With so many options available to you, choosing the right longboard can be a confusing and complicated matter. And to make things even more confusing, you have to choose the right fin, too.

Depending on the longboard you are riding and the style of longboarding you do, you could be using anything from a high-performance quad setup or a 2+1 fin setup to any number of different styles of single fins, such as pivot fins, hatchet fins, flex fins, and traditional D fins. And then, just when you think you have things figured out, you also have to decide on what size of fins you need for your surfboard!

Watch this video with CJ Nelson on his Longboard Fins

Fortunately, we can help you figure out what you need when it comes to maneuvering your longboard. While everyone has their own specific preferences, there are some pretty universal standards when it comes to the size of your longboard fins. So here’s a general outline to follow when shopping for new skegs!

Generally speaking, longer fins give you more hold, but less maneuverability. Because 2+1 fin setups have the added hold of the side fins, you don’t need as long of a center fin to maintain control. For that reason, on high-performance longboards, you should be looking for center fins around 7” for boards around the 8'6" to 9'0" range.  For longer performance longboards in the 9'6" to 10'0" range 8.5”.

Single fin longboards—and especially those intended for noseriding—typically want a bit more length, as a longer fin will help to anchor the tail in the water while you are on the nose, so you don’t spin out. Noseriders in the 9'0" range will want a minimum of an 8.5-inch fin, and up to 10 inches, depending on the rider. Longer logs in the 9'6" to 10'0" and bigger range, will want fins between 9'0” and 11” long.

Meanwhile, shorter single-fin mid-lengths typically want fins in the eight to nine-inch range.

It is important to keep in mind that heavier, stronger surfers will be able to

turn boards with bigger fins, while lighter-weight surfers might want to compromise on length in order to preserve maneuverability. Again, it also depends on what type of surfing you are doing. If you are looking to shred, a slightly smaller fin will help. But if you are riding a traditional noserider that isn’t really meant to do radical turns, then a longer fin will help with stability.

With the help of experts, we were able to come up with a chart that’s helped, countless people.

Remember we’re here to help and if you email us or text us your we’ll get you set up with one of the many fins we have in stock. Just make sure to include the following info. About yourself, height, weight, how long and how often you surf.  One more important thing, what you are trying to get out of your board. Noseriding, performance or just cruise.

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