Single fins are typically found in longboard configurations and older traditional surfboards. If your board has 5 boxes this is for you to make the choice depending on your style. Looking at the base of your board near the tail, you'll see your fin boxes, this will likely range from 1 to 5 boxes, the more common setups are Single, Twin, Thruster, and Quad. Once you've determined your weight range and fin size accordingly, the next step is understanding your board's fin configuration. Once you have determined your range, use the table below to identify your size fin, write this down. Fin Sizeĭepending on your weight, will depend heavily on the size fin you use, start by using accurate scales to determine your weight range. The very first step in determining your perfect fin, is starting with your body weight and the number of fin boxes on your board. Photo Credit: Global Surf Industries youtube Choosing your finsĪlthough this seems daunting with hundreds, if not thousands of variations as well as your box system and the number of fins needed, this step isn't and shouldn't be scary.įollow our information carefully, and by the end, you will know exactly what fins are best suited for you. Easy to use grub screws hold the fin into place.Ĭreated in 1996 by the Longo brothers who tackled complex aerospace parts, put their love of surfing to good use when they created a break-through in surfboard fin systems. The other major box system is the futures system which, unlike the dual tab system the futures fin offer a single tab base which stretches the entire length of the box for a stronger fit. However, using the FCS II box with an FCS II fin there will be no need for screws, as the "keyless" technology allows your fin to fit into the box without any tooling by simply "snapping" the fin into place. FCS standing for Fin Control System was started in Australia and took off due to it's easy to use nature and first to the market idea.īoth the FCS and FCS II range come with dual tabs and backward / forwards compatible making it the ideal option for your board.Īs you can imagine being a dual tab system there are 2 tabs on each which are screwed to the board with the included screws. For all other boards, you will more than likely find your board comes equipt with one of the following three box types: Dual Tab (FCS & FCS II ) Fin BoxesįCS is a system originally designed in the early 1990s and is the most widely used and accepted fin system on the market and used globally. Box Types & CompatibilityĪlthough longboard boxes are typically cross-compatible with one another. Note: Be careful with your fin box, once damaged, you're in for a real headache in repairs for your board, be gentle, don't use aggressive force, and don't over tighten your screws.
How to use fnis poses install#
FCS and FCS II as well as, Futures.ĭepending on your box, will depend on the fin, these are easy to install and only require a fin key ( tool ) to add, remove or replace your fins depending on your style, wave size, speed and a variety of other variables. This leaves a space for a detachable fin to be fitted into and screwed in.ĭifferent brands offer different boxes, but there are two major and notable options. More commonly nowadays are boards with removable fins, these are surfboards that have had a "box" installed and glassed over. They're also much harder to repair and simply don't offer the versatility of a removable fin due to its flex from the base. The two options are fairly self-explanatory glassed-in fins are laminated into the board at the point of construction.Ī glassed-in fin might be smoother, and sounder than a removable fin, however, that's not all good. Photo Credit: Fin for a fin Glassed-in or Swappable (removable) fins There are two types of fins, and understanding these are important before moving forward, it is important to distinguish between glassed-in and swappable fins. Surfboard fins are a crucial part of any surfers success on the waves, ensuring you have chosen the right fins that will work for you and your board, will make all the difference, whether you're looking at size, riding style or, wave size. It's important to know what you're looking for in a surfboard fin, in this article, we're going to take an in-depth look at the various types, brands, and setups for your board.