How to Set the Fins on a Paddle Board

Stand up paddle boarding is a discipline of surfing that provides a vigorous full-body workout. Extreme athletes of all kinds, including downhill skiers and freestyle snowboarders, utilize the paddle board to stay in shape during the off-season. According to "SUP Surf" magazine, some paddle boards feature a single fin while others are equipped with multiple fin boxes. Single fin paddle boards are ideal for traversing a calm body of water or surfing small waves. Simply loosen the fins to find the combination and arrangement that fits your riding style.

Things You'll Need

  • Allen wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your stand up paddle board on a flat work table with the fins pointing up. Examine the tail of your paddle board to determine how many fin boxes you have available. Insert an appropriately-sized Allen wrench into the hex bolt that holds your fin in place.

    • 2

      Rotate the handle of the Allen wrench counterclockwise to loosen the bolt halfway. Adjust the positions of your fins to ensure the sharpened blade points towards the nose of the paddle board. Tighten the hex bolts to secure the position of your fins.

    • 3

      Loosen the hex bolts completely to remove the compact outer fins and decrease the drag of your board. Use the single fin setup when paddling across a calm body of water. Attach a center fin that features a flexible design for increased board response on smaller waves.

    • 4

      Align the outer fins in the corresponding fin boxes and tighten the hex bolts for increased handling during cutbacks and hairpin turns. Use the tri-fin setup when paddling into large breaking waves. Attach paddle board fins that feature a rigid design for better stability at high-speeds.