With fins, you can ride your bodyboard safely and easily from a freak wave. Whether you’re new to bodyboarding or you’re already an expert, let us help you find the best bodyboard fins through our top five list.
The Top 5 Best Bodyboard Fins
Here are the best bodyboard fins that you’ll find in the market this year.
DORSAL Bodyboard Swimfins
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best Body Swimfins from DORSAL
Description:
- With an orca tail design for improved thrusts, speed and performance.
- Made from gum rubber for enhanced comfort.
- Gives you enhanced power with a stiffer and more durable design
Features:
- Dimensions: 1.97 x 1.97 x 1.97 inches, 2.25 pounds
- Sizes: five sizes available from XS to LG
- Fin Design: orca tail design
- Material: gum rubber
- Special Features: fins can float, enhanced knit line, stiffer blades, and triple ribs, with drainage holes
- Accessories: none
DORSAL Bodyboard Fins or flippers have an orca tail design. These fins provide powerful thrusts, quicker speeds, and enhanced performance designed for bodyboarders and body-surfers. These are unlike dolphin-style fins as they are faster, more powerful, and more durable.
These DORSAL bodyboard fins are made from gum rubber with softer and suppler pockets for comfortable use. These swim fins also float and thus will help you move more efficiently. These come with a higher knit line which helps produce powerful thrusts. The blades are also stiffer because of their triple ribs. You’ll enjoy using these fins longer because of their quality design.
At the end of the fins are drainage holes that allow rocks, sand, and water to escape. You can move quicker and safer with these well-designed bodyboard fins.
Pros
- With an orca tail design that is known to be better than dolphin-style fins.
- Very comfortable with softer foot pockets.
- With better and stronger kicking power.
- Made from durable and long-lasting materials.
Cons
- It’s hard to find the right size.
- Available only in one color and style.
Churchill Makapuu Floating Fins
Star Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Best Dolphin Tail Swim Fins from Churchill
Description:
- With a dolphin swim fins design for swimming or snorkeling.
- Very comfortable, easy to slip-on.
- H made from durable materials, natural gum rubber which is why these fins float.
Features:
- Dimensions: 18.74 x 10.79 x 4.8 inches, 0.96 ounces
- Fin Design: dolphin swim fins
- Sizes: five sizes from small to extra-large
- Material: 100% gum rubber
- Special Features: slip-on design, for kids and adults, with drainage holes, stiffer blades, higher blade line, thicker heel
- Accessories: none
The Churchill Makapuu floating fins are dolphin-style swim fins that move just like real dolphin fins. These produce enhanced thrust and better performance compared to other designs. Your feet will feel comfortable with these fins. It has a slip-on style for easy use before you hit the water and while in it. You can use these Churchill floating fins as you snorkel, swim, scuba dive, and when you’re bodyboarding.
These Churchill fins are made from the best quality gum rubber which is why these fins. The material on the foot pockets is softer and thus more comfortable while the material on the fin body is harder. This makes the fins faster, more powerful, and more efficient in the water.
Churchill fins are available in many sizes. It is one of the most trusted bodyboards and swim fins and is one of the most trusted brands.
Pros
- With a dolphin fin design that’s faster and more efficient in the water.
- With a comfortable fit, designed for men, women, and kids.
- Available in different sizes from small to extra-large.
- Can be used for bodyboarding, scuba diving, and swimming.
- Offers improved thrusts and overall performance.
Cons
- Only one style/color available.
- Complaints that the foot pocket is not contoured.
- Complaints of the strong smell of rubber.
Kpaloa Swim fins Pro Model Waterman
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best Swimfins for Bodyboarding and Bodysurfing from Kpaloa
Description:
- Made from tough vulcanized rubber for enhanced performance.
- Can improve movements in the water while retaining comfort.
- Designed for all users whether you’re bodyboarding or bodysurfing.
Features:
- Dimensions: 15.35 x 8.66 x 2.56 inches, 2.45 pounds
- Fin Design: advanced hydrodynamic shape by Henrique Pistilli the “Fishman”
- Board Sizes: five sizes, from extra-small to extra-large
- Material: vulcanized rubber
- Special Features: ideal for surface kicks, with Balanced Floating formula, with three drainage holes, comfortable design
- Accessories: none
The Kpaloa bodysurf and bodyboarding swim fins are made from very strong and very durable vulcanized rubber. These fins float in water and thus add improved performance when you’re swimming or just hanging out on your board while in the water.
The Kpaloa swim fins are perfect for surface leg kicks for improved acceleration and movement. The foot pockets are made from very soft rubber that enhances comfort as you wear this for longer periods.
These fins are designed for all ages and are available in different sizes. You must follow the sizing chart closely to ensure the best fit. Take note that these swim fins have adult men and women sizes. There is only one design, one color for these swim fins.
Pros
- Made from high-quality materials for the best performance.
- With special design, larger surface area for better leg kicks.
- Makes you move faster and more efficiently in the water.
- The foot pockets are soft and comfortable while the blades are hard rubber for enhanced durability and performance.
