The twin fin has evolved to become one of the most well-loved design staples for surfboards worldwide as early as the 1940s. Twin fins provide speed, agility, stability, and floatability even through the crumbliest of waves. For many surfers, they bring the functionality of a longboard and the maneuverability of a shortboard.
Four-time world champion Mark Richards favored twin fins, too. And if you’re hoping to experience what he did and put these twins to the test, the following are some of the best in the market that you can find today.
Table of Contents
Top 8 Best Twin Fin Surfboards in Review
With the rapid increase in brands that produce twin fins, there are only a couple of ones that can give you the best value for your money. In our review below, we made a list based on the price, durability, quality, versatility, and usability of the twin fins. We hope that you might be able to decide which one is for you with our review below.
- Thurso Surf Lancer 5’10 Soft Top Surfboard with Twin Fins
- Liquid Shredder Fish Foam Surfboard with Twin Fins
- Rock It Albert Twin Fin Surfboard
- Formula Fun 5’3 Black Magic
- Wave Rebel Flogger Surfboard
- Catch Surf Beater Pro Surfboard
- Softech Mason Twin FCS II Surfboard
- Connelly Bentley 5 Surfboard
1. Thurso Surf Lancer 5’10 Soft Top Surfboard with Twin Fins – Best overall
Specifications:
- Length: 5’10″/180 cm
- Volume: 34 l
- Weight: 6 lb/3 kg
- Recommended max rider weight/capacity: 200 lb/90 kg
If you’re new to twin fins, the Thurso Surf Lancer 5’10 Surfboard is one of the best models to get your feet wet. This board is suitable even for children, as it is designed to provide the utmost stability, lightness, and flexibility.
The board features an extensive and high-density deck built for your comfort and double stringers, which makes it rigid and durable. These stringers will help you control the strength and flex of the board even if you are not as light on your feet yet. Plus, it comes with an ankle leash with a swivel, so the chances of falling or slipping are lower.
Also, the board comes with a broad swallowtail designed to allow you to control its lift while holding on better to the wave face. And true to being a beginner-friendly board, its fins are super soft that even if they hit you, you won’t get hurt.
The board works best for surfers that weigh less than 200 lbs. Its lightweight and compact design also fits younger surfers most.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and compact design | Not ideal for riders heavier than 200 lbs |
| Comes with accessories |
|
| Perfect for beginner surfers |
|
| Durable, stable, and flexible |
|
2. Liquid Shredder Fish Foam Surfboard – Best budget-friendly twin fin
Specifications:
- Length: 5’10″/180 cm
- Board weight: 8.5 lbs
- Recommended weight capacity: 90-120 lbs
The Liquid Shredder FSE Fish Foamie Surfboard with twin fins is another beginner-friendly model. With its full-rounded nose, low rocker, and swallowtail, rocking it on the waves is sure to draw some attention your way.
More than its physical appeal, though, its material design also makes it a top choice. The laminated heat construction equips it for optimal durability in performance, so even if you use it repeatedly, you can expect to enjoy it for a long time.
It’s also comfortable, with its Shred-Comfort EPE deck. The swallowtail allows more hold and traction, while its fully-rounded nose makes for a stable shredder when paddling. The board is also perfect for maintaining control in and out of turns, even at slower sections.
It’s best for beginner riders that don’t weigh over 120 lbs, although some heavier riders on Amazon have attested to using it with no issues.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heat-laminated for long-term use | Not as lightweight as other surfboards |
| Beginner-friendly | Does not come with an ankle leash |
| Durable and stable |
|
3. Rock It Albert Surfboard – Best twin fin for kids
Specifications:
- Length: 5’8″/179 cm
- Width: 20.5″/52 cm
- Thickness: 2.5″/6 cm
- Maximum rider weight: 175 lbs
Touted as one of the best starter boards for both children and adults, the Rock-It Albert Twin Fin Fish features a fun design that will appeal to many young surfers and those who are young at heart.
