Choosing the right fins can make a surprisingly big difference to how your surfboard feels. Changing fins can alter the board’s speed, drive, hold, turning response, release and stability, sometimes making an older board feel completely different.
For surfers on the Yorkshire and North East coast, where conditions can range from small, weak summer waves to powerful winter beach breaks, having the right fin setup can be particularly useful.
This guide explains the main fin types, fin systems, materials and sizes, followed by places where you can buy fins locally and online.
1. What Do Surfboard Fins Actually Do?
Fins provide resistance against the water and stop the tail of the board from simply sliding sideways.
They help determine:
- Drive – how strongly the board accelerates through a turn.
- Hold – how securely the board grips the wave face.
- Pivot – how easily the board turns around the tail.
- Release – how easily the tail can break loose.
- Speed – particularly important with quads and twin fins.
- Stability – especially important for beginners and larger boards.
The fin is effectively part of the board’s overall design. The same surfboard with two different fin sets can feel like two different boards.
2. The Main Surfboard Fin Setups
Thruster – Three Fins
The thruster is probably the most common fin arrangement on modern shortboards.
It has:
- One larger centre fin
- Two smaller side fins
Advantages
- Excellent all-round setup
- Good combination of speed and control
- Predictable through turns
- Good hold in steeper waves
- Works particularly well in punchy beach breaks
For Yorkshire and North East surfing, a thruster is an excellent starting point because it works across a wide range of conditions.
If you only have one set of fins for your performance board, a good thruster set is often the safest choice.
3. Quad – Four Fins
A quad has:
- Two front fins
- Two rear fins
- No centre fin
Quads can be very fast because there is less drag through the centre of the board.
Advantages
- Fast down the line
- Excellent drive
- Good hold
- Particularly good in hollow waves
- Can work extremely well in larger surf
Disadvantages
- Can feel less predictable than a thruster
- Different quad templates can produce dramatically different results
- Some surfers find them harder to control in slower, weaker waves
Quads can be particularly useful when the Yorkshire coast is producing fast, powerful waves.
FCS describes quads as a distinct part of its fin range alongside thrusters, twins and longboard fins.
4. Twin Fin
A twin fin normally has two larger fins positioned towards the tail.
Twin fins are popular on:
- Fish surfboards
- Retro boards
- Mid-lengths
- Alternative shapes
They can produce a very fast, loose and flowing feeling.
Advantages
- Very fast
- Loose
- Excellent down-the-line speed
- Great for smaller waves
- Fun and flowing to surf
Disadvantages
- Less central hold than a thruster
- Can feel loose in powerful surf
- Takes some adjustment if you normally surf a thruster
A twin can be a fantastic option for smaller Yorkshire summer waves, especially on a fish or retro-style board.
5. Twin + Trailer
A twin plus a small centre fin is sometimes called a 2+1 or twin with trailer, depending on the board and fin arrangement.
The small centre fin adds some additional control without completely removing the loose feeling of a twin.
It can be a useful compromise between:
Twin fin speed + thruster-style control
6. Single Fin
Single fins are particularly associated with:
- Longboards
- Traditional mid-lengths
- Single-fin shortboards
- Retro surfboards
A single fin produces a very different style of surfing.
Instead of quick, snappy turns, the board tends to encourage:
- Long flowing turns
- Trim
- Smooth lines
- Nose riding on suitable longboards
- Rail-to-rail surfing
The size and shape of the fin can have a major influence on how the board behaves.
FCS currently offers single fins in sizes including 6″, 7″, 8″, 8.5″, 9.5″, 10.5″ and larger longboard sizes.
7. 2+1 Longboard Setup
A 2+1 setup normally consists of:
- One larger centre fin
- Two smaller side bites
This gives a longboard more control than a traditional single-fin setup.
It is a good choice if you want to:
- Nose ride
- Trim and cruise
- Make tighter turns
- Surf more aggressively
- Have more control in steeper waves
8. Bonzer and Alternative Fin Systems
Some boards use more unusual fin arrangements.
Examples include:
- Bonzer
- Bonzer 3
- 2+1
- 4-fin alternative systems
- Specialized fish setups
These are generally designed around a particular board shape rather than being something you simply add to any surfboard.
