How To Install Surfboard Fins

To install surfboard fins or a single fin, you will need  a set of fins (from one to five)  , a surfboard with fin boxes also called plugs, some screws and a fin key or an allen key (size 3/32).  It is a process that should only take you a few minutes!

How to place Surfboard Fins?

Prepare your surfboard :

Lay the surfboard on a flat surface with the fin slots facing up.

Then, unscrew the fins screws. You do not need to unscrew them totally, you just have to leave enough space for the fin to go in. Quickly clean the fin boxes if needed.

Identify which fin goes where:

Determine the fin orientation: 

The rake or curve of each fin should point in the direction of the board’s tail. It implies that each fin’s tip should face the back of your surfboard.

Insert the fins in the slots:

Insert the fins into the fin boxes, making sure that they are oriented correctly. It can sometimes be a bit difficult to put your fins on a new surfboard. Try putting the back end of your fin first before pushing the front end in.

Screw and secure the fins:

Once the fins are in place, use your fin key or allen key  to screw the fin screws into the base of the fins, tightening them securely to hold the fins in place. Make sure not to overtighten the screws. They can easily strip if they are tightened too much. In the case your surfboard meets a rock it is also better to lose a fin than to break a fin box.

You are now ready to go surfing!

How to Install Single Fins / Longboard Fins ?

Installing classic single fins or longboard fins is slightly different from other types of fins because they are designed to be adjustable within the fin box, allowing you to change your board’s performance as desired. These fins typically use the industry-standard Bahne Box, also known as “US fin Boxes.”

To install your longboard fin, follow these steps:

1. Unscrew the screw and remove the plate attached to the fin

2. Place the plate in the center of the single fin box. There should be a square space cut in the fin box to accommodate the plate

3. Position the plate on one side of the fin box, aligning it with the hole in the base of your fin. It should either be at the front or the back side of the box. So if the hole at the base of your fin is at its rear the plate should be placed at the back of the box

4. Slide the bar on the opposite side of the fin hole in the fin box

5. Insert the rest of the fin into the box and align the hole on the base of the fin with the plate

6. Lightly screw both the plate and the fin in place

7. Now, you can decide where to position your longboard fin within the box. We recommend starting with the fin placed in the middle and making adjustments from there. Keep in mind that placing the fin more towards the front will result in a looser feeling and tighter turns while positioning it towards the back will provide more stability and drive

8. Once you have chosen the desired position, securely tighten the screw!

You are now prepared to hit the waves and go surfing!