Boards and gear
What are surfboard fins and do I really need them?
Yes. Fins keep the board going straight instead of spinning like a bar of soap.
Fins bite into the water so the tail of the board tracks straight when you push off the back foot. Without fins, the board slides sideways. Most boards use FCS or Futures systems and take 3 or 5 fins. Softtops usually come with soft fins already installed. If you buy a used board, always check the fin boxes and screws before paddling out.