Always check what fin system your board was designed for before buying fins.
9. FCS, FCS II and Futures – What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most important things to understand before buying fins.
There are two major removable fin systems used on modern surfboards:
FCS / FCS II
Futures
They are not interchangeable without the appropriate compatible fin box/system.
The Boardshop’s fin guide describes the two main modern systems as twin-tab FCS and single-tab Futures.
10. FCS II
FCS II uses a two-tab style fin system but has a major advantage over the older FCS system:
Many FCS II fins can be installed and removed without using screws.
This makes changing fins at the beach much easier.
FCS II is particularly convenient if you have several fin sets and like experimenting with different templates.
FCS states that its current range includes thrusters, quads, twins, keels and longboard fins.
Important
Don’t confuse:
FCS I
with
FCS II
FCS I fins normally use screws through the fin tabs.
FCS II uses the newer keyless system.
However, FCS I fins can be used with some FCS II boxes using the appropriate hardware/infill arrangement.
11. Futures
Futures uses a single long base that fits into the fin box.
The fin is normally secured with a screw at the rear.
Advantages
- Very strong connection
- Simple system
- Large contact area
- Lots of fin choices
- Easy to remove and replace
Futures is extremely popular on modern performance boards.
Remember:
Futures fins only fit Futures boxes.
Don’t buy Futures fins simply because they look similar to FCS fins.
12. Longboard Fin Boxes
Traditional longboards usually use a larger fin box with a single fin secured using:
- A fin plate
- Screw
- Sliding nut
Longboard fins are normally much larger than shortboard fins.
Typical sizes can range from approximately:
7″ to 11″+
The correct size depends on:
- Board length
- Board width
- Tail shape
- Rider weight
- Board design
- Whether you want stability, pivot or release
13. Fin Templates Explained
Fin shape is just as important as the fin system.
You will commonly see descriptions such as:
Rake
A raked fin sweeps backwards.
Generally gives:
- More drawn-out turns
- More hold
- More drive
- Less pivot
Good for powerful, open turns.
Upright
An upright fin has less sweep.
Generally gives:
- Faster pivot
- Tighter turns
- More release
Useful for surfers who want a more responsive board.
Balanced / All-Round
A balanced template sits somewhere between rake and upright.
This is usually the safest option if you are buying your first performance fin set.
14. Fin Materials
Fins are made from several different materials and constructions.
Glass Flex
Glass-flex fins are relatively flexible and can be a good option for:
- Beginners
- Small waves
- Softer boards
- Surfers wanting a forgiving feel
They tend to be less expensive.
Fibreglass / Performance Glass
These fins are stiffer and more responsive.
They are popular with experienced surfers because they provide more precise feedback.
Carbon / Composite
Higher-performance fins can use carbon or composite construction.
These tend to be:
- Lightweight
- Stiff
- Responsive
- More expensive
They can be particularly useful for powerful surfing where you want maximum response.
15. How Much Does Fin Flex Matter?
Fin flex affects how the board responds.
More flexible
Generally:
- More forgiving
- Smoother
- Easier feeling
- Can work well in smaller waves
Stiffer
Generally:
- Faster response
- More precise
- More drive
- Better suited to powerful surfing
Don’t automatically assume the most expensive carbon fins will make you surf better.
For many recreational surfers, a good mid-range fibreglass or composite set is more than enough.
16. Choosing the Correct Fin Size
Your weight is one of the most important starting points.
A typical guide might look roughly like:
| Rider weight | Typical fin size |
|---|---|
| Under 55 kg | XS |
| 55–70 kg | Small |
| 65–80 kg | Medium |
| 75–90 kg | Large |
| 85 kg+ | XL / Large depending on template |
These are only starting points.
Fin manufacturers use slightly different sizing systems, so always check the manufacturer’s chart.
Captain Fin, for example, recommends considering rider weight alongside the board and wave conditions when choosing between fin sizes.
17. Don’t Just Buy Fins Based on Your Weight
Two surfers of the same weight may want completely different fins.
Consider:
Your board
A:
- 6’2″ performance shortboard
- 6’8″ mid-length
- 7’6″ mini-mal
- 9’0″ longboard
will all require different fin choices.
