Bodyboarding is all about having maximum speed while maintaining maneuverability; one without the other can lead to some spectacular wipeouts or slow starts. Bodyboard fins help with both, so knowing how to choose bodyboard fins helps you feel and enjoy each wave and ripple.
There are important nuances in choosing the right fins for your style of bodyboarding, so read on and find them out.
Furthermore we help you decide on the right size of fins with our Bodyboard Fins Size Chart! And we give you a special selection of our top picks of Bodyboard fins – three fins for adults and two for kids which convinced us in all aspects.
Who Needs Bodyboard Fins?
Any bodyboarder who is frustrated by slow acceleration due to high drag and has problems reaching proper positioning when taking off on a wave should consider using bodyboard fins. They also increase control once on the wave and, most importantly, minimize exertion.
The primary function of bodyboard fins is therefore to reduce fatigue and lengthen the time a bodyboarder, especially a newbie one, can spend in the water.
Bodyboard fins help to catch the waves easier and increase control when riding the wave. As a result they reduce exertion, which lets you spend more time bodyboarding!
As long as they help in that regard, all their other features are a matter of personal preference.But hey: If you like a challenge and have stamina to spare, you don’t need bodyboarding fins…
How to choose Bodyboard Fins – What you have to know
In the following section we shortly explain you, what you should take into consideration when looking for fins. And of course we present some examples of fins for beginner, advanced riders as well as kids with a really good price performance ratio.
Are small or big Fins better for Bodyboarding?
Smaller fins are most often designed for quick, powerful kicks. They also allow the bodyboarder to easily raise the legs out of the water, enabling fast spins.
Longer fins are important if you have to do a lot of paddling to reach your surfing spot. However, we personally prefer the shorter ones, as we generally emphasize more their performance while one is actually bodyboarding.
Drop – knee bodyboarders also prefer smaller fins, though they should be stiffer and bulkier than average, preferably with a soft compound where the fin touches the foot to avoid blisters.
Can Diving Fins be used for Bodyboarding?
Diving Fins which are used for snorkeling or Scuba Diving are really different from Bodyboard fins and are therefore not really suitable for Bodyboarding. The reason is that the Diving fins are designed for much longer but slower strokes, whereas Bodyboard fins are made for short but very powerful strokes.
Bodyboard Fins Size Guide
While the exact sizing guidelines will vary from brand to brand, you can use this bodyboard fins size chart to help you make a ballpark decision:
| Men’s Shoe Size (US) | Women’s Shoe Size (US) | Equatable Fin Size |
|---|---|---|
| 5 – 6.5 | 6.5 – 8 | Small |
| 7 – 8.5 | 8.5 – 10 | Medium |
| 9 – 10.5 | 11 – 12 | Medium / Large |
| 11 – 12.5 | 12.5 – 14 | Large |
| 13 – 14.5 | 15 – 16 | Extra Large |
For UK and Euro Shoe Sizes, please check the table below:
| Shoe Size (UK) | Shoe Size (Euro) | Equatable Fin Size |
|---|---|---|
| 5 – 6 | 37 – 39 | Small |
| 6.5 – 8 | 40 – 41 / 42 | Medium |
| 8.5 – 10 | 42 – 43 / 44 | Medium / Large |
| 10.5 – 11.5 | 44 – 45 | Large |
| 12.5 – 14.5 | 46 – 48 | Extra Large |
Besides the size, fins have to sit well. This means, Fins that are too small around the foot will squeeze and pinch the skin; fins that are too big won’t let you apply pressure to them.
In the following sections you learn what keep in mind when choosing your fins.
What to consider when choosing Bodyboard Fins to make them fit to your feet
Front of the Fin
Make sure that your toes are not jammed up against the front of the foot pocket. Ideally, you can still wiggle a little bit with them. the best fit we would describe with tight but not restrictive. This means that if your feet feel very compressed in the fins, they are too tight.
Back of the Fin
The strap on the back of the fins sometimes tend to cut into the Achilles. If thats the case either adjust the strap or the fins are too small. On the other hand, make sure that the fins are not too lose on the sides of your ankles; otherwise you will probably loose your fins while surfing.
Top of The Fin
The top of the foot pocket should not be digging or pinshing into your foot. Consequently, wear the fins for some minutes and if there is a big red mark or welt on the top of your foot, again, these fins are too small. Try then to find similar sized fins but ones that are made for high arches or wide feet.
Bonus Tip:
If your planning to wear fin socks, always try on a new pair of fins while wearing the socks.
the best Bodyboard Fins in which we really trust
In the following sections you find some suggestions for good – quality Bodyboard fins for Beginners, Advanced Riders and Kids.
Best Bodyboard fins for adults
Best Fin For Beginners – Hydro Tech 2
These soft fins are made out of a silicone – like material called T-Form.
Their chief selling point is comfort, as they are asymmetrically designed to fit the left and the right foot.
The Hydro Tech 2 Fins are really the most comfortable fins for Bodyboarding we have found so far… The three drain holes, assure that even coarse material doesn’t stick in the fin to cause drag or discomfort. Additionally, the contour Ankle strap is also designed to ensure maximum comfort.
Besides comfort, the manufacturer Softech uses a patented V Rail Design which creates more surface area to increase kick thrust. So the fins are not only comfortable, they really provide the power and the performance we expect.
