Surf Leashes & Fins: A Super-Simple Sizing Guide

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.