True to the Rock-It brand, its construction boasts of quality at every turn. Multiple fiberglass cloth layers and epoxy resin are wrapped around an EPS foam core, and subsequently vacuumed and heat-sealed to ensure its durability. It gives the board a soft deck to lean on, and you won’t need to worry about losing your grip or footing.
The flexible and toothless fins make it easy to control the fish when you’re riding massive, or hurting yourself when you fall. For the best experience, this board is ideal for people who weigh 175 lbs or lighter.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Soft deck + durable fiberglass cloth layer | Features a curve through the nose that may make it hard to control |
| Comes in various fun designs | May not accommodate riders more than 175 lbs |
| Built for kids and adults | |
4. Formula Fun 5’3 Black Magic – Best value for your money
Specifications:
- Length: 5’3″/160 cm
- Width: 21.5″/55 cm
- Thickness: 3″/8 cm
- Volume: 42 l
Hyped to be one of the best current fish models, the Formula Fun Shortboard Fish 5’3 features an excellent material design that makes it well worthy of its popularity. First off, it uses durable, waterproof, and flexible foam that, according to its manufacturers, won’t absorb water even when it takes a hit and won’t break.
Its wax-free EVA deck pad also has small grooves that make for a slip-free surface. You can safely tuck your board in your car or under the sun without worrying about melting wax. Its stringers are also made out of the same wood used for the board, which ensures optimal strength and performance.
Also, just because it’s not as long as the other surfboards out there do not mean that it can’t pack a lot of power! With 42 liters of volume, users have seen that it floats effortlessly and paddles well, too. And because it is compact, you can easily maneuver it around any pocket that you want.
With its Futures Fins, advanced riders can also customize their fins for more traction. And last but not least: this model is made out of 100% recycled materials!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made of durable, waterproof, and flexible foam | Not be as affordable as its competitors |
| Wax-free and slip-free deck pad |
|
| Comes with custom fins | |
5. Wave Rebel Flogger Surfboard – Best for advanced surfers
Specifications:
- Length: 52″/132 cm
- Width: 19.5″/50 cm
- Thickness: 2.5 “6 cm
- Maximum recommended rider weight: 120-200 lbs
- Ideal range of rider height: 5’4″-6’0″
Like the other surfboards on this list, the Wave Rebel Flogger Surfboard is another excellent addition to the collection of those who want to venture into twin-fin surfing. However, there is one minor difference between this board and the rest that we have discussed so far: this one is for advanced shredders.
With its hand bulbs and camera mount designed for a better grip, you are sure to capture a complete stoking experience that you’d love to relive over and over again. Its EPS core construction and hope deck also assure riders of optimal performance, while the stringer lets you add stiffness and speed to the board.
Another good thing about Flogger is its weight capacity. Shredders who are heavier can still use the Flogger, so don’t worry about anything because it can accommodate up to 200 pounds.
This surfboard is a good buy for advanced surfers. You can get this durable and reliable surfboard at a very affordable price. Now that is something to think about.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hand bulbs + camera mounts | Not suitable for beginners |
| Durable EPS construction | |
6. Catch Surf Beater Pro Surfboard – Best in versatility
Specifications:
- Length: 54″/137 cm
- Thickness: 2.5″/6 cm
- Volume: 35 cubic ft
The Catch Surf Beater Pro surfboard boasts a lightweight but durable dual composite core that makes it perfect for a surfing day at the beach! It is another one that is well-celebrated by beginner and seasoned riders alike.
With its durable design, you can look forward to optimizing the surfing experience and making it one for the books. Its maple-plywood stringers plus HDPE slick skin combine to lend the board stiffness and strength, regardless of the size of the wave that you ride. And its high-density bottom only adds to its overall structural integrity.
