Almond's Guide to Surfboard Fins

Matching the proper fins to your surfboard can make all of the difference how how the board feels and performs in the water.  Below is our guide for matching the best fin(s) for your favorite board.

The first thing to keep in mind is, the tail shape of your board will be the #1 clue to what kind of fin(s) you should be riding.  

Square-Tail Longboards: Fins for Pivot Turns

On square-tail longboards, you'll typically find fins that stand nearly vertical. This fin design has two main advantages:

1. Increased Surface Area: The vertical fin helps anchor the tail in the wave for better control.
2. Pivot for Turning: A vertical fin provides a solid base for making smooth pivot-style turns. A pivot turn involves stepping back on the tail to slow down the board and swinging the board as if the fin were the hinge of a door. This type of turn sets you up for a noseride and is a signature move on square-tailed boards.
   

Boards suited for pivot-style turns:

• The Lumberjack
• The Logistic
• The Walks on Water

Curvy-Tailed Longboards: Fins with Rake for Smooth Turns

On curvy-tailed boards, fins with more rake (a sweeping curve) are commonly used. The reason for this is simple: the fin works in harmony with the board’s curved outline.

When you lay the board over to one side, the rake of the fin helps maintain speed through the turn, providing a smooth, sweeping motion. It’s like a rudder on a ship, steering your board through longer, arcing turns.

Fins with more rake are great for boards like:

• The Surf Thump
• The Sano Special
• The Earl
• The Joy
  

Boards with more rake and curvy tails excel in conditions where a smooth, flowing turn is required. Think rail-to-rail surfing where the board’s curve and the fin’s rake work in tandem to keep your momentum.

Twin Fin vs. Single Fin: Which Setup Is Right for You?

The twin fin vs. single fin debate has been around for generations and continues to fuel discussions in surf parking lots worldwide. Both setups have their unique advantages, and the choice comes down to your surfing style and the conditions you’re riding in.

Twin Fin: Fast, Loose, and Full of Speed

Twin fins are characterized by two fins placed near the rails of the board. This setup creates more lift, allowing the board to skate across flat sections effortlessly. Twin fins are known for their loose feel, encouraging a rail-to-rail style of surfing. As you carve the wave, the fins allow you to change direction quickly and generate speed through pumping.

The Sandia Fish, Sea Kitten, and Pleasant Pheasant (when ordered as a twin) are great examples of boards that pair perfectly with twin fins.

Twin fins work well in:

• Point breaks with carvey faces
  Faster beach breaks
  They allow you to generate speed by pumping and utilizing the lift created by the fins. If you enjoy a loose, fast ride with lots of speed generation, a twin fin setup might be perfect for you.

Single Fin: Smooth, Stable, and Elegant

Single fins, on the other hand, bring all of the fin area to the center of the board. This results in smooth stability and allows the board to make sweeping, arcing turns. While single fins are often associated with a cruisy, laid-back vibe, they can also unleash bursts of speed when executed properly—particularly during bottom turns, when the fin side-loads and releases with a powerful slingshot effect.

Single fins are ideal for:

• Longboards and mid-length boards
• Slow, rolling point breaks like 1st Point Malibu or San Onofre
• A single fin excels in conditions where you’re looking for long, smooth rides, with less focus on rapid direction changes and more on graceful turns and glide.

How Do Twin Fins and Single Fins Compare?

When deciding between a twin fin and a single fin, it’s important to consider your surfing approach and the type of waves you’ll be riding.

• Twin fins excel in fast conditions, providing speed through pumping and the lift generated by the fins. They’re perfect for surfers who want a loose, skaty feel and quick direction changes.
• Single fins, with their emphasis on smooth turns, are more about glide and graceful transitions. They are better suited for slower, rolling waves and long rides.
  

Conclusion: Which Fin Setup Is Right for You?

Ultimately, choosing between a twin fin and a single fin depends on your preferred surf approach and the type of waves you plan to ride. If you're after stability and a slower, more graceful ride, go for a single fin. If you prefer fast, loose turns with lots of speed generation, a twin fin might be the setup for you.

For those who want to test both setups and feel the difference in person, join us at our Early and Often Surf Club in Newport Beach, where we offer a range of boards, including single and twin fins, to experiment with.

At Almond Surfboards, we’re always happy to discuss board theory and help you find the perfect fin setup for your needs. Visit us at our showroom in Costa Mesa or give us a call—we’re here to help!

And remember, with the right equipment and the right attitude, even two-foot waves can be firing.