Why Surfboard Fins Are So Important (and How They Completely Transform Your Board)

Every surfer has had that one board they desperately wanted to love — the magic shape, the perfect volume, the one that “should” work… but something just felt off. Maybe it felt stiff. Maybe it slid out on turns. Maybe it lacked drive, or felt too loose under your feet.

Your fins control more of your board’s performance than almost any other element of its design.

They dictate how your board accelerates, pivots, grabs the face of the wave, and how stable it feels at speed. Choosing the right fins can instantly transform your surfing — no new board required.

At One Revolver Surfboards, we carry four trusted fin brands: Futures Fins, FCS II, NVS (Naked Viking Surf), and Dorsal.

How Fins Actually Affect Your Surfing

Your fins directly influence:

• Drive — acceleration through turns
• Hold — control on steeper faces
• Pivot — tight vs. drawn-out turns
• Release — how easily the tail slides
• Stability — overall predictability
• Speed — especially in weak surf

Common Board Problems and the Fin Adjustments That Fix Them

Board Feels Too Stiff

• Use fins with less surface area
• Choose upright templates
• Select a more flexible fin

Board Feels Too Loose

• Increase fin size
• Add more rake for longer turns
• Choose stiffer materials

Board Feels Slow or Lacks Drive

• Select fins with more base
• Choose fins with more sweep
• Use stiffer constructions

Your Weight or Power Doesn’t Match the Fin

• Heavier surfers → larger fins
• Lighter surfers → smaller fins

Wide Tail or Big Rocker Boards

• Wide tails need larger fins
• High-rocker boards like more sweep
• Channel bottoms allow smaller fins

Fin Brands We Carry (and What Makes Each One Special)

Below is a deeper look at the fin brands we offer at One Revolver Surfboards. These are the brands surfers trust for performance, durability, and consistency.

Futures Fins

Built for power, drive, and unmatched strength thanks to their single-tab base system.

Shop Futures Fins →

FCS II

Tool-less fin swaps, proven templates, and world-tour backing make FCS II a favorite.

Shop FCS II Fins →

NVS (Naked Viking Surf)

Hydrodynamic foils that reduce drag and boost speed, designed for performance surfers.

Shop NVS Fins →

Dorsal Fins

Durable and affordable fin options perfect for everyday boards, backups, or travel.

Shop Dorsal Fins →

Why You Should Swap Your Fins More Often

Pros swap fins constantly depending on:

• wave size & power
• board design
• tail shape
• desired looseness or hold

Experimenting with different fins can:

• make old boards feel new
• add speed in weak surf
• improve control in bigger surf
• match performance to conditions

Ready to Dial In Your Fin Setup?

If you’re unsure which fins to choose, we’re here to help match the right setup to your board, waves, and style.

Shop at OneRevolverSurfboards.com
Explore all fin collections and level up your next surf session.

Shaping dreams, one board (and fin setup) at a time.