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Twin Fin Fish Surfing: A Comprehensive Guide to Retro Performance

The twin fin fish surfing surfboard, a design that emerged from the shortboard revolution of the late 1960s and early 1970s, has experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity. Originally conceived as a high-performance alternative to the single fin, the twin fin fish offers a unique blend of speed, maneuverability, and retro style that appeals to a wide range of surfers. This article delves into the history, design, performance characteristics, and considerations for choosing a twin fin fish surfing board.

The History of the Twin Fin Fish

The twin fin fish surfboard is widely credited to Steve Lis, a San Diego surfer and shaper who began experimenting with the design in the early 1970s. Lis’s innovative approach involved splitting the tail of a traditional surfboard into a swallowtail, and then placing two fins close to the rails. This configuration aimed to provide increased speed and maneuverability compared to the single fin designs that dominated the era. The initial reception was mixed, but the twin fin fish quickly gained a following among surfers who appreciated its unique feel and performance capabilities. [See also: The Evolution of Surfboard Design]

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, the twin fin fish became a popular alternative to the evolving thruster (three-fin) designs. Surfers like Mark Richards famously rode twin fin fish surfboards to multiple world titles, showcasing the design’s potential in competitive surfing. However, as thrusters continued to develop and gain dominance, the twin fin fish gradually faded from the mainstream, relegated to a niche category of retro surfboards.

Design and Construction

The defining characteristic of a twin fin fish surfing board is its swallowtail and two fins. However, there are several other design elements that contribute to the board’s overall performance:

Swallowtail

The swallowtail is crucial for the twin fin fish’s turning ability. The split in the tail creates two distinct points, allowing water to release more easily and enabling tighter, more responsive turns. The depth and width of the swallowtail can be adjusted to fine-tune the board’s turning characteristics. A deeper swallowtail typically offers more bite and control, while a wider swallowtail provides more release and maneuverability.

Fins

The fins on a twin fin fish are typically placed close to the rails and relatively far forward compared to thruster fins. This placement contributes to the board’s speed and responsiveness. The size, shape, and foil of the fins can also significantly impact performance. Larger fins provide more hold and control, while smaller fins offer more release and speed. Foiled fins, which are thinner at the tip than at the base, are common on twin fin fish surfboards and contribute to their smooth, flowing feel.

Rocker

The rocker, or curvature of the board from nose to tail, also plays a crucial role. Twin fin fish surfboards typically have a flatter rocker than high-performance shortboards, which contributes to their speed and glide. However, some rocker is necessary to prevent the board from pearling (nose-diving) in steeper waves. The rocker profile is often carefully tuned to balance speed and maneuverability.

Rails

The rails of a twin fin fish are typically softer and more forgiving than those found on high-performance shortboards. This allows for smoother transitions between turns and a more forgiving feel in choppy conditions. The rail shape can also be adjusted to fine-tune the board’s performance characteristics, with harder rails offering more grip and softer rails providing more release.

Volume

Twin fin fish surfing boards generally have more volume than modern performance shortboards. This increased volume provides more floatation and paddle power, making them easier to ride in a wider range of conditions. The added volume also contributes to the board’s stability and forgiveness, making it a good choice for intermediate surfers or those looking for a more relaxed surfing experience.

Performance Characteristics

The twin fin fish offers a unique surfing experience that differs significantly from both single fin and thruster designs. Here are some of the key performance characteristics:

Speed: Twin fin fish surfboards are known for their exceptional speed. The combination of a flatter rocker, increased volume, and strategically placed fins allows them to generate speed easily and maintain momentum through flat sections.
Maneuverability: While not as precise or vertical as a thruster, the twin fin fish is surprisingly maneuverable. The swallowtail and fin placement allow for quick, responsive turns, particularly in open-faced waves.
Flow: One of the most appealing aspects of twin fin fish surfing is its smooth, flowing feel. The board’s design encourages long, drawn-out turns and a seamless connection with the wave.
Forgiveness: The increased volume and softer rails of a twin fin fish make it a more forgiving board than a high-performance shortboard. This makes it a good choice for surfers of all skill levels, particularly in less-than-perfect conditions.

Choosing a Twin Fin Fish

When choosing a twin fin fish surfing board, there are several factors to consider:

Size: As a general rule, you should ride a twin fin fish that is slightly shorter and wider than your standard shortboard. This will provide the necessary volume and stability.
Wave Conditions: Twin fin fish surfboards excel in a wide range of conditions, from small, mellow waves to head-high, open-faced swells. However, they may not be the best choice for steep, hollow waves.
Skill Level: Twin fin fish surfboards are suitable for surfers of all skill levels. Beginners will appreciate their stability and paddle power, while more experienced surfers will enjoy their speed and maneuverability.
Fin Setup: Experiment with different fin setups to find what works best for you. Some surfers prefer larger fins for more hold, while others prefer smaller fins for more release.

The Resurgence of the Twin Fin Fish

In recent years, the twin fin fish has experienced a significant resurgence in popularity. This is due in part to a growing appreciation for retro surfboards and a desire for a more relaxed and stylish surfing experience. Many modern shapers are incorporating elements of the twin fin fish design into their boards, creating new and innovative variations. The twin fin fish offers a unique blend of performance and style that appeals to a wide range of surfers.

Conclusion

The twin fin fish surfing surfboard is a classic design that offers a unique and rewarding surfing experience. With its speed, maneuverability, and smooth, flowing feel, the twin fin fish is a versatile board that can be enjoyed in a wide range of conditions. Whether you are a beginner looking for a forgiving board or an experienced surfer seeking a new challenge, the twin fin fish is worth considering. Its resurgence is a testament to its timeless design and the enduring appeal of retro surfing. Explore different fin setups and find a shaper who understands the nuances of the twin fin fish to unlock its full potential. Embrace the speed and style of the twin fin fish and rediscover the joy of surfing. The twin fin fish is more than just a surfboard; it’s a connection to surfing’s rich history and a celebration of its diverse and evolving culture. So grab your twin fin fish and get out there!