Why are we talking about fins again?

In the most recent event at Tahiti Pro where Kanoa Igarashi took the win in his heat, we saw something that is just so beautiful, so powerful, so obvious?

In this snapshot above, you can see that he's fully putting his board on rail, which means MAXIMUM forces against the fins.

What's interesting here is that you can see his right fin is out of the water, meaning that all his force is going remaining centre and left fin, as well as the rail of his board.

If his fins were of a softer construction, it'll flex too much and he won't be able to complete such a tight turn.

If his fins were too upright, he wouldn't be able to lean fully into the turn to get maximum drive and spray throughout the turn.

If his fins were undersized, he again, won't be able to lean fully into the turn and get maximum drive and spray, it'll simply pivot around way too quick.

Take a look at this snapshot of a fin underwater. 

Now whilst this is not a surfboard (it's a windsurf), it still shows the amazing amount of force that is being subjected to the fins by the water.

Remember, water is dense. 1 cube of water is the weight of a small light car.

This brings us to talk about the importance of fins again:

In the world of surfing, there's a lot of buzz about the latest board designs, wave conditions, and mastering those perfect turns. Yet, there's one crucial element that often gets overlooked in the pursuit of the ultimate ride: surfboard fins. These seemingly small pieces of equipment are the unsung heroes of the surfing world, quietly controlling how you and your board interact with the water.

Picture this: you're out on the waves, ready to carve up the surf, but without fins, you'd be sliding around uncontrollably, struggling to maintain any sense of direction. That's the magic of surfboard fins – they provide stability and control, allowing you to harness the power of the ocean.

But fins are more than just stabilisers. They're finely tuned instruments that can dramatically impact your surfing experience. The size, shape, and construction of your fins all play a vital role in how your board performs in the water.

Let's break it down:

1. Size: The size of your fins determines how much hold they have in the water. Largely dependent on the rider weight, if you oversize a fin, it'll make it too hard to pivot the board for a tight turn. If you undersize a fin, it'll make it too pivoty / loose, making it hard to drive and propel yourself out of a turn.

2. Template (Shape): The shape of your fins, also known as the template, influences how reactive your turns will be. A more raked template offers smoother, more drawn-out turns and providing drive, while a more upright template delivers sharper, more responsive manoeuvres, but starts to lose drive.

3. Construction: The construction of your fins affects how much they flex under pressure. A stiffer fin will provide more stability and control - very important in waves of consequence. They will also react faster to user input

A softer fin offers a more playful, whippy feel, which can translate to more projection and 'twang' out of a pump or bottom turn. They delay the reaction between the user and the board direction.

Finding the right fin setup for your board and surfing style can make all the difference in your performance on the waves. At UlTIMATE Surf & Skate, we've seen firsthand how swapping out fins can completely transform a surfing experience. Whether you're a beginner catching your first waves or an experienced rider seeking that extra edge, our team is here to help.

With years of experience and a passion for all things surf, we're more than just a surf shop – we're your partners in wave-riding adventures. So come on in, chat with us, and let's find the perfect fin setup to take your surfing to the next level. Trust us, you'll be amazed at the difference the right fins can make.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your surfboard? Let's dive in together!

Why are we talking about fins again?

In the most recent event at Tahiti Pro where Kanoa Igarashi took the win in his heat, we saw something that is just so beautiful, so powerful, so obvious?

In this snapshot above, you can see that he's fully putting his board on rail, which means MAXIMUM forces against the fins.

What's interesting here is that you can see his right fin is out of the water, meaning that all his force is going remaining centre and left fin, as well as the rail of his board.

If his fins were of a softer construction, it'll flex too much and he won't be able to complete such a tight turn.

If his fins were too upright, he wouldn't be able to lean fully into the turn to get maximum drive and spray throughout the turn.

If his fins were undersized, he again, won't be able to lean fully into the turn and get maximum drive and spray, it'll simply pivot around way too quick.

Take a look at this snapshot of a fin underwater. 

Now whilst this is not a surfboard (it's a windsurf), it still shows the amazing amount of force that is being subjected to the fins by the water.

Remember, water is dense. 1 cube of water is the weight of a small light car.

This brings us to talk about the importance of fins again:

In the world of surfing, there's a lot of buzz about the latest board designs, wave conditions, and mastering those perfect turns. Yet, there's one crucial element that often gets overlooked in the pursuit of the ultimate ride: surfboard fins. These seemingly small pieces of equipment are the unsung heroes of the surfing world, quietly controlling how you and your board interact with the water.

Picture this: you're out on the waves, ready to carve up the surf, but without fins, you'd be sliding around uncontrollably, struggling to maintain any sense of direction. That's the magic of surfboard fins – they provide stability and control, allowing you to harness the power of the ocean.

But fins are more than just stabilisers. They're finely tuned instruments that can dramatically impact your surfing experience. The size, shape, and construction of your fins all play a vital role in how your board performs in the water.

Let's break it down:

1. Size: The size of your fins determines how much hold they have in the water. Largely dependent on the rider weight, if you oversize a fin, it'll make it too hard to pivot the board for a tight turn. If you undersize a fin, it'll make it too pivoty / loose, making it hard to drive and propel yourself out of a turn.

2. Template (Shape): The shape of your fins, also known as the template, influences how reactive your turns will be. A more raked template offers smoother, more drawn-out turns and providing drive, while a more upright template delivers sharper, more responsive manoeuvres, but starts to lose drive.

3. Construction: The construction of your fins affects how much they flex under pressure. A stiffer fin will provide more stability and control - very important in waves of consequence. They will also react faster to user input

A softer fin offers a more playful, whippy feel, which can translate to more projection and 'twang' out of a pump or bottom turn. They delay the reaction between the user and the board direction.

Finding the right fin setup for your board and surfing style can make all the difference in your performance on the waves. At UlTIMATE Surf & Skate, we've seen firsthand how swapping out fins can completely transform a surfing experience. Whether you're a beginner catching your first waves or an experienced rider seeking that extra edge, our team is here to help.

With years of experience and a passion for all things surf, we're more than just a surf shop – we're your partners in wave-riding adventures. So come on in, chat with us, and let's find the perfect fin setup to take your surfing to the next level. Trust us, you'll be amazed at the difference the right fins can make.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your surfboard? Let's dive in together!