Bodyboarders know the importance of riding waves with quality fins.
Thrust, durability, comfort, stiffness, and price are the main variables you have to take into consideration before purchasing a pair of bodyboard fins.
Thrust is really crucial. Whether you're competing or simply getting the most out of your bodyboard, you should know when that is a "go" wave.
It doesn't matter if the wave is small or big; if you decide it's a good one, you must not lose it.
Legs are to bodyboarders what arms are to stand-up surfers. Therefore, thrust plays a vital role in catching a wave.
Correctly designed fins get the most out of the power of your legs and throw you into the selected wave easily. There are asymmetric and symmetric fins.
Durability is also a major factor. It's important that a $50-$100 investment will be enjoyed for at least three, four, or five years.
Fin durability also means that you're not going to get yourself caught inside in front of a 10-foot wave set just because one of your fins is totally ripped.
All bodyboarders understand the difference between a comfortable pair of fins and a painful model.
When you're riding waves for several hours or days straight, fins must be an extension of your legs rather than a hard piece of PVC or plastic attached to your feet.
Stiffness is the sum of thrust, durability, and comfort. Some riders prefer flexible materials; others like harder fins that respond more quickly.
There are several historical brands producing top-quality bodyboarding fins, and there are cheap bodyboarding fins, too.
For more information on the right size for your feet, check out the swim fin size chart.
Discover the best bodyboard fins for the 2024 season:
Churchill Makapuu
Churchill has been in the market since 1936. The Makapuu Swimfins are a classic choice.
They use a patented construction that gives you optimum power and acceleration for catching and riding waves.
Buy: Amazon.com
Kpaloa Waterman
The Kpaloa Waterman swim fins are a signature model designed by Henrique Pistilli.
It is made with ultra-soft rubber and features symmetrical blades, three holes for quick and complete water drainage, and comfortable foot pockets.
Buy: Amazon.com
Viper Vector V5
Viper presents the Vector V5. These fins offer a freedom shape spreader bar pad, a dual-blade hook knife, and a single overlap power belt.
They feature a seven-inch blade with full-length side rails for maximum power and thrust.
Buy: Amazon.com
Air Hubb
The Air Hubb swim fins by Hubboards are lightweight and will float if you lose them in a wipeout.
The stiff fin blade and soft foot pocket deliver the perfect combination of power and comfort.
Buy: Amazon.com
Hydro Tech 2
The Hydro Tech 2 fins were designed to reduce the kicking effort and maximize comfort.
Its silicon-based construction releases water and sand from the foot cavity faster than it enters.
Buy: Amazon.com
Ally Clark Little
The Ally Clark Little fins are a signature model designed by the legendary shore break photographer. They're made of 100 percent natural rubber and float in salt water.
The fin blade is stiff and reinforced with two rods to provide maximum thrust and power with every kick. The curved ankle strap decreases irritation and the chance of ulcers on the ankle ball.
The swim fins have holes for draining water and come with comfortable tethers.
Buy: Amazon.com
Pride Vulcan V2
The Pride Vulcan V2 fins feature an ergonomic foot pocket and ankle strap for maximum comfort in all types of conditions.
It also comes with a drainage system to ensure sand and water don't stay inside the fin pocket.
Buy: Amazon.com
Stealth S1 Classic
The Stealth S1 is the brand's classic, best-selling model.
Made with 100 percent Malaysian rubber, it features a stiff curved blade for maximum propulsion.
Buy: Amazon.com
Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com
The bodyboard fin review has been updated on January 3, 2024.
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