Nose Riding Fins

The defining characteristics of a nose riding fin are the greater depth and larger surface area of the fin tip. When nose riding is the highest priority in surfing, the standard equipment is a longboard (9 feet or more), with soft rails, a wide tail, a wide nose, and a single fin. These are a few different styles of nose riding fins:

Pivot fins are shaped similar to boat rudders. They have an upright posture and a relatively uniform width from base to tip. By minimizing the fin's rake, the pivot fin is very responsive and able to turn easily at low speeds. This is also allows the surfer to make small directional adjustments from the nose. Longboards are most responsive to turning when the surfer has their weight over the tail of the board, and respond poorly when flat in the face of the wave. Pivot fins are usually about 10 inches deep. A deeper fin anchors the tail into the face of the wave, preventing the board from spinning out. The standard fin placement for a pivot fin is all the way back towards the tail. Move the fin forward half an inch at a time until the sweet spot is found. Pivot fins are best suited for waves that are 1-3 feet, and will loosen up a longboard without giving up stability.


Rake fins are shaped like a dolphin's fin. They are more swept back than the pivot fins, but still maintain width out at the tip. The wide base mikes these fins very stable at low speeds and in the white water, while the longer fin rake give the fin more drive and control when going fast. They are not as loose as pivot fins, but for that reason provide more control in larger or faster waves. Rake fins are great first fins for an entry level longboarder, because they are very stable for learning, but surfers will not out grow the fin as their skills improve. The size rule of thumb is one inch of fin per foot of board; for example, a nine inch fin for a nine foot board. When selecting a nose riding fin addition depth is usually a good idea. Rake fins are best suited for waves that are 2-6 feet, and will offer stable nose rides in a wide variety of conditions.


Hatchet fins are shaped like, well, a hatchet. The most defining characteristics of these fins are the straight leading edge and diamond shaped tip. They typically have a little more rake than a pivot fin and less base than a rake fin. These fins were first made popular by Dewey Weber on the Performer model surfboard. Hatchet fins handle similar to pivot fins but provide more hold for big, heavy, soft-railed longboards. This is a “retro” fin and could be frustrating for surfers who want a responsive and agile fin. Hatchet fins are best suited for heavy longboards in waves that are 1-4 feet
There is a large variety of nose riding fin is the Waveriders Fin Gallery. As you browse, try to stay focused on the traits you want in a fin, and look for the qualities that will produce them. Deep, upright fins are better suited for slow, mushy, small waves. A fin with more rake will be a better “all around” performing nose riding fin. Start with these fins all the way back in your fin box, and adjust them in half to quarter inch increments until you find the sweet spot.