THE FIN DEBATE

Single Fin vs. Two plus one

Ahhh…. THAT question. The one that makes some people want to pull their hair out because “single fin is THE WAY”, and makes others want to go into scientific detail on the differences and uses for each. Well over here, we’re the latter. We don’t pick sides, we just know which is better for which board, location, wave and condition, and we choose accordingly. When it comes to which is better…? Neither. They both have a place that depends on a multitude of circumstances. Let’s work through this as painlessly as we can.

Let me begin by getting some obvious notes out of the way for those who might not be quite as tuned in. We are referring to fin set-up’s for longboards (surfboards over 9’), and we’re discussing the difference between using one single fin, and having three fins, which would be a longer center fin with two side bites (smaller fins).

Single fin setups are typically on a specific style of board. The nature of how the larger, single fin reacts and moves through the wave makes it pair nicely with a board that operates very much the same, and we’re talkin’ bigger, heavier nose riders. These boards are built to be the Cadillacs of the surf world- cruisey, classic and mellow. Run to the nose, run back, run to the nose, run back, pivot turn, run to the nose, run back… The larger fin creates more of a pivoting movement in turns, meaning that instead of engaging your rail to turn, you are more or less pivoting, shifting weight to the tail of the board to turn. Neither the board nor the fin are built for radical, high performance maneuvers.

We’ve seen single fin nose riders in big waves. We all know it’s possible when we look at pre-1980’s longboard history. There’s no argument to say that single fin setups can’t be used in larger, gnarlier surf, it’s just that most people (now that we’ve advanced to have the right tools for the jobs) want the fin setup that’s most practical for those conditions, and by practical I mean you can DO more, not that it’s easier. However, noseriders and single fins operate at their best in smaller surf, usually under around head high, but they’re still plenty operable in those almond barrels, and mushier, fuller waves that require the added volume.

Some vote that a single fin is easier to turn, since there’s less fin surface area, but that isn’t true at all. That statement totally depends on the fin itself, and can even depend on the board that the fin is on. Some broader pivot fins really take the extra muscle for the little ladies to turn, and that’s even putting all of your weight to the back foot. Also, your own surf style and ability can determine which fin is easier to use. Someone who can’t grasp the idea of pivoting on the back foot may forever believe that the single fin setup is impossible to operate.

The 2+1 fin setup was popularized in the 90’s and was absolutely mastered by some of the high performance longboard legends, like Bonga Perkins and Joel Tudor (Correct, I put those two names side by side.) back when there was a little less controversy over which style was “cooler” and more emphasis on the actual surfing and the longboard side of the sport progressing. It’s a sore subject for some, but many traditionalists believe that the longboard shouldn’t progress and it should forever be bound to the 1960’s style logging. Others believe in both the traditional style of longboarding, as well as the progressive, high-performance longboarding, depending on wave conditions and size.

After some evolution of the longboard, watching them scale down to smaller, thinner and lighter versions of themselves, naturally the fin setups evolved with them. The result: A scaled down center fin with two small side bites. This setup would be built for speed, power and flow, would get more radical in turns when engaging the rail, and would revolutionize longboarding as we knew it. …and it did. The 2 + 1 setup gives more drive and allows for far more radical maneuvers that wouldn’t otherwise hold without the side bites.

Having three fins can also be more forgiving for beginners, as it does add stability, especially when the center fin is on the larger side. For more maneuverability and a looser feel, you’d want to go with a smaller center fin. This setup is also quite customizable, as sliding the center forward and back can give totally different feels, depending on what you prefer. A little farther back and you’ll have a stiffer board with larger, drawn out turns, and sliding up closer to the side bites (but not too close or it gets weird) can give a looser feeling and that quicker pop in maneuvers that some are seeking.

This setup is typically a safer bet for the advanced longboarder wanting to do more advanced, high performance maneuvers in larger surf, as the boards and the fin setup allow for that style of surfing.

In conclusion, neither is better. They’re simply two different styles, and here’s a little secret: You don’t actually have to pick sides. You can do both.