🏄♂️ Wondering if a Different Longboard Fin Will Change Your Ride? It Will.
If you’ve ever looked at your longboard and thought, “I wonder if switching fins would make a difference…”
You're not alone.
We get this question all the time—through YouTube comments, Instagram DMs, emails, and here in the shop. And a lot of surfers think unless the fin looks radically different, it’s probably not going to make a big impact.
But the truth is:
Even a small change in fin design can completely change how your board feels. It can loosen it up. Make it hold through turns. Give you more flow. Or make the board respond faster under your feet.
Once someone finally swaps out their fin and feels that difference?
They almost always say, “I should’ve done this sooner.”
🧠 Why Copying Pro Fin Setups Doesn’t Always Work
You watch a YouTube clip, hear a pro say they're using a 9.75" fin, and it’s tempting to order the exact same one.
But here’s the problem: that fin works for how they surf. Not necessarily for you.
Take CJ Nelson—he surfs with a ton of power. He steps right on the tail, drives the board hard, and makes big fins pivot with control. If you’re not putting that same pressure into the board, that fin might feel stiff and unresponsive.
Then there’s Joel Tudor—his approach is smooth and graceful. He glides, trims, and flows with finesse. His fins are tuned for control and balance, not for hard, driving turns.
And Taylor Jensen? He’s a high-performance longboarder with serious back-foot power. His setups are made for fast transitions and explosive turns—totally different from traditional logging.
Even if you're the same size or weight as one of these pros, their setup may not feel right. That's because it comes down to your own riding style, foot placement, and wave choice.
📋 The 6 Questions We Ask to Dial You In
When you ask us what fin to ride, we’re not trying to complicate things—we’re trying to help you get it right the first time.
Here’s what we’ll usually ask:
What longboard are you riding? (Model, size, tail shape if you know it)
What fin are you using now? (Just the model name or a quick photo is fine)
What do you want the board to feel like?
- Looser and easier to turn
- More stable and better hold through turns
What’s your height and weight?
What kind of waves do you usually surf? (Beach break, reef, or point)
What are you trying to get out of the board?
- Noseride and cross-step like a log?
- A mix of noseriding and turning?
- A more performance-focused feel?
Single Fin or 2+1? Know the Feel
Another thing we’ll ask you is:
Do you want to ride it as a single fin or a 2+1 setup?
Some boards are built strictly for one or the other. But many longboards with side fin boxes can be ridden both ways, and it makes a big difference in feel.
So what's the difference?
Single Fin: Classic, Flowing, and Smooth
Single fins give you that traditional longboard feel—fluid turns, drawn-out lines, and less resistance in the water. You engage the rail more and rely on subtle weight shifts instead of sharp direction changes.
🧠 True Ames explains it well:
“Single fins promote a classic, flowing style. You won’t get the snap-turns of a tri-fin, but you’ll gain glide and a more connected feel to the wave.” Perfect for noseriding, trimming, and that clean, stylish glide.
🟪 2+1 Setup: More Control and Drive
Add side bites and you get a 2+1: more control, quicker response, and added drive through turns. The center fin still handles most of the steering, but the side fins help you push harder—especially in steeper or faster waves.
🧠 Longboard Magazine said it best:
“A 2+1 setup gives you the ability to push harder through turns while keeping the stability of a single. It’s great for surfers who want a performance edge but still love the longboard glide.”
🧪 What Different Fins Actually Do?
We don’t believe in hype. We focus on proven shapes that have been trusted for years.
Here’s a quick guide to what different fin designs actually feel like in the water:
Need Stability and Hold?
Look for fins with a wider base and more rake (that long swept-back shape). These give you more drive and stability, perfect for long drawn-out turns and confident noseriding.
🔧 Example: Greenough 4A
Classic design, wide base, and plenty of rake. Feels powerful and stable—great for stylish trimming and hanging ten.
Want Tighter Turns and Looseness?
A more upright fin with less rake makes the board feel more nimble and quick. It pivots faster and is ideal for beach breaks or smaller waves.
🔧 Example: Joel Tudor Pivot Fin
Designed for sharp turns and quick response, while still noseride-friendly. Smooth, snappy, and great for surfers who want style and control.
Looking for Flex and a Light Feel?
Some fins have more flex in the tip, giving your board a springy, playful feel. This lightens the ride and adds flow through turns.
🔧 Example: Randy Rarick Black Tip
A flex fin that makes your board feel alive underfoot. Great for cruising, turning, and all-around fun in a range of conditions.
📩 Thinking of Trying a New Fin? Let’s Talk.
If you’re curious about how a different fin might change your ride, chances are—it will.
Even subtle changes can make your board feel faster, looser, smoother, or more dialed in.
Shoot us an email with your answers to the 6 questions, or just stop by the shop.
We’re here to help you find something that works for your surfing.
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