The position of your longboard’s single fin within the US fin box matters greatly and changes the board’s entire feel. This video tests the two extreme positions—fin all the way back vs. fin all the way forward—to see how they affect turning and nose ride setup.
Key Takeaways & Tips
Fin Back Position
The traditional rule of thumb is that placing the fin all the way back in the fin box increases stability and control, making the board feel less prone to sliding out. This is the position most surfers start with.
Fin Forward Position
Placing the fin all the way forward in the fin box makes the board feel much looser, easier to turn, and improves the board’s ability to get into position faster for nose rides.
Fin Forward Conclusion
After the test, the fin-forward position was chosen for continued use because it made it much easier to set up the board for a nose ride and there were no perceived downsides in stability during the test conditions.
Contrasting Rules
The test found that the rule of “fin back for stability” did not hold true, as no difference in stability was found between the two positions. This suggests that fin position is unique to each person’s board, style, and wave type.
Riding Control
With the fin in the traditional back position, the rider felt happy and in control, describing the feeling as riding the board rather than the board riding me.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Committing to the Nose
A common mistake is failing to commit to the nose ride early enough, resulting in falling off the back of the wave. This is often solved by minor timing adjustments.
Flailing Arms
When cross-stepping, avoid the common mistake of flailing arms. Observing professional longboarders shows the upper body remains still, like a statue, demonstrating true control over the board.
Ignoring Fin Adjustment
Failing to test and adjust the fin’s position within the fin box. Even seemingly small adjustments can change the whole feel of the board, offering significant improvements in turning and control.