Your surfing
Do you want:
- More speed?
- More hold?
- Tighter turns?
- More release?
- More stability?
Your waves
For Yorkshire and the North East, you might want different fins for:
Small summer beach breaks
versus
Powerful winter surf.
18. A Good Fin Setup for Yorkshire Surfing
For a typical Yorkshire surfer, I’d consider something like:
Small summer surf
Twin or smaller, more flexible thruster
Good for generating speed when the waves lack power.
Everyday shortboard
Medium/large all-round thruster
Probably the best single setup for most surfers.
Powerful winter surf
Stiffer thruster or quad
Provides additional hold and drive.
Fish
Twin or keel
Excellent for speed and flow.
Mid-length
Single fin or 2+1
Depending on the board.
Longboard
Single fin or 2+1
Depending on whether you want traditional trim or more performance.
19. Keel Fins
Keel fins are large twin fins commonly associated with traditional fish surfboards.
They have a wide base and distinctive shape.
They are designed to provide:
- Speed
- Drive
- Smooth turning
- Excellent down-the-line performance
A keel fish can be a brilliant board for smaller East Coast waves.
It is less about aggressive vertical surfing and more about generating speed and flowing through sections.
20. Fin Maintenance
Fins are surprisingly easy to damage.
After surfing:
- Remove sand from the fin boxes.
- Rinse the fins with fresh water.
- Check for cracks.
- Check the screws and fin hardware.
- Check the fin boxes for damage.
- Store spare fins somewhere dry.
- Don’t leave expensive fins loose in your board bag.
Be careful with screws
Don’t overtighten them.
You only need the fin securely held in place.
21. Always Check Your Fin Boxes Before Buying
Before ordering fins, look at your board.
If it says:
FCS II
buy FCS II-compatible fins.
If it says:
FCS
check whether it is the older FCS I system or an FCS II box.
If it says:
Futures
buy Futures fins.
If it has:
US Box
you are probably looking for a traditional longboard-style fin.
If you’re unsure, take a photograph of the fin box and show it to a surf shop.
A decent surf shop should be able to identify it quickly.
22. Where to Buy Surfboard Fins in Yorkshire
There are several good options on the Yorkshire coast.
Scarborough
Secret Spot
Secret Spot
4 Pavilion Terrace, Scarborough, YO11 2JU
Secret Spot is one of the best-known surf shops on the Yorkshire coast and has a dedicated range of:
- FCS II
- Futures
- FCS I
- Longboard/single fins
- Fin accessories
Its website currently lists FCS, Futures, True Ames and other surf hardware.
Dexters Surf Shop
Dexters Surf Shop
Unit 5, Kepwick House, Peasholm Gap, North Bay Promenade, Scarborough YO12 7TN
Dexters is another useful local option for surf hardware and advice. The shop stocks surfboards, wetsuits and surfing hardware.
Cayton Bay Surf Shop
Cayton Bay Surf Shop and Scarborough Surf School
Killerby Cliff, Cayton Bay, Scarborough, YO11 3NR
This is particularly convenient if you’re surfing Cayton Bay and need replacement equipment.
Secret Spot’s Cayton Bay operation also lists surfboard fins among its accessories.
23. Whitby
Whitby Surf School
Whitby Surf School
Lower Cliff Lift, West Cliff Beach, Whitby, YO21 3EN
Whitby Surf School also operates an online shop selling surf and board-related products.
For specialist performance fins, however, I would check stock before travelling.
24. Saltburn
Saltburn Surf Shop
Saltburn Surf Shop
The Pier Car Park / Lower Promenade, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS12 1HQ
A useful local place to check when you’re surfing Saltburn.
Drift Surf Shop
Drift Surf Shop
Mill Farm, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS12 1HF
Another local surf business worth checking for equipment and advice.
25. Tynemouth – North East
If you’re travelling north from Yorkshire, Tynemouth is another excellent surf-shopping stop.
Tynemouth Surf Co.
Tynemouth Surf Co.
Unit 1, Grand Parade, Tynemouth, North Shields, NE30 4JH
Tynemouth Surf Co currently lists both FCS and Futures fins.
