Leash: length & thickness
-
Length: Pick a leash about as long as your board.
-
5'6–6'6 board → 6' leash
-
6'6–7'6 board → 7' leash
-
7'6–8'6 board → 8' leash
-
Longboards (9'+) → 9'–10' leash
-
-
Thickness:
-
6–7 mm: everyday strength (most surfers).
-
5–6 mm “comp”: lighter, for small/medium days.
-
7+ mm heavy-duty: bigger, powerful surf.
-
-
Cuff:
-
Ankle = standard shortboard use.
-
Calf (below knee) = longboards to keep cord out of your feet.
-
Quick tip: If you’re between sizes, go longer—it reduces board recoil.
Fins: size & feel
-
Pick size by rider weight (general guide):
-
S (≤65 kg), M (65–80 kg), L (80–95 kg), XL (95+ kg)
-
-
Flex & material:
-
Softer / composite: forgiving, easier turns.
-
Stiffer / fiberglass or carbon: more drive and hold.
-
-
Shape basics:
-
More rake (swept back): longer, drawn-out turns, hold in bigger waves.
-
Upright: pivots faster in small/steep pockets.
-
Larger base: better acceleration and drive.
-
Fin setups (choose your vibe)
-
Thruster (3-fin): Balanced control—best all-rounder.
-
Twin: Fast and loose—flowy feel, great for small to medium surf.
-
Quad (4-fin): Speed + hold—good for down-the-line and steeper waves.
-
2+1 (longboards/mid-lengths): Stable center fin + small side bites = trim + control.
-
Single (logs): Classic glide, smooth lines.
Not sure? Start thruster. Want more speed on weak days? Try quad. Craving flow? Go twin.
Quick match-ups (wave × board)
-
Small, mushy waves: Twin or quad; lighter/softer fins; comp leash.
-
Waist–shoulder high all-round: Thruster; standard 6–7 mm leash.
-
Head-high & punchy: Thruster or quad with stiffer fins; 7 mm leash.
-
Longboard points: 2+1 with mid/large center fin; 9'–10' calf leash.
Care that saves sessions
-
Rinse gear with fresh water.
-
Check the string and swivels on your leash. Replace at first cracks.
-
Tighten fin screws gently (don’t strip!). Keep a spare fin key and screw set.
FAQs
Can I ride a 6' leash on a 6'6 board?
You can, but 7' is safer to prevent snap-backs.
I’m ~75 kg. Which fin size?
Usually Medium across most brands.
Twin vs thruster for a beginner?
Stick to thruster first—more predictable control while learning.
Ready to ride?
Browse our Everyday 7' Leash, All-Round Thruster Fin Set, and Twin+Quad Experiment Pack.
Need help? DM us your board size, weight, and wave type—we’ll dial your setup in fast.