Fins
The right fins can completely change the way a surfboard feels under your feet. They influence everything from speed, drive and hold to how easily a board turns, releases and pivots off the lip.
At Hollow Surf Shop, we stock fins for a wide range of boards, surfers and conditions, including popular FCS and Futures systems, plus a range of thruster, quad, twin, single-fin and 2+1 setups. Whether you're replacing a broken fin, fine-tuning a favourite board or experimenting with a different setup, finding the right template can make a surprisingly big difference.
Fin Systems
Before choosing a fin, you'll need to know which fin system your board uses. The two most common systems you'll come across are FCS and Futures, with both offering a huge range of templates and performance characteristics.
FCS fins use a two-tab system, while Futures fins use a single-base construction. Both systems offer fins designed for everything from everyday shortboards and grovellers through to high-performance boards, twins and alternative shapes.
Always check your board's fin system before ordering — unfortunately, fins aren't particularly interested in being compatible with the wrong box.
Fin Setups
Different fin configurations give a board very different characteristics. The most common setups include:
Thruster
The classic three-fin setup. A great all-round option offering a balance of drive, hold, control and release, and the go-to setup for most performance shortboards.
Quad
Four fins with no centre fin. Quads can generate plenty of speed and drive while still allowing the board to release and turn freely. They're particularly popular in fast, powerful waves and on boards designed to take advantage of a quad setup.
Twin Fin
Two larger side fins create a fast, loose and lively feel. Twins are all about speed and freedom, with plenty of projection down the line and a different approach to turning compared with a traditional thruster.
Single Fin
The original fin setup. Single fins provide a smooth, controlled feel with plenty of drawn-out turns and trim speed. Commonly found on longboards and classic mid-lengths, but increasingly popular on alternative shapes too.
2+1
A versatile setup using a larger centre fin with smaller side bites. Common on longboards and mid-lengths, giving you the option of a more traditional single-fin feel with additional hold and control when required.