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How to choose your fins according to Thomas Bexon

Choosing the right fin for a longboard can seem complicated: there are many shapes, sizes and styles to choose from. However, as Thomas Bexon - a renowned Australian shaper - explains, a basic understanding is all it takes to make the right choice. In this article, we explain how to select your fin according to its approach, between performance, stability and riding pleasure.

Visit Single Fin for pure glide

Clean lines and sweeping, flowing curves are the speciality of the single fin. This is also what Thomas Bexon favors in his shapes. For small to medium waves, the single fin offers an excellent controla good stabilityand generates less dragwhich makes it perfect for classic longboards.

🔗 Discover our single fin fins here :
👉 shop.shapersclub.com/ailerons/single-1

A man stands on the grass, a surfboard horizontal in front of him. Behind him, seven colorful boards. Tall palm trees and sunlight are visible in the background.

A black surfboard fin labeled "Thomas Surfboards & Shit" is displayed on an orange background with playful, mismatched black text describing it as a high aspect ratio fin inspired by ancient Australian fins.

Which fin shape to choose?

1. Raked fins / high aspect ratio

Inspired by Australia in the '60s (notably George Greenough), these fins are elongated towards the rear with a tapered profile.
✅ Ideal for surfing more aggressiveand precise turnsand keep enough surface area at the base to hold the line well and make noseride.

A black surfboard fin, labeled "Thomas Surfboards & Sht.", rests on the wet sand at the edge of the foaming ocean water. Next to it, it reads: "The Noserider. Stable and reliable".

Examples from Thomas: the Thomas Classicthe Bowl Cut or the Hus Mix.

2. Pivot / noserider fins

Inspired by California in the 60's, these fins are designed to maximize the time on the nose. Their wider, straighter shape creates more dragwhich slows down the board and anchor it in the wave.
✅ Ideal for a more slowand turns on the spot and noseriding en pocket.

At Thomas, even the "Noserider" model remains balanced, without braking the board too much - an approach faithful to the "involvement" spirit dear to Bexon.

A beige surfboard fin is featured on a white background. On the left, stylized text reads: "The Bowl Cut inspired by the Australian engagement period". The fin is inscribed "Thomas Surfboards & Shit".

A red surfboard fin adorned with a black silhouette design and the word "Hisheas". Next to it, it reads: "The ABEX FIN - great power and minimal drag make this a well-balanced and versatile fin".

Which fin size to choose?

Here's a simple guide depending on the size of your board:

9'0" - 9'6" → aileron 9.5" à 10"
9'6" - 9'8" → aileron 9.75" à 10.25"
9'8" - 10'3" → aileron 10" à 11.5"

👉 The heavier the board (or surfer), the larger the fin will need to be to maintain control and stability.

What about alternative configurations?

For powerful waves, with open walls (as at Bells Beach), a 2+1 (one large central fin + two small side fins) can give you more control and recovery.
But if you surf mostly in classic, under-the-head conditions, the thin single is still unbeatable for glide and style.

🔗 Discover our twin and thruster fins here :
👉 shop.shapersclub.com/ailerons/twins-2
👉 shop.shapersclub.com/ailerons/thruster-3

In a nutshell:

Want smooth curves and control? → High aspect / raked fin
How long do you want to hold the nose? → Pivot / noserider fin
Do you surf powerful hollows? → Consider a 2+1 assembly
You want to play with sensations? → Try on several models and discover your style

Three surfboard fins in translucent shades of orange, blue and white are stacked on a white surface. Sunlight and shadows create a soft, summery atmosphere. The fins are labelled "Thrive x Dice".

Three surfboards stacked on the roof of a car, each with a different-colored fin (yellow, white and green) against a clear blue sky and blurred ocean background.