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by Erika Togashi May 17, 2021 4 min read 1 Comment
The surf is on, you’re grabbing your favorite Lola One Piece from our new Collection Nº5, the mid-length waits for you in the trunk of the car but should I ride it as a single fin? Maybe a two plus one? Or what will it feel like as a quad? Does a mid-length twin fin sound crazy?
Too many questions. Not enough answers.
The answer might be a little clearer than we first thought.
First, let’s check the conditions and put them into four categories:
Most of us regardless of our level can sit on the beach and roughly determine where the conditions fit into these parameters, and the boundaries between them can be relatively flexible. A big or fast wave for you might not be big or fast for someone with more experience; so be honest with yourself and take it personally.
So let’s relate fin selection to those categories.
Small or soft waves are low on the potential energy from Gravity. If we’re not as high up or the wave slope isn’t so steep, then we won’t have much of a hill to drop down and gain speed. This means we need to make the board as efficient as possible, so it can still function in low energy waves. Allowing water to flow underneath the board with as little disruption and turbulence as possible is our ticket to this. So less fin = more laminar and clean water flow producing more lift to reduce drag, and more forward thrust. In big or steep waves where we have a good hill to drop down, then we’re not so concerned about finding speed, but instead getting down the line and past fast-breaking sections might be the challenge.
Center fins and side fins have slightly different jobs; the center fin provides straight-line stability and stops the board from slipping and sliding side to side (like the keel of a boat), it also provides a rigid point to push on so we can direct and point the nose where we want to whilst maneuvering. Without it, you can imagine the tail sliding instead of directing.
The side fins also stop the board from slipping but it’s not their main function. You might have noticed side fins aren’t symmetrical, they have a flat side and a curved side. The design is deliberately like an airplane wing made to generate lift. In our case, that lift is directed towards the wave face; keeping you locked and gripped into the wave face aiding in generating speed down the line.
Single fins prevent slipping at the rear of the board during turns, allowing the rider to push off the tail and direct the nose in a predictable pivoting way. The center fin creates a bit of drag, and so we often need to compensate by having a larger board or a bigger steeper wave that will provide the speed. That's why longboards/ logs work well as single fins in small surf, but mid-length or smaller boards with single fins need more of a meaty wave.
In brief, twin-fins are fast as they allow water to flow underneath the center of the board with low turbulence (no center fin disrupting the flow). The clean water flows backward producing more thrust forwards. And since the twin fin fins are often fairly large, they produce a lot of lift towards the wave face, so surfing down the line they can lock the board into the wave face and generate strong speed and grip. Without the center fin though they are a little looser and slippy when we lean on the back foot to maneuver, as the missing center won’t hold and direct the nose. What that means is twin fins are well suited to small or soft waves where generating speed is the priority but expect a little less predictability when maneuvering.
The two-plus has the directional stability of a single fin, with a small portion of rail engagement from the side fins. Sometimes the overall size of the three fins is a bit smaller than a normal single fin, or normal side fins, and that’s so the overall drag created is less. Look for a bigger wave or faster wave for this setup to work best as we need to compensate for the drag.
The truster or tri-fin is a ‘best of both worlds’ sort of thing where the center fin gives directional stability without slipping, and the side fins generate speed and grip from the wave face. So when the waves are bigger or faster they give you more security and predictability to work with. That's basically why they’re almost exclusively used in contests as the riders are often on good waves trying to push the board to its maximum. If the conditions are going to push YOU to the maximum (i.e it’s big or fast) then use the thruster.
Quad fins as you probably can now predict give a super-strong rail engagement into the wave face since it’s all sideways lift into the wave. So on big waves or super fast waves (even small & fast) like tubing waves where you need to get down the line quickly, the quad can be the ticket to making it down the line and past breaking sections.
So, when you’re choosing between the Lola One Piece or the Rita and Lolita bikini top and bottoms why not also choose your fins. Throw all of them in the trunk and decide at the beach; just don’t forget the fin key.
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I couldn't love the Rita top more! It's provide the perfect amount of support (I wear a 34C) and looks really cute on too.
This bikini set has quickly become my favorite. It's the perfect blend of style and function. I love that when I travel, I only have to take one bikini because it covers everything - perfect for sunbathing and chilling and stays in place when I'm surfing - done and done!
The Ami one piece style provides the perfect amount of coverage and support, making it a best choice for activities such as swimming, sunbathing, surfing or chasing kid on the beach! Overall, the Ami one piece is a great choice for anyone looking for a swimsuit that combines both style and function.
This black one piece really has it all, it’s comfortable, flattering and stays on even in the ocean. Never have to worry about a slip again. Perfect booty coverage as well!!
I look better in this suit than I expected/hoped. Compliments from friends are overwhelming haha. Love the back design and the material! So lux and soft and I keep touching myself hahaha. Would love to get different colors if there ever will be 🤍
I love the color and fit of these leggings! The material is soft and I felt super comfortable training in it at the gym. I can't wait to give it a try for yoga! I would recommend these leggings paired with the Isa Sports Bra. Such a gorgeous set!
Sometimes I have nowhere to put my phone when I'm at the gym and I must say this top took that stress away! Its back interior pocket is super useful and I'm able to train without having to worry about my phone falling out. I also LOVE the unique color and soft material. It looks awesome when paired with the Mahogany Hustle leggings!
I love the material and color! I feel confident surfing and swimming in it even though it is just a hair small for me but I have always had a hard time finding sizes. Love it! Would definitely recommend this brand to friends
I love everything about the Lucky bottom (and the matching Eden top). I spent a long time searching for a bikini that stays *on* while surfing and this definitely meets that standard. It's also super comfortable and just slips on. The high waist and full coverage bottom are not only feminine and flattering but add a touch of modesty, which I truly appreciate as someone who seeks out more coverage in my surf and swimwear. Definitely my go-to bikini when it comes to surfing. Also, the Plum colour is LIFE! :)
I used it just for swimming on the ocean and jumping off places and is very comfy, stays on its place at all times. The fabric is of good quality and soft to the touch.
Also it seems that as long as you take care of it it won’t become loose.
I love this bikini top! Is so comfy that I even use it as a bra! I rrlove the color green as well! It fits perfectly!
I love this top - stays put, comfortable, seems like it will last.
I feel so elegant and put together in it. Bonus, it stays put for trying out new sports on boards... like wing surfing! I usually wear a size small in most outdoor activewear, but based on the reviews and models measurements I decided to go with M. It was a good choice, but the small may have also worked! I am 5'5" 125lbs, 34 bust, 28 waist, 37 hips.
Great colors and definitely quality material! The cut is super cute, but is for those with small torsos and larger bottom--like an hourglass figure--so take into consideration with sizing. I'm usually a small, but am returning because I would need a medium (5'5", ~130lbs, but I have a straight figure--bottoms fit great, but too small in waist and shoulders).
Love this top. It's light weight and soft. I wish the other colors and prints were in stock- I'd buy another one.
Scott
November 29, 2021
Very informative, thank you. Surfboard fins are probably the most underrated element of a surfboard. They’re actually great to have for safety and choosing the right fins for your style of surfing and your board is critical in making sure you get the best level of performance from your surfing.
Read more about surfboard fins and safety here:
https://3dfins.com.au/blogs/media-spotlight/surfboard-fins-and-safety