers maximum flex, and can be used on longboards as well as shorter boards. These typically have a wider base that tapers down to a smaller tip which results in minimal drag and a whole lot of projection.
Rake fin – these offer medium flex and lies somewhere between the Pivot fin and Flex fin. It has a wide base but the tip is bigger than the Flex fin. It offers more manoeuvrability and projection than the Pivot fin.
Pivot fin – for noseriding the Pivot fin is the best. It has a wide base with full vertical outline and it will help keep the tail in the water while you are still up on the nose. The D fin doesn’t offer too much flexibility but if you want maximum trim straight down the line, this is the fin you want.
Other Consideration For Fins
Sweep/Rake – this is a measure of the curve of a fin relative to the base. It is responsible for propelling the board forward. A large rake allows you to make tighter turns but a smaller sweep is great for faster speed and predictability.
Base – the widest point of a fin is known as the base and is responsible for its strength. It is the part that sits flush with the base once the installation is complete. If the base is longer, you will get a faster ride but a shorter base is recommended for more manoeuvrability.
Flex – this refers to the flexibility of the fin and it has a huge impact on the way your board reacts to the waves. If you opt for a stiff fin, you will get much better ride on hollow waves whereas a more flexible fin will allow you to have a lot more fun. At the high end, there are fins that are stiff at the base but flexible at the tip.
Cant – this refers to the angle at which the fin sits in relation to the base. If the fin is completely straight, it has a cant of 90 degrees which means you’ll be able to ride very fast but anything other than 90 degrees cant will affect the responsiveness of the board while taking turns.
Configuration
As far as the configuration is concerned, the most popular setup is the single fin set up and the other popular option is the 2+1 setup. Both have their own advantages. With a 2+1 setup, you will feel more in control and have more fun but with a single fin, you will get more speed.
Summary
As far as choosing the right fin for your longboard is concerned, there is no ideal or standard answer. It depends on the type of waves you are going to ride on and the type of surfing you like. So, keep the above-mentioned tips in mind and choose a longboard fin that is right for your surfing style and the conditions you are in.
At Beachin Surf, you can find the best fins for your surfboard with our huge range of surfboard accessories. Please feel free to come and visit our shop at 262 Maine Road, Toukley, NSW. We are happy to show you around and assist you in finding the best fins for your surfboard.
Please call us today on (02) 4396 5159 or send us an inquiry.