The only disadvantages of the Hydro Tech 2 Fins are that they do not float and are more sensitive for damage when used in areas where you get in contact with sharp rocks or coral reefs.
Summary
Pros
Comfortable
Great Drainage System
Good Propulsion
Easy to walk on shore
Cons
Medium Prize
Sensitive when standing on sharp rocks or coral reef
Do not float
Best Fin for ambitious Beginners and Advanced Riders – Kpaloa Triton Storm
The Kpaloa Triton Storm fins are rubber made fins, what makes their blades more stiffer compared to Hydro Tech 2.
However, the manufacturer paid huge attention to the comfort too: the foot pocket is made with soft and elastic rubber.
The Kpaloa Triton Storms therefore provide more thrust and are similarly comfortable than the Hydro Tech 2. Another advantage is that they do float, which makes it much easier to find a lost fin.
Quality – wise we prefer them clearly over the Hydro Tech 2 fins, but, as always, superior quality costs a little more money.
And by the way: the number of different designs you find by Kpaloa is just great!
Summary
Pros
Comfortable
Very powerful, Great acceleration
Very high durability
Performance – wise the best fins for all level of boarders
Great Designs
Float very well
Cons
Higher Prize
Small Drainage holes
Best Fin for wide Feet or High Arches – Cressi Agua Short
If you are looking for a set of fins that is suitable for advanced boarders but also flexible enough to fit wide feet, look no further than the Cressi Agua Short. The self-adjusting foot pocket is designed to fit almost any foot comfortably. Additionally, this fin have a rigid sole which helps preventing cramps in this area of the foot.
Cressi is an Italian brand which is in the market since 1946 and they really incorporated all their experience in the ‘self – adjusting foot pocket’, the principle which makes the Cressi Agua Short the best choice if your foot form is somehow out of the norm.
The Cressi Agua Short is made out of low – module propylene which makes it rather flexible but also durable. Overall the Cressi Agua Short provides good propulsion and, also important, the lowest price of all fins in this list.
Summary
Pros
Best Fins for wide feet or feet with high arches
Low Prize
Short Blade makes them easy to pack
Suitable for Beginners and advanced Riders
Cons
Less powerful propulsion compared to the Kpaloa fins
Less durability compared to the Kpaloa fins
Best Fins For Kids
Flow Short Blade
What most often happens with kids interested in bodyboarding is that they get fins that are too big, which causes them a lot of fatigue and frustration.
These small – blade rubber fins offer a fine balance between power and control, making them perfect for helping kids train their leg muscles and gain self-confidence.
The fins are buoyant and have non-slip treads on the bottom, making them double as swim practice aids. The closed heel design make furthermore make it easy to put them on, however, be aware that these fins are meant to be put on in water. You should also take that into account when you’re testing them.
There are five sizes, all with a closed heel design and a color coding scheme which makes it easy for the kids to find theirs.
Thanks to the fact that they are made out of natural and synthetical rubber, these fins convince with a really high durability.
Last but not least, please check the specific size table for the Flow Short Blade.
| Kid’s Shoe Size (US) | Women’s Shoe Size (US) | Kid’s Shoe Size (Euro) | Fin Size (Color Code) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 – 12 (Little Kid’s Shoe) | 30 – 32 | XXXXS (Aqua) | |
| 12 – 1 (Little Kid’s Shoe) | 32 – 34 | XXXS (Red) | |
| 1 – 3 (Little Kid’s Shoe) | 34 – 36 | XXS (Orange) | |
| 3 – 5 (Men’s / Boy’s Shoe) | 5 – 7 | 36 – 38 | XS (Blue) |
| 5 – 7 (Men’s / Boy’s Shoe) | 7 – 9 | 38 – 40 | S (Green) |
| 7 – 9 (Men’s / Boy’s Shoe) | 9 – 11 | 40 – 42 | M (Yellow) |
FINIS Long Floating Fins
Closed heel design makes it easier to slip into these fins for more forward propulsion, with soft rubber providing plenty of comfort without chafing.
These buoyant fins are perfect for teaching kids how to kick from their hips without wearing down their knees or cramping their hamstrings.
The design of the fin also prevents too much stress being put on the ankle, especially during flexion.
There are a total of 10 sizes, allowing for a snug fit, no matter how wide or narrow the kid’s feet. If they are too long, feel free to snip off a few inches off the fin end to reduce speed and increase control.
Final Thoughts On How To Choose Bodyboard Fins
Choosing the right fins for Bodyboarding isn’t a perfectly structured process. You have to be aware that a lot depends on your personal preferences. However, based on the information given in this article you should have enough knowledge on what to take into account when choosing fins.
We did purposely decide to show you only a small selection of fins here. There are a lot more options in the market.
However, the fins shown here conviced us very much regarding their performance, durability and functionality for Bodyboarding.
Remember:
Choose one of the suggested fins according to the Size Chart. But be aware that your foot might not perfectly fit into a general chart, so don’t be frustrated when you go for a different size after you have tried your first pair of fins.
More useful Information about Bodyboarding
On coolwatersports.com you can find a lot of really useful information about Bodyboarding.
Do you want to learn how to choose the right Board for you or for a Kid? Do you need some additional insights on the different types of Bodyboards and which features are really crucial regarding performance and durability?
We’ve got you covered – not only with that, but with much more!!!
