Choosing the right fins for Surf, thruster, twin, quad, single fin...

Dernière mise à jour le 4 August 2024

History of Thruster and Quad fin configurations

Tri Fin saysthruster" invented in 1981 by Simon Anderson, shaper revolutionized the world of surfing. By adding a third center fin to a twin-fin surfboard, Anderson not only changed board design, but also transformed high-performance surfing.

Visit Quadwas popularized by Kelly Slater. But the story begins much earlier, with Australia's Glen Winton, nicknamed "Mr X". His victory at Pipeline in 1989 with a Quad board didn't immediately revolutionize the industry, but it did mark a turning point. In 1992, Tom Curren chose a Quad, reinforcing interest in this type of board. This era was marked by resistance to change, with a preference for thrusters, despite Quad victories.

The Impact of Fins on Surfing Performance

Ailerons contribute to 40% board performance. Their arrangement and type have a significant impact on manoeuvrability. For tight turns and rapid changes of direction, the thruster is the preferred choice, followed by the twin or quad.

If you're looking for a more classic surfing style with wide turns, these last two fin types are also favorable.

For powerful waves, smaller thruster fins are often better suited. It may seem counter-intuitive, but larger fins slow the board down by increasing the surface area in contact with the water. In smaller, more playful waves, twin fin or quad fins shine, depending on the maneuvers you're planning.

Aileron configuration basics

In the world of surfing, several fin configurations exist: Single Fins, Twin Fins, Tri Fins and Quad Fin. Each has its own particularities and influences your wave experience differently.

• Single Fin : Visit single fin is ideal for longboards. It allows you to create large, simple carves. This configuration promotes greater speed thanks to less resistance in the water. But beware of sharp turns, as the single fin requires a certain smoothness in manoeuvres.
• Twin Fin : Visit twin finIt's all about surprise and daring turns. Be careful with the bottom turn, as the grip is not as good as with a thruster. With a twin, you surf smoothly, following the curve without forcing. This type of fin is perfect for daring maneuvers such as tailslides. It's one of my favorite configurations for its speed and radicalness in certain turns.
• Thruster: Visit thruster is the most popular option, thanks to its versatility. With three excessesIt offers an excellent balance between speed, curves and control. It's the ideal choice for those seeking a complete surfing experience.
• Quad : Visit quadThis is the configuration for speed and grip. Excellent for powerful waves, but also for soft ones. With a quad, you can reach high speeds and, if you control it well, perform impressive radical maneuvers.
• Bonzer 5 drifts : Visit Bonzer 5 drifts is a special case. It offers a lot of speed, but can be difficult to grip in turns. Although it's an interesting configuration, it hasn't really proved its superiority over the other options.

Focus on Thruster

The Quad Fin: a dynamic alternative

Quad presentation in different wave conditions

There are two types of quad bikes. Thruster-type quads have closer centerboards, offering a thruster-like feel, but with more speed and grip. However, manoeuvrability and radicalism are slightly reduced.

Quads with centreboards further away are closer to the Twin fin classic, offering greater speed and longer curves. Your choice will depend on whether you prefer a more modern or old-school style.

Quad benefits

The quad offers more speed and grip, which is excellent for big, powerful waves. The four fins ensure better grip and maximize speed. In small, gentle waves, the quad also proves effective.

With a good bottom turn and a well-chosen attack zone, you can perform radical turns such as tailslides, sometimes with greater ease than with a classic thruster, since the centerboard is absent and the backboards are smaller.

Tri Fin vs Quad Fin

Strengths and limitations of each configuration

The comparison between the Quad and the Thruster reveals distinct advantages and disadvantages. The thruster offers better control and is suitable for a variety of waves, while the quad excels in speed and grip, especially in big waves or weak, choppy conditions.

The choice between Quad and a Thruster also depends on your surfing style and wave conditions. If you're looking for speed and grip, opt for a quad. For a balanced experience with good control, the thruster is your best ally!

How to choose the right configuration for your board

The importance of fin/board compatibility is crucial. If you have a shortboard classic thruster is generally recommended, especially if wave conditions are ideal. For new evolutionary performance boards, with volume and channels, the quad can be a lot of fun, especially for boards with tails wide-ranging.

The latter, with their wider rear surface, can have a tendency to skid (rather like a skiboard). The quad helps reduce this effect. For medium-sized boards (6 to 7 feet), the quad can also offer better speed and grip, useful for looser turns.

Aileron Experimentation and Adaptation

I urge you to experiment with different fin configurations. Your personal style and skill level have a major impact on fin choice. In light conditions, I've personally had better sessions in twin and in quad. However, the thruster can remain a preferred choice for average to good conditions. The secret lies in experimentation.

Knowing and recognizing the role of fins in your surfing performance is essential. Understanding how each fin type affects your style and ability allows you to better tailor your equipment to your needs.

I encourage you to keep exploring and innovating in your practice. Test, test and test again different configurations, adapt your equipment to the conditions and your style, and above all, enjoy every wave as a new adventure!