BASEThe base of a surfboard fin affects drive and maneuverability. The "base" refers to the horizontal length of the fin where it attaches to the board.


Longer/Wider Base:- Increases drive and acceleration.

Performance:- Provides a larger surface area to push against the water, generating more power when pressure is applied during a turn. Ideal for maintaining speed and performing long, drawn-out carves.

Shorter/Narrower Base:- Enhances maneuverability and pivot.

Performance:- Offers less resistance to water flow, making it easier to initiate quick, sharp, or snappy turns. For surfing in tighter pockets or for light-footed, responsive maneuvers.

DEPTHDepth refers to how much a fin penetrates the water and determines a board’s directional control.

Deep (Taller) Fins:- Deep fins penetrate further into undisturbed water, acting like a stabilizing rudder.

Performance:- Increased Hold & Stability.  They provide more grip on the wave face, preventing the board from sliding out. Ideal maintaining control and a steady line, they are better suited for long, smooth, and drawn-out carving turns.


Shallow (Shorter) Fins :- Shallow fins have less surface area in contact with the water, leading to a "looser" feel.

Performance:- Easier Release & maneuverability.  These fins release and slide more easily, allowing surfers to "break the tail free" during turns for more aggressive maneuvers. Shorter fins make the board easier to pivot and turn quickly.

FLEXFin flex is critical to performance. Flexible fins are more forgiving and generally easier to surf.

A progressive flex pattern is advantageous, featuring a stiffer base for drive and control and flex through to the fins tip that allow it to flex, load up on energy and spring out of turns.

Stiffer fins are responsive and suit higher levels of surfing, they provide and high level of energy that can be accessed and utilised for extra speed, drive and control.

A fin that feels to stiff will be challenging to generate speed and manoeuvre, whilst too much flex (like some plastic fins) will lack responsiveness and undermine a surfers ability. A medium flex pattern is considered an all rounder.

RAKESweep is also referred to as “rake” and is the measurement of how far the front lead edge of the fin is curved backwards. The amount of rake influences the length (or arc) of a turn and also relates to re-activeness, drive, control and release.

 Less sweep/ Low rake:-  allows for tight, reactive pivotal turns and tail release 

Performance:-  They offer less grip and stability but allow for greater release and maneuverability. Designed for tight, quick pivot turns and vertical surfing. Best for small, punchy beach breaks, hollow pockets, or when performing aerial maneuvers.


Increased sweep / high rake:-  allows the board to sustain longer, dawn-out turns with drive and control. 

Performance:- They provide more hold, stability, and drive. Best for long, drawn-out carving turns and maintain control at high speeds. Ideal for large, open-face waves and point breaks where you want to "lock-in" to a turn.