Ultimate Guide to Single Fin Surfboards
Surfing is an art form, and a single fin surfboard draws some seriously artistic lines.
A single fin board promotes a slower, more mellow approach to surfing that is suitable and enjoyable for any surfer. It's a way to appreciate the soul of our sport. So if you've been curious about this type of fin setup, how these boards feel under your feet, and why a single fin is synonymous with style, keep reading to learn more about this special type of board and where it belongs in your quiver!
What is a Single Fin Surfboard?
A single fin surfboard refers to any surfboard that is ridden with just one large fin, a.k.a. the 'single fin'.
This term is extremely broad as the shapes and sizes of single fin boards vary greatly. For instance, there are single fin shortboards, single fin longboards, and single fin fun shapes, each with varying dimensions and outlines.
The key lies in the single fin setup—if a surfboard has more than one fin, it's not a single fin board.
It's important to understand that "what is a single fin surfboard?" refers more to the fin setup than the type of board itself. Boards meant to be ridden as single fins are shaped to enhance the performance characteristics of this fin style—simply removing two fins from a thruster won't cut it.
Single fin boards are known for longer, more drawn-out carves and cutbacks, focusing less on aggressive lip hacks. Typically, they are shaped with a bit more volume and larger dimensions to suit the classic feel of the single fin setup.
Single Fin Surfboard Characteristics and Conditions
The truth is that the ideal conditions for your single fin surfboard depend on the shape and size of the board, as a single fin longboard behaves very differently from a single fin shortboard.
One Fin Reduces Drag
A single fin reduces drag compared to thruster or quad setups, helping promote speed and longer, smoother turns down the line.
Increased Turning Radius
With only one pivot point, turning a single fin surfboard requires more effort, offering a larger turning radius compared to multi-fin setups.
Trimming, Not Pumping
Single fins emphasize trimming for speed and direction, rather than aggressive pumping, which is reserved for performance boards.
Increased Dimensions
To accommodate the single fin setup, these boards often have greater volume for early wave entry and a smoother ride.
Increased Hold
The larger single fin penetrates deeper into the wave face, offering stability in both small and large conditions, especially in barrels.
Single Fin Longboards
Single fin longboards are perfect for classic surf maneuvers like drop-knee cutbacks and noserides, especially in small, mellow waves.
- Great for experienced surfers who enjoy a classic, old-school feel.
- Ideal for shortboarders on small-wave days.
- Good for beginners mastering their pop-up.
Check out the Forman by Null Surfboards or the Stamps by Axis for modern single fin designs.
Single Fin Shortboards and Mid-Lengths
With practice, a single fin shortboard or mid-length can offer excellent control, even in mushy or larger waves.
- Perfect for surfers who appreciate style and drawn-out carves.
- Great for those who enjoy stability in barreling conditions.
- Ideal for surfers riding both small and larger waves.
If you're after performance with single fin vibes, check out The Enduro by Noll or the Plunder by Haydenshapes.
Single Fins – The Fin
A single fin surfboard is all about the fin. Explore our collection of single fins to match your board to your conditions and riding style.
Single Fins – The Summary
Single fins are fun, classic, and versatile. They remind us of the roots of surfing and focus on fundamental maneuvers. If you're looking to expand your quiver and improve your surfing, a single fin surfboard is a must-have.
Discover more of our fin setups here to find the perfect combination for your surfing style.
