Changing the fins on a fish surfboard can dramatically change the feel and the performance of the board. The three most common types of fins for fish surfboards are twins, thrusters, and quads. Let's see which fin setup is best suited for your style and surfing requirements.
Twin fins. The two fin setup has been the most popular in recent years on the retro fish surfboard. These are becoming less common with the quad fin making a comeback but are popular with those who like awesome maneuverability. Many think this a little OTT (over the top) due to the already incredible looseness and turning ability a fish surfboard has by default.
Thrusters. The three fin set up of a thruster gives you better control and direction of the board. The thruster will allow you to perform radical turns, but you might find it becomes even more loose at high speeds because of the width of a fish surfboard. A hybrid fish surfboard with a thruster equals heaps of speed and stability on small to overhead waves.
Quad fins. Quad fins are making a comeback from the Bonza days. Quad fins on fish surfboards make for a much faster surfing experience. Quad fins are faster than twins or thrusters. They can get extra speed because there are 2 fins on the rail working together instead of one.
The lack of a center fin as you have in a thruster set up means you don't get slowed down. Quad fins make a fish surfboard much more responsive. This is because the fins are placed more or less underneath your back foot. If you are looking for speed and more radical turns, then quad fins on a fish surfboard is the combination for you. The quad fin will give you extra speed on the smaller waves, but will also hold its own on the bigger days.
In summary, the fin set up you choose for your fish surfboard is pretty much personal choice. Make sure that you get a surfboard with removable fins. For example you could buy a quad fin surfboard then you can surf with four fins our two fins until you find the one that works best for you. The other great thing about this is that you can change the fins to suit the various surfing conditions. No matter which fin set up you end up with, a fish surfboard will have you doing radical turns at faster speed on those soft mushy days.
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Eli
July 21, 2014
I have a 5’ 8" modified swallowtail hybrid planing hull influenced by the simmons design concept. It’s got a dual-keel fin with stabilizer. I lost one of the side fins on the rocks, so I’m wondering if I can put 2 quads or 2 side thrusters in there or should I stick with the “Fish” fins? Thank you, E