fin size on a longboard

[kaput450]

I am a begining surfer and I am having some balance problems. My 9'0" longboard has 3 fins. Would I get alot more stabilitiy with a larger fin in back center? Any suggestions on a good size?

[jonny]

yes - the two thruster (side) fins essentially make your board easier to turn.

So if you take them out - your board becomes a little bit harder to turn. Another way to look at that is because it is harder to turn, it becomes more forgiving - it won't throw you quite as quickly if you foot is an inch or so the wrong place, or your weight not quite central.

Putting in a big boy centre fin has pretty much the same effect - it makes the board stiffer and harder to turn. Don't go too big or you'll simply not be able to turn at all.

Go for an nice, classic shape 8' fin. Look at these


you want something like the top one (8") or the cutaway fin (10")

A fin won't do everything though - work on your balance, keep low when you pop up, keep your knees bent etc.