With all its features versus its price, the Beater Pro is an excellent buy for any surfer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong, lightweight, and water-resistant core | Requires wax for grip |
| Impact-resistant + stiff |
|
| Removable twin fins | |
7. Softech Mason Twin FCS II Surfboard – Best for twin fin adventure seekers
Specifications:
- Sizes: 5’2″/ 5’6″/ 5’10”
- Dimensions: 5’2″ x 19 2/3″ x 2 5/8″ , 5’6″ x 21″ x 2 5/8″ , 5’10” x 21 x 2 3/4
- Volume: 5’2″: 31 l| 5’6″: 35 l
Softech boasts the Mason Twin as a surfboard for adventure seekers. According to them, the Mason will open up your imagination and give you new opportunities to step up your surfing adventure.
While this model does not quite have the typical twin-fin fish outline, it does look like the old models that Mark Richards himself used to ride. Another performance surfing type is the Softech Mason Twin FCS II system, which means that it does not need any screws or additional tools to secure the fins. All you need to do is lodge the front of the fin into the plug and then press down to lock it into place.
Additionally, this twinnie has a smaller swallowtail that allows it to stay connected to the wave face. As such, you are sure to get more drive-through turns. This one will also give you a looser and quicker feel when you’re out ripping.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Double maple-plywood stringers | Quite expensive |
| Waterproof foam core |
|
| FCS II fin system | |
8. Connelly Bentley 5 Surfboard – Best in durability
Specifications:
- Size: 5’0″/150 cm
- Volume: 15.30l
- Rocker Height: 2.20″/0.20″
- Rider Weight: ≥180lbs
Finally, the last model on our list is the Connelly Bentley 5. An upgrade over the usual Connelly surf line construction process, this surfboard features Thermo Shell. It means that it features compression-molded durability and the lightweight but high-performance characteristics of an epoxy board.
Its twin fins technology provides grip and drive, while also still enabling flexibility. So, if you’re an intermediate or advanced shredder, this one will feel like a dream for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides grip and drive and flexibility | More expensive than its competitiors |
| Durable but lightweight | Not suitable for beginners |
Top Pick – Best Twin Fin Surfboard
We have quite a selection on this list, and they are all truly amazing finds. But our best bet goes to the Thurso Surf Lancer 5’10 Soft Top Surfboard with Twin Fins.
Its material design is so nicely done that it very effectively harnesses engineering to ensure the best possible surfing experience for beginners. If you are new to twin fins, this board will make you love twinnies – while also giving you room to grow.
The model is lightweight and more buoyant because of the EPS core, so even beginners won’t have any issues with steering it around. Its heat lamination also cushions the deck, so that riders feel comfortable on it.
Its extra fishtail allows for more traction and lift, which will mainly come in handy when you’re riding nitro-small waves. The ankle leash also comes with a swivel for your safety. And even better: this ankle leash is made out of recycled plastic, so you can rest easy knowing that you’re stoking sustainably.
All in all, it is the best product for those who are only getting started with surfing or twin fins. As it is also longer than many of the other products on this list, it provides more buoyancy, so beginner surfers can enjoy their time on the water while also being safe.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Twin Fins
So what makes twin fins worth it, and what is the catch? In this section, we will cover some of their known advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s start with the positives first. Twin fins, which have recently gotten back into the rotation last 2016, are slowly gaining wider acceptance among surfers, and there are many reasons why.
Twin-fin surfboards do not have the trailing center fin that creates drag, so you can go as fast as you want without any worries. When you’re surfing on waves that are notably less steep, the added lift will provide even more exhilaration.
Twin fins also lend surfers more agility. Do you want to take your board out for spins and turns? Twin fins can help. It may take a while before you master the technique, but once you do, you will never want to live without it. So yes, they can make surfing fun – even if you’re not surfing on some grand Pacific waves!
For the more experienced shredders, giving them a try will also add variety. Trying something new is essential to keeping ourselves well-rounded, expanding our skillset, and continually growing.
On the other hand, twin-fin surfboards are looser than boards with different fin setups. It means that when you try to shred on bigger waves, you won’t be able to control your speed and direction as quickly as you could on a quad. For beginners, managing a twin fin in such a situation will be even more complicated.
