Size

Fin size is one of the first things to question when you are in the selection process. The smaller the fins are the less traction and vice versa with progressively larger fins. Smaller fins will allow the rider to release his or her edge much easier as well as give the rider a more skate-like feeling. If you like to track up-wind and lock in your rail the bigger fins are going to provide more traction and allow you to boost bigger on those heavier wind days.

style

Are you a freestyle rider, wave rider, speed racer or big air booster? Answer this question and you will be one-step closer to choosing your fins. Freestyle riders generally like to pop without sending the kite (keeping it at 45 degrees) so they don’t need as much traction to load up against an ascending kite in boost mode. Also, freestylers are typically going to go for a skate-like, looser feeling which allows for more play and less perfection when landing certain tricks as well as blind. Wave riding is pretty self explanatory. If you are not riding a surf board with the classic swept surf fins then you should stick with the larger fins to help you keep from sliding out when going for a lip smack or a big bottom turn to cut back.

If you like speed racing then I recommend looking at the new North race series boards because the fin set-up is completely different from anything you probably have seen on a kiteboard. They are big, long and straight with an angle outward so that when you are riding on the rails edge the fin is pointing straight down in an absolute vertical position. This maximizes speed and there is nothing that can match its upwind performance. As for you big a boosters, the larger fins are going to help you maintain an edge when loading up tension for a big jump. The more fin you have the more power you will be able to hold down in turn allowing for you to perform those jaw dropping jumps.

conditions

Flat water, choppy water, high winds or low winds there are fins better suited for each.  If you ride flat water you can get away with smaller fins because you need less traction, you will also be able to gain a little more speed because you will have less drag with smaller fins.  Choppy waters are going to require a larger fin to help you from skipping as you ride through the chop.  We have already discussed the issue regarding wind speed. In the heavier winds a larger fin will help you stay in control as you increase the amount of power you are trying to hold down. Fin size does not play a huge role in light wind riding other then the fact that more fin creates more drag, as stated before.

Board Characteristics:  There is not a whole lot of analysis that needs to be done here, but there are certain factors that you can be aware of to help you determine which direction to take.  For example, the more concave your board has the less fin you can get away with because the concave on the bottom of the board will provide more grip in the water depending on how defined it is. Also, the larger the board the larger the fins need to be.

Use these set of questions and the expertise and advice of your local kite shop to help you determine the most efficient t fin set-up that will allow you to maximize your fun out on the water.  Also, now you will have the confidence to boost, upwind it, speed sail or bust out a back mobe if you see an approaching fin not associated with a kiteboard or a dolphin. 

chart