- Available in different sizes for men and women.
Cons
- No drainage holes.
- No sizes for kids.
- No other available color and style.
Hydro Tech 2 Ocean Swim Fins
Star Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Best Ocean Swim Fins Designed for Bodysurfing from HYDRO
Description:
- Available in different colors and designs
- Available in many sizes.
- Made from the best quality materials for enhanced comfort and style
Features:
- Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 4 inches, 4.5 pounds
- Fin Design: V Rail Design
- Board Sizes: six sizes from extra-small to extra-large
- Material: silicone
- Special Features: V Rail design, enhanced surface area, do not float, asymmetrical design
- Accessories: none
The HYDRO Tech 2 is a set of ocean fins and is designed for bodyboarding and bodysurfing. These are available in four fun colors and six different sizes from extra-small to extra-large. You must pay special attention to sizes as men’s sizes are different from women’s sizes.
The HYDRO Tech 2 is made from very durable yet comfortable silicone called T-Form. This is softer and much more efficient than rubber. It has a V Rail design for better kicking and thrusting as the fins have larger surface areas.
These fins have asymmetrical blades, there’s a right and a left fin which helps users glide better and faster as the force around the foot is equally distributed. Meanwhile, these fins don’t float compared to rubber fins. Three drainage holes can efficiently remove water, stones, and sand. The ankle straps are contoured to provide the most comfortable fit.
Pros
- Comes with an enhanced design for faster thrusts and improved comfort.
- With asymmetric blades for enhanced force distribution around the feet.
- With a more comfortable ankle strap.
- Available in different colors and sizes.
- Made from a new silicone material for softer foot pockets.
Cons
- Will not float.
- Not as durable as rubber.
Speedo Switchblade Fins
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Best Ocean Swim Fins Designed for Bodysurfing from HYDRO
Description:
- Made from very durable rubber that floats.
- Designed with a 10-degree blade angle for enhanced stability and movement.
- With extended pockets for increased comfort even when used for longer times.
Features:
- Dimensions: 14.02 x 7.01 x 2.99 inches, 1.08 pounds
- Fin Design: 10 degree blade design
- Board Sizes: 8 sizes from XXXS to XXL, youth to adult
- Material: 100% rubber
- Special Features: 10-degree angle, an extended foot pocket, with midfoot flexion, side rails
- Accessories: none
The Speedo Switchable Fins are made from very strong, very durable natural rubber. These are stronger and longer-lasting compared to silicone or plastic fins. These have a unique design which is similar to a regular open toe shoe with flippers on the sole.
These bodyboard fins have a 10-degree blade angle that produces enhanced overall stability and improved movement kick after kick. The design allows you to maximize your kicks without affecting cadence and your techniques. You’ll also move faster and more efficiently at this angle.
The foot pockets are longer and more comfortable. With this unique design, you’ll feel more comfortable and the fins are not likely to fall off easily. The flippers are flexed along the midfoot which helps avoid cramping and the side rails are designed to engage your hips and promote down kick movements.
These bodyboard fins are available in a lovely black and red colors. Sizes from XXXS (youth shoe size) up to XXL (men’s and women’s shoe sizes) are available.
Pros
- You can choose from a wide variety of sizes.
- Made from very strong and durable natural fibers.
- With an enhanced angle for improved stability and movements.
- With improved foot pockets for maximum comfort.
- Avoids cramping promotes hip rotation and down kicks.
Cons
- Available only in one style.
- Complaints about the fit and size
How To Buy Bodyboarding Fins
Bodyboard fins will help you ride waves faster and more efficiently. Fins can move you through any size of wave easily and quickly. You will look forward to catching more waves when you wear bodyboard fins as it can help you control your movements and will also make you safe. From the waves to the shallows, you’ll safely and efficiently get back to shore.
The difference between bodyboard fins from diving fins
There’s a huge difference between bodyboard fins and diving fins and making sure you have the right one will largely affect your performance. A good bodyboard should have softer rubber found along with the foot pocket while there’s stiffer rubber on the rails and blades. With this design, you’ll keep moving as a single unit.
Compared to diving fins, bodyboard fins should remain strong and firm as you paddle. You will avoid strain with this design plus, you’ll move faster.
Comfort is a huge factor
Bodyboard fins should fit perfectly and comfortably which is why these come in many sizes and designs.
Keep in mind that your feet must be comfortable and relaxed. These must not be squeezed together or cramped inside the foot pocket. There must be no pressure along with the toes. The sides shouldn’t be nipped as this can lead to cramps as you move through the water.
The heel strap must not cut through your foot and the top must not hurt as you move. Overall, the fin must be snug, not too tight, and not too loose. Fins are unlike shoes. These won’t be as comfortable as walking shoes or running shoes. If you’re not comfortable with one brand, try another one or another size until you get the best fit.
The correct fit is crucial
You want to move through the water minus any pain, strain, and discomfort and the best way to get the correct fit is to find the right size.
One of the most problematic parts of a bodyboard swim fin is the ankle strap. You are likely going to worry about how uncomfortable the ankle straps are than other parts of the fin. To get the best fit, the strap must be snug because if it’s too tight, you’ll suffer from cramps but if these are too lose your fins will surely come off.
