Why do pro surfers use large fins?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 11, 2026
The size of the fin is going to impact your performance. A larger fin generally will have more hold and also provide plenty of control in bigger surf. A smaller fin, on the other hand, is going to be more forgiving and loose but you're going to sacrifice a lot of drive and control in bigger surf.
What does a longer fin do?
The bigger the fin, the longer it takes for water to move around the shape of it and the harder the water has to work to change any movements.
What size fins should I use surfing?
It is best to size your single / longboard fin relative to your board size. A generally accepted rule of thumb is to use the same size fin (in inches) as the length of your board (In feet) so for a 9ft board you would use a 9ft single fin.
What size fins does Mick Fanning use?
He will typically uses the MF Medium with the Performer Medium Quad fin. “With my thrusters I'll use a MF large up to a 6'2” and once I jump on a 6'3” bigger I'll use MF medium fins,” says Mick.
How many fins do pro surfers use?
Tri-fin/Thruster: The Professional. For the most part, the World Championship Tour is the home of the thruster. Fast, responsive, and ripe with a variety of choices, the thruster is the first pick for most when it comes to performance. Three fins allow a surfer to pump water out the tail to create drive.
18 related questions foundWhat size are John John fins?
Previously, the John's only came in the medium, which John uses across the board, whether it's three foot Snapper or 10-foot Pipe. But now there's smalls and mediums for the feather and lead footed among you.
Does surfboard fin size matter?
Fin Size: The size of the fin is going to impact your performance. A larger fin generally will have more hold and also provide plenty of control in bigger surf. A smaller fin, on the other hand, is going to be more forgiving and loose, but you're going to sacrifice a lot of drive and control in bigger surf.
Do Mick Fanning boards need wax?
And unlike hard top surfboards, soft tops don't require wax or any additional material to prevent slippage. Though they are frequently associated as longboards, soft tops come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, Mick Fanning's Little Marley goes as small as a 29L 5'2”.
Do you wax Mick Fanning Softboards?
Applying your deck grip to your new MF Softboard is super simple just remove the adhesive backing on your grip and play directly to the deck skin, please note do not apply wax before applying your deck grip to the surface of the deck skin!
What fins are better FCS or futures?
While FCS was almost the only choice at the beginning of the century, Futures has grown and improved its alternative fin concept. Surf fins enthusiasts feel that Futures fins are stronger, and when they break, it's usually in the base. All you need to do is replace the fin instead of repairing the surfboard.
How many fins should a beginner surfer have?
From beginner to expert, the tri fins will always be the answer. The extra +1 fin on the back provides more stability and maneuverability. And because it has 3 fin boxes, you can go with a single fin or twin fin style.
Why do waves curl near the shore?
As more and more of the wave front encounters shallower water and slows down, the wave font refracts and the waves tend to align themselves nearly parallel to the shoreline (they are refracted towards the region of slower speed).
Are surf fins universal?
Are surfboard fins universal? Unfortunately, surfboard fins are not universal. When buying fins, you'll need to make sure the fin base matches the fin box system in your board. Learn more about fin systems.
What is fin Rake?
The sweep, or rake, is how far the front edge of a fin arcs backwards. Rake or sweep angle is a measurement that determines how far back the fin curves in relation to its base. Fins with a small rake (large offset) help propel the board, are very stable and predictable but are not ideal for making sharp fast turns.
How much difference do surfboard fins make?
Single fins are best when surfing small/medium, fat and weak waves. Since one fin creates less drag than multiple fins, they are most useful when surfing smooth, slow turns. That being said, if you try and make quick turns or moves, a single fin won't handle it as well as a multiple fin setup.
What are twin fin surfboards for?
Ideal Twin Fin Surfboard Conditions
Twin fins are perfect for big, hamburger waves that break slowly and weakly, but note that they will feel a little hard to control in steep, powerful waves. By lacking a middle fin, you face the chance of the surfboard slipping out in the most critical sections of the barrel/pocket.
What wax do pro surfers use?
Pro surfers rave about Fu Wax's incredible traction. Unlike other waxes, this one only gets better as you surf. Fu Wax comes in cold, cool, warm, tropical, and Cool Water of Summer options, meaning that you have the perfect wax available—no matter when or where you choose to go surfing!
Can you put a traction pad on a foam board?
Traction pads do not stick to soft-top or soft-foam surfboards so they cannot be used with these kinds of learner surfboard. If you have one of these, simply make sure you keep waxing your board every time before you surf instead, although the rest of this article may be helpful for future reference.
What side of the surfboard do you wax?
Wax should be applied in the working foot zones of the surfboard. Always add an extra area in case you need to move into unusual sections of the stick. Longboarders are the only ones who usually wax their entire boards.
What is a soft board?
Wet process fibreboards are made by reducing steamed wood into fibres and by using the natural lignins as a binder during the pressing process. Depending on the degree of pressing involved, and hence the final density of the panel, the product is termed softboard or hardboard.
Do you wax a Softboard?
You shouldn't need to wax a soft board, especially if they are new. I'd recommend using it first without wax and seeing how you get on, as most foamies have some sort of grip to them, and wearing boots can be enough of a help.
What makes a surfboard a fish?
The fish in today's terms could have 2, 3, or 4 fins. What makes a fish surfboard so fun and unique is that it combines a few highly beneficial elements. It combines compact volume in a short template, wide tail width, and stability of a squash tail and the rail control of a pintail.
Do all fins fit all surfboards?
In the surfing world, there are two main surfboard fin types: FCS & Futures. Both have equally amazing fins for all different levels and styles, differing slightly in the way they fit into your board. Pretty much every surfboard you see on the market will have either FCS or Futures fin boxes.
What does surfboard fin size mean?
The larger the number, the more speed the fin generates. Ride Numbers 7-10 are good for when the surf is soft, gutless, and has no push. The smaller the Ride Number, the better the fin is for control and confidence in fast-breaking waves.