Your fins change the feel of a board as much as its shape. Here is how the four common setups ride, and how to think about choosing.
Single fin
One fin means less drag and a smooth, drawn-out feel. Single fins hold speed easily and reward long, flowing turns, which is why they suit logs, mid-lengths, and classic shapes. They are less suited to quick, snappy direction changes.
Twin fin
Two fins and no center fin make a board fast, loose, and skatey. Twins generate instant speed and flow, which is why they shine from waist- to head-high surf. In bigger, steeper waves they can feel slidey without a stabilizer. Our keel and twin templates are built for exactly this feel.
Thruster (three fins)
The thruster is the most popular setup in the world because it balances everything. The side fins create drive and hold while the center fin locks the tail in through hard turns. It is the jack-of-all-trades that performs across the widest range of conditions.
Quad (four fins)
Quads combine the speed of a twin with more control. The rear fins add grip through turns, so a quad is fast through flat sections yet holds in hollow, fast waves, and it can also help you generate speed in small, gutless surf.
Dial in your Christenson
Many of our designs come with a fin system that lets you experiment. Browse Christenson signature fins in FCS II and Futures, including twin, keel, single, and tri-quad options. Not sure which to run? Tell us your model and waves and we will recommend a setup.