In a thrilling showcase of skill and style, 38 professional surfers recently took on the waves of France armed with twin-fin surfboards, reigniting a classic era of surfing at its finest. The event, highlighted in SURFER Magazine, brought together top athletes who demonstrated their mastery of this retro equipment, blending speed, agility, and fluidity on some of France’s most challenging breaks. This gathering not only celebrated the heritage of twin-fin boards but also pushed the boundaries of modern competitive surfing.
Pro Surfers Showcase Twin Fin Expertise on French Breaks
From the rugged coastlines of Hossegor to the playful barrels at La Gravière, thirty-eight of the world’s top surfers descended upon France’s iconic breaks armed with their trusty twin fins. This gathering wasn’t just a contest of speed and style; it was a vibrant exhibition of fluid grace and old-school finesse. These riders showcased how twin fins can carve razor-sharp turns while maintaining a loose, free-flowing rhythm that modern thrusters often sacrifice. Each wave seemed to tell a story of surf heritage, innovation, and the remarkable adaptability of the twin fin setup in the often-challenging Atlantic swell.
Highlights from the sessions:
- The seamless blend of speed and flow in every bottom turn and cutback
- Masterful control on steep, hollow sections despite minimal fin area
- Creative use of trim and rail-to-rail surfing optimized by twin fins
- Unexpected aerial moves blending old-school tech with modern flair
| Surfer | Wave Break | Favorite Twin Fin Setup | Notable Maneuver |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Florence | La Gravière | 6’0″ Single Wing | Flowing re-entry cutback |
| Sofia Mulanovich | Les Estagnots | 5’8″ Classic Twin | Snappy off-the-lip snaps |
| Kolohe Andino | La Nord | 6’2″ Modern Twin | Speedy drop-knees and drifts |
| Fanny Z | VVF | 5’10” Retro Twin | Flowing cutbacks with looseness |
Technical Breakdown of Twin Fin Performance on Challenging Waves
The dynamic combination of speed and agility that twin fins deliver becomes especially evident when tackled against challenging French beach breaks. Unlike traditional thrusters, twin fins capitalize on reduced drag, allowing for quicker acceleration down the face of the wave. This setup fosters a looser, more fluid approach to turns, which pros exploit to carve tight arcs and perform radical cutbacks even in unpredictable surf conditions. The minimal fin surface area also reduces resistance, empowering surfers to maintain higher speeds through chop and on steeper wave sections.
Key performance aspects observed include:
- Enhanced maneuverability with rapid directional changes
- Improved glide speed on open-faced waves
- Increased sensitivity to subtle wave shifts, aiding predictive paddling
| Performance Metric | Twin Fin Advantage | Thruster Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Top Speed | Up to 15% faster | Standard |
| Turn Radius | Sharper by 20% | Wider |
| Wave Face Hold | Moderate | High stability |
Top Tips from the Pros for Mastering Twin Fin Surfboards
Embrace Flow and Speed – Twin fin surfboards thrive on smooth, rail-to-rail transitions and fast, arcing turns. Pros consistently emphasize the importance of maintaining momentum through the wave’s face rather than fighting it. To master this style, focus on low, fluid body positioning and quick, deliberate weight shifts. Avoid sudden braking maneuvers, as these disrupt the natural glide a twin fin offers. Instead, think of your board as an extension of the wave, carving effortless lines that maximize speed and generate a lively, playful ride.
Tweak Your Setup for Conditions – While twin fins are renowned for their loose, skatey feel, pro surfers adjust their fin configurations depending on wave size and power. A wider fin base provides stability on larger waves, while narrower setups amplify maneuverability in smaller surf. Additionally, riders recommend experimenting with fin flex and rake angles to dial responsiveness. Below is a quick guide to select fin attributes based on wave type:
| Wave Type | Fin Base | Flex | Rake Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small & Mushy | Narrow | Soft | Steep (More upright) |
| Medium, Hollow | Medium | Medium | Moderate |
| Large & Powerful | Wide | Firm | Shallow (More swept back) |
To Conclude
As the sun set on the French coastline, the 38 pro surfers showcased not only their skill but also the timeless appeal of twin fins, blending vintage style with modern performance. This unique event highlighted the enduring versatility of twin fin setups and reminded the surfing world that innovation often lies in revisiting the past. SURFER Magazine will continue to follow these athletes as they push the boundaries of the sport with both boldness and respect for surfing’s rich heritage.
