TRUE AMES - ALEX LOPEZ TERRAPIN 7.4 - CLEAR - 1FIN

The size of your single fin is determined by a variety of factors. A general rule of thumb is for every foot of length for your board should equate to an inch in height for your fin. For example a 6 foot board would work well with a 6 inch fin… but other factors come into consideration, like tail width, the rider’s weight, type of board ect…

Placement of a single fin the box can greatly change the feeling of your surfboard. Placing the fin forward creates a loose feeling, which makes it easier to turn your board by shortening the radius in which the board pivots. Putting the fin towards the rear of the box will stiffen the board up, adding control and drawing turns out longer. We always recommend playing around with the location of your single fin, slide it up for one session and back the next until you find that sweet spot!

A larger fin will increase hold (control) and drive (generated speed) but could ultimately slow your board down because of the increased drag. A smaller fin will increase sensitivity and reduce drag, making your board go faster, but will reduce hold. That’s why it’s important to dial in the size of a fin, to create a balance of these aspects to best compliment the wave conditions and style of surfing.

Flex characteristics play a huge part in the performance aspects of a fin… Softer (or fins with more flex) will load up and release energy when maneuvering the board up and down the wave face which delays reaction time but will ultimately provide more projection. Flex can add an energized feeling to your board. A stiffer fin will add control and quicken reaction time, lending itself to faster and more critical wave types where those rapid changes are needed.

Rake, a main proponent of the template, drastically changes performance. A more upright fin (less rake) will provide your board with a tighter-arcing radius. Fins that are more swept back (more rake) will draw out your turns.

Weight plays an important role when deciding the size of a fin, especially fins you’d be using for a multi-finned board. For tri-fins, the general weight-to-size range would be; Size S (>130 lbs), size M (130 lbs - 170 lbs), size L (170 lbs +). When determining the size of a single fin, weight is down the list for contributing factors but still should be considered to a degree. For example, those on the smaller size might use a single fin only .5" or .75" different than someone on the other side of the scale.

Absolutely! Fin and surfboard designs are more often than not created to compliment a type of wave. For instance; a more upright fin (less rake) will provide your board with a tighter-arcing radius is usually the standard for smaller, mushier waves when sections are smaller versus a fin with more rake which will draw out your turns which would compliment a larger, more slopey wave. Often times larger and stiffer fins will provide more stability and hold as well for larger waves. When the waves are smaller and not as powerful you may want to be careful not to over-fin your board because it can start to feel sluggish and slow.

If you are at all inclined about the importance of the design aspects of your surfboard, then investing in fins should be a no-brainer. Fins are an important part of any surfboard and should be taken into special consideration. A lot of times your fin(s) are 50% or more of your equipment volume that is actually touching the water when your surfing. Quality fins provide quality performance which leads to more waves and more fun! Don't skimp on your fins if you don't skimp on your boards, they're equally as important!