Its all about the fin ...

It’s easy to get swept up in the craftsmanship and beauty of wooden surfboards and overlook one of the most important functional elements—the fins.

Wooden surfboards use the same fin setups as traditional foam boards, and those fins play a crucial role in how a board performs. The ideal configuration depends on the board’s length, shape, and how you intend to ride it.

Some of our custom Collector’s Edition boards—like the Dawn—feature hand-shaped timber fins. These not only enhance performance but also elevate the board’s aesthetic, paying tribute to the classic wooden designs that rose to popularity in the 1960s.

Wooden boards naturally carry a timeless, retro appeal, which often pairs perfectly with a single fin setup. A single fin offers smooth stability and flowing style, making it a popular choice for longer boards like mals and mini mals. This setup is ideal for catching longer waves, drawing out turns, and even noseriding. Models like the Bob and the Rose are often seen with a single fin.

For surfers seeking versatility, the thruster (three-fin) setup is a reliable option. It delivers a balance of speed, control, and responsiveness, making it well-suited for sharper, more dynamic turns. Boards like the V-Dawn and the Fanny perform exceptionally well with this configuration.

If performance is your priority, the quad setup—featuring four fins—offers increased speed, drive, and maneuverability. This configuration is commonly used on fish-style boards, such as the Perkins Fish.

Then there’s the twin fin, a classic setup with fins positioned closer to the rails. This design encourages a loose, free-flowing ride, allowing smooth rail-to-rail transitions and making the most of softer, mushier waves.

The Gould and the Thorpe are great matches for a twin fin setup.

As a general rule of thumb, fin size should roughly correspond to board length—about one inch of fin for every foot of board.

If you’re building your own wooden surfboard,whether in our workshop or from a DIY kit we’re here to help guide you toward the right fin setup for your needs.

 Fin boxes can be included with your kit, along with installed timber blocks in the frame, making it easy to route and position your fin boxes later on.