Its online selection includes:
- FCS Performer
- FCS Accelerator
- FCS Carver
- Futures AM1
- Futures AM2
- Futures F6
- Futures F8
- Alpha constructions
- Thermotech constructions
This makes Tynemouth particularly useful if you want to compare FCS and Futures.
26. Buying Fins Online in the UK
If your local shop doesn’t have the exact template you want, there are several specialist UK retailers.
FCS UK
The official FCS range includes:
- Thrusters
- Quads
- Twins
- Keels
- Single fins
- Longboard fins
Current FCS prices vary considerably depending on construction and model, with entry-level and premium performance options available.
Boardshop
A useful UK source for understanding the difference between FCS, FCS II and Futures systems.
Shore
Shore has a large online selection covering:
- FCS
- FCS II
- Futures
- Longboard fins
Its current selection includes dozens of fin options.
Down The Line Surf Co
Down The Line stocks:
- FCS II
- Futures
- Thrusters
- Quads
- Twins
- Retro fins
- Longboard fins
- Captain Fin
- True Ames
- Fins Unlimited
It also provides useful explanations of the different systems.
27. What Should a Yorkshire Surfer Buy?
If you’re buying your first decent fin set, don’t get carried away with expensive professional fins.
I’d recommend:
Beginner
Medium all-round thruster
Choose a reasonably priced fibreglass/composite set.
Intermediate
Good FCS II or Futures all-round thruster
Look at templates such as:
- Performer
- Accelerator
- Neutral/all-round templates
Experienced surfer
Start experimenting with:
- Different rake
- Different flex
- Quad setups
- Twin fins
- Keels
- Different fin sizes
This is where fins become really interesting.
28. Don’t Forget Second-Hand Fins
Surfboard fins can be expensive, especially premium carbon and performance-glass sets.
Buying used can be a good way to experiment.
Check:
- No cracks
- No major chips
- Tabs aren’t damaged
- Futures bases aren’t cracked
- FCS tabs aren’t damaged
- Screws aren’t stripped
- Fin boxes haven’t been repaired badly
A few cosmetic scratches aren’t normally a major problem.
Structural damage is.
29. My Simple East Coast Fin Quiver
If I were putting together a useful fin collection for someone surfing the Yorkshire and North East coast, I’d build it gradually.
Set 1 – Everyday
All-round thruster
Your main set.
Set 2 – Small waves
Twin or looser thruster
For summer days when the waves are weak.
Set 3 – Powerful surf
Stiffer thruster or quad
For winter swells and more powerful waves.
Set 4 – Alternative board
Single fin / 2+1 / keel
Depending on whether you own a longboard, mid-length or fish.
You don’t need all four sets immediately.
Start with the fin set that matches your main board and surfing.
30. The Most Important Rule
Buy fins for the board, not just for yourself.
Your weight is important, but the board’s:
- Fin system
- Fin box arrangement
- Tail shape
- Width
- Length
- Volume
- Rocker
- Intended wave range
all matter.
If you’re unsure, take your board into a proper surf shop and ask.
For Yorkshire surfers, Secret Spot in Scarborough and Tynemouth Surf Co. in Tynemouth are particularly useful places to start, because both currently have specialist FCS/Futures fin ranges rather than just general beach equipment.
Quick Fin Cheat Sheet
| Setup | Main characteristic | Good for |
| Thruster | Control + balance | All-round surfing |
| Quad | Speed + drive | Powerful/faster waves |
| Twin | Speed + looseness | Fish/small waves |
| Keel | Drive + flow | Retro fish |
| Single fin | Trim + flow | Longboards/mid-lengths |
| 2+1 | Stability + manoeuvrability | Longboards/mid-lengths |
| Twin + trailer | Twin speed with extra control | Alternative boards |
Final tip
If you’re surfing Scarborough, Cayton Bay, Filey, Whitby, Saltburn and Tynemouth, don’t be afraid to experiment with fins. East Coast waves can change enormously from one day to the next, and having a second fin set can sometimes make much more difference than buying another board.
Always check the fin box on your board before ordering. FCS, FCS II and Futures are different systems, and the wrong fins simply won’t fit correctly.
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