Features to Look for When Buying Twin Fin Surfboards – Buyer’s Guide
For beginners, here are some more additional resources that you would want to check out before you go out there and start shredding. When it comes to buying twin-fin surfboards, going in with knowledge is essential not only to make the most out of your purchase but also to ensure an enjoyable and fulfilling surfing experience for you.
You don’t need to know everything, but having an excellent working knowledge of the essentials about choosing your twin fin surfboards will help further shape your experience for the better. So let’s get into it.
Since you want to learn to be better, having your surfboard is good practice until you rack up enough experience and step up your skills. For that, there are a couple of factors that you need to take into consideration. Make sure to think about these things when buying your twin-fin surfboard.
1. Volume
Volume plays a direct role in your board’s flotation, and when you’re a beginner, you’ll want something that floats as much as it can so that you can better maneuver it on the waters. Here’s a rundown of the usual volume capacity of the different types of surfboards.
- Shortboard – Length: 5’10”; Volume: 28 liters
- Fun shape – Length: 6’8″; Volume: 38 liters
- Mini mal – Length: 8’0″; Volume: 65 liters
- Long board – Length: 9’1″; Volume: 78 liters
- Soft top – Length: 9’2″; volume: 139 liters
Most experts recommend learning on a surfboard that can hold at least 60 liters of water. Anything less than this requires more surfing skills, and even if you think you can rise to the challenge, you can radically lengthen the time it takes to advance if you keep getting stuck on the techniques.
2. Weight
Weight is another factor that you should look into when selecting a board. As a rule of thumb, lighter people, or those that weigh less than 200 pounds, will do well with a smaller board, as it will be lighter and more comfortable to paddle in and turn. Those who weigh over 200 pounds can opt for a longer or thicker board. Generally, if you’re unsure of what kind of board to choose ultimately, think one size bigger as more length and width will automatically translate to more buoyancy.
3. Types of Waves You’ll Be Surfing
The types of waves that you’ll be catching should also be factored into your selection. Steep and hollow waves are best ridden on shorter or smaller boards, while slower and mushier waves are best experienced on longboards and fish.
4. Fitness Level
Your previous sporting experience and fitness level can also determine the type of surfboard that you should go for. If you’re pretty fit, shorter boards are not going to be a problem for you. However, if you have quite a learning curve to deal with, longboards are best. If you’re somewhere in the middle, a fish or bigger shortboard can work.
5. Surfing Frequency
Finally, think about the frequency with which you intend to surf. If it’s a weekend, a longboard will be perfect. Such a board will enable you to maximize the enjoyment of the experience, as you won’t be struggling as much. But if you want to commit to doing it on the regular, learning on a shortboard or fish will come with a tremendous eventual payoff.
Conclusion
When choosing your twin-fin surfboard, it is essential to do your research before you commit to purchasing. Think about the factors mentioned above in making your projections. Then trim down your options according to their ability to meet your needs. For instance, if one option seems best for your weight and volume requirements, you may find that it’s not exactly ideal for the frequency with which you intend to surf. So, in the long run, the purchase may not turn out to be that smart.
Another thing to consider is your budget. In our list, we have singled out some of the more expensive models, so that you can see which ones would suit your budget best. If you’re looking for something that delivers while also being cost-effective, the Thurso Surf Lancer 5’10 Soft Top Surfboard with Twin Fins is a great buy.
Whichever surfboard you end up choosing, remember to put it to good use. First, educate yourself. Ask surf instructors for guidance, or consult a surfer friend to teach you some basic tricks. There are also free resources online to help you get to know surfing better.
More importantly, go out there, practice as much as you can, and enjoy.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Are twin-fin surfboards ideal for kids?
Q: Can you remove the fins if you want to go finless?
Q: Do you need tools to assemble the twin-fin surfboard?
Q: Does it need to be waxed?
Q: Is an ankle leash necessary?
Torsten Bjord is a talented and adventurous waterman from Western Australia, passionate about surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, hydrofoiling, skimboarding, snowboarding and skateboarding. Torsten has spent countless hours mastering his skills and his dream is to one day represent Australia as an Olympic athlete.