Your toes must be pressed at the ends of the foot pockets. If not, these will become uncomfortable as you move. The fins must not come loose. If these become loose in the water, the hard rubber can rub on your feet and cause injury. Also, you’ll have little power as you move in and out of the surf. Loose fins will also likely come off as you perform.
Another thing to consider is feet changes as you enter the water. Coldwater will make your feet shrink while warm waters can make them expand. Consider these factors as you choose the right fit.
Also, you might notice changes as you wear the fins on dry land and as you use them in water. Huge changes can also be felt as you paddle. So as you purchase your bodyboard fins from a shop, try to kick them or move them, like the way you move when you’re in the water. Don’t just shop sitting or standing. Do you plan to wear wetsuit socks or slippers? If so, you should buy a fin size larger than your regular size to accommodate your socks or slippers.
Check bodyboard fin sizes
Bodyboard fins come in different sizes from extra extra-small to extra-extra-large sizes. There are no standard sizes across swim fin brands so you must be very particular when ordering. Always check the sizes and corresponding value for every brand before you buy.
Aside from the fin’s overall size, some swim fin brands may have different foot pocket sizes for different feet. You’ll find fins for wide, narrow, or high instep feet. If you can’t find the exact size, buy one size larger or use socks or slippers with the fins.
Prone riding and drop knee riding fins
There are two ways to ride a bodyboard: prone riding and drop knee riding. Prone riders ride their bodyboards with their chest on the board. The right set of swim fins are the ones with an asymmetrical or traditional design such as the Churchill style.
For children and smaller riders, symmetrical fins work better as these have shorter surface areas which make these easier to kick.
Meanwhile, drop knee riders have different swim fins to help them move across waves without the struggles of getting their front food in the correct position. What they do is tweak standard fins by cutting the front fin with a knife. You should have this done by a professional to avoid ruining your fins and for safety.
About bodyboard fin drainage holes
Almost all bodyboard fins come with drainage holes that can remove small bits of sand, stones, and shale. Good fins should have correct drainage hole sizes. Your toes must never push through the drainage holes as you exert pressure on the blades while you move. You can avoid this by choosing only good quality swim fins.
How to care for your bodyboard fins?
Another important thing is learning how to care for your bodyboard fins. Fins should be properly cared for every after use and must be kept in the right storage conditions. Regular care will go a long way.
Make sure to rinse the swim fins in freshwater right after use. Salty water can deteriorate the fins if these are left on the fins. Hang the fins in your storage compartment; don’t bend them as these will remain bent by the time you use them.
Don’t walk over rocks and sharp objects as these can damage the underside of the fins. Sharp rocks can also split the drainage holes so don’t step on them. Don’t leave swim fins out in cold temperatures as rubber can degrade in these climates. Don’t leave these outdoors; place these in a suitable storage area.
FAQS
These are the most frequently asked questions about bodyboard fins
How do I enter the water with bodyboard fins?
Walk in the water and ride your board. Kick with your fins underwater to achieve maximum force. As you approach whitewater, push the board underwater and as you go deep, kick your fins to move forward faster and to emerge from the wave.
Do you need to use fins with bodyboards?
Fins are very important in bodyboarding because they provide propulsion as you move through the waves. It can also help you ride waves and to boost through the air. You need fins to ride a bodyboard so you can easily escape a freak wave.
How do you make sure that you’re using the correct bodyboard fin sizes?
To make sure that you’re using the right bodyboard fin size try the fins out by kicking or moving them just like you would in the water. Follow the standard sizing rules for selecting the right swim fins; take note that every brand has different sizing standards.
The fins must be snug and must not be too tight to cause injury and must not be too loose to accidentally come off your feet. The straps should also be snug as a tight strap can scratch your skin while a loose one can come off easily.
Can you use diving fins instead of bodyboard fins?
You can’t use diving fins from bodyboard fins as these are different from each other. Diving fins are longer than bodyboards and hence, are slower. Diving fins will give users slow yet consistent long strokes. Meanwhile, bodyboard fins are shorter and are easier to handle. Bodyboard swim fins are also faster so you can easily move through a wave.
Can bodyboard fins make you move faster?
Bodyboard fins can make you move faster compared to not using any fins at all. You need to move faster and more efficiently in the water to work a bodyboard.
Conclusion
When selecting the best bodyboard fins, two top flippers seal the deal: the DORSAL Bodyboard Fins and the Churchill Makapuu floating fins. The DORSAL fins have an orca tail design for stronger thrusts to give you powerful speeds while the Churchill Makapuu has a dolphin fin style design that is more comfortable and flexible in any kind of water sport.
The DORSAL bodyboard fins are quicker and are great for bodyboarders and body-surfers. The Churchill Makapuu floating fins are very comfortable with a slip-on style and are recommended for all kinds of water sports including snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, and bodyboarding. We recommend these best bodyboard fins for bodyboarding but make sure to consider your size carefully.