Twin Fin Revolution: Unleash Hidden Speed and Flow on Your Thruster Board

Mar 4, 2024 · Comments

Hey there! Have you ever thought about how surfing is deeply personal, like finding that perfect pair of jeans? Well, let me share a story that unfolded right here at Hawaiian South Shore, your local surf shop in Honolulu. A customer walked in, and we started chatting about the fin placement on the Firewire Great White, shaped by Mike Woo. As we delved into the nuances of fin setups, he shared something intriguing. He surfs his regular thruster boards as twins, even his gun, especially when tackling Makaha on a solid eight-foot day. He believes his longboarding background influences his preference, as he tends to stay more forward on the board, not relying heavily on the tail. This conversation sparked a whole exploration into the versatility of riding stubby shortboards and mid-lengths as twin fins.

The Twin Fin Advantage

Twin fins have this unique charm, offering a loose, skate-like feel that's all about speed and glide. Typically, these fins are closer to the back and the rails, which is key to their magic. But when you pop twin fins onto boards designed for thrusters or quads, like your trusty stubby shortboard or a sleek mid-length, you're stepping into uncharted waters.

Foot Placement and Surfing Style

This twin fin experiment is fascinating because it's all about your style. If you're like our friend from the shop, not always at the tail of the board and leaning a bit more forward, this setup might just feel intuitive. It's about where you distribute your weight and how you move with the board. This approach can keep you speedy and allow for those smooth, flowing turns, even if the fins aren't in their usual spot.

Real Surfers, Real Experiences

Our conversation was that surfing isn't one-size-fits-all. Sometimes, stepping outside the norm can lead to some of the best rides. This is why we encourage you to experiment and find what truly works for you.

Fin Design and Placement Matter

While it's exciting to see surfers getting creative, it's good to remember the importance of fin design and placement. Twin fins are positioned the way they are for a reason, and mixing things up with different board shapes and designs can lead to a wide range of outcomes. But that's part of the adventure, right?

FCS Fins

This whole twin fin exploration on shortboards and mid-lengths is a cool reminder of how surfing is all about personal discovery and expression. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just starting to dip your toes in, don't be shy about trying something new. Who knows? You might just stumble upon your perfect match in the water.

And hey, if you're looking to dive into the world of twin fins, why not check out the extensive twin fin line of Future Fins and FCS we have in stock? Updates every 10 minutes, and shipping is free for all US addresses. For our international buyers, we include all duty and taxes in your currency and use DHL to ship.

Futures surfboard fins

The Evolution of Twin Fin Performance

As we dive deeper into the world of twin fins on stubby shortboards and mid-lengths, it's important to note how this setup has evolved. Traditionally, twin fins were associated with retro-style boards and a more laid-back approach to surfing. However, modern shapers and surfers have been pushing the boundaries of what's possible with this configuration.

Advancements in Board Design

Recent years have seen a surge in board designs that complement the twin fin setup. Shapers are experimenting with:

Fuller rails near the tail to compensate for the lack of a center fin
Slightly pulled-in tails to maintain control without sacrificing speed
Increased volume distribution to support a more forward stance

These design elements work in harmony with twin fins, allowing surfers to maintain speed and flow while still executing sharp turns and maneuvers.

Twin Fins in Varying Conditions

One of the most exciting aspects of using twin fins on stubby shortboards and mid-lengths is their versatility across different wave conditions. Surfers are finding that this setup can excel in:

Small, mushy waves where the reduced drag helps maintain momentum
Hollow, faster waves where the twin fin's natural speed comes into play
Even in larger surf, where the right fin placement can provide surprising control

The Impact on Surfing Style

Adopting a twin fin setup on these board types often leads to a shift in surfing style. Many riders report:

A more fluid, rail-to-rail surfing approach
Increased focus on generating speed through pumping and body positioning
A rediscovery of classic maneuvers like drawn-out bottom turns and vertical snaps

This blend of modern performance and classic style is breathing new life into how surfers approach waves of all sizes.

So, whether you're in Hawaii, getting your fins in one to two days, or on the East Coast, waiting just three to four days, remember to support local surf shops. Don't buy from Amazon. Drop by Hawaiian South Shore or visit us online for your twin fin needs. Let's keep the spirit of surfing alive by supporting local, wherever you are.

Remember, at Hawaiian South Shore, we're not just a surf shop; we're a community of surfers passionate about finding the right fins for your surfing adventure.

Email or text us and we can tell you what's been working for us and hopefully that will help you discover a new fin set up.

My cart (0)

Your shopping cart is empty!