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FCS Stand Up Paddle (SUP) products are expertly crafted to elevate your surf, flat water and race experience. Our fins are designed and tested with the world's top surf, distance and touring athletes. Unlike more conventional fins such as thruster fins, SUP fins are purposefully built to provide you with greater stability and balance that helps you to keep your ride as straight as possible.
Still unsure which SUP fin is right for you and your board? Use our FCS fins guide to find the best fins for your SUP.
As one of the world’s leading suppliers of surf hardware and accessories, Surf Hardware has had an unwavering commitment to innovation in the surfing industry since our beginnings in Sydney, Australia. SUP fins designed by FCS provide you with optimal performance, stability, and control while paddling on various water conditions.
Browse our range of high quality surf fins in Australia and enjoy free express shipping on all online orders over $80.
For beginners, a thruster fin setup is typically considered to be the most recommended for stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). A thruster setup is a set of three SUP fins, with one larger centre fin and two smaller side fins. This setup provides a balance of stability and manoeuvrability, which is ideal for beginners who are still learning how to balance on the board and manoeuvre in different conditions.
A thruster setup allows for a more forgiving ride, as the larger centre fin provides stability and tracking, while the smaller side fins provide extra manoeuvrability. This combination makes it easier for beginners to stay on the board, maintain their balance, and make basic turns.
Another bonus of a thruster setup is that it is particularly versatile, meaning it can be used in various conditions, from flat water to small waves. This versatility is great for beginners who are still trying to figure out what type of riding they prefer.
Stand up paddle board fins actively increase the board's stability, tracking, and manoeuvrability in the water. They also help to prevent the board from sliding or drifting sideways, allowing for more efficient paddling and better control. Without a stand up paddle board fin, a board can be difficult to control and manoeuvre, particularly in choppy or windy conditions.
Larger SUP fins can provide more stability and tracking for a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), but they may not be the best option for all conditions and riding styles.
Larger fins are generally better for larger and more powerful waves, as they provide more surface area in the water and allow for greater control in choppy conditions. They also provide more stability and tracking, which is important for longer distance paddling and touring.
However, larger stand up paddle board fins can also create more drag in the water, which can make the board less manoeuvrable and slower in smaller waves or weaker currents. They also may make the board less responsive and more difficult to turn in tight spaces.
Smaller SUP fins, on the other hand, can provide a looser and more skate-like feel, which is preferred by some riders, especially in small waves or weaker currents. They also offer more manoeuvrability and responsiveness, which is great for surf-style riding.
It's important to note that the size of the fin depends on the type of waves, the rider's skill level, and the riding style. A skilled rider may prefer a larger fin in larger waves and smaller fin in smaller waves, while a beginner may prefer a larger fin for stability and tracking.
The answer to this question depends on the type of waves, the rider’s skill level and their preferred riding style.
A single SUP fin is the most traditional and basic fin set up for a paddle board. It provides stability and tracking, but limits the board’s manoeuvrability. This setup is preferable for flat-water paddling, cruising and downwinders.
Thruster fins (i.e. a set of three fins) provides a better balance of stability and manoeuvrability, making it a popular choice for many stand-up paddleboarders, especially beginners. This setup is great for all around riding as it is versatile enough to be used in a variety of conditions.
While you technically can paddleboard without fins, we generally recommend against it as paddleboarding without fins is more difficult. SUP fins help to increase the board's stability, tracking, and manoeuvrability in the water. They also help to prevent the board from sliding or drifting sideways, allowing for more efficient paddling and better control.
