How Fin Rake Affects Speed and Turning
Fin rake has a major influence on how a surfboard feels in the water.
It affects speed, turning style, and control, often more than surfers expect.
If your board feels too stiff or too loose, fin rake is often the reason.
This guide explains what fin rake is, how it affects performance, and how to choose the right rake for your surfing.
What Is Fin Rake?
Fin rake refers to how far the fin tip sweeps back from the base.
More rake = longer, more drawn-out fin shape
Less rake (upright fin) = more vertical outline
More rake produces longer turning arcs and smooth projection, while upright fins produce quicker direction changes.
Upright Fins vs Raked Fins
Upright Fins (Less Rake)
Provide:
Quicker turning
Faster release
Tighter arcs
Loose feel
Upright fins suit:
Small waves
Beach breaks
Fast direction changes
A good example is the 5.7" Upright Twin Fins – Pro Glass, designed for quick response and fast release.
Raked Fins (More Rake)
Provide:
Stronger drive
Longer turns
Better projection
Smoother feel
Raked fins suit:
Open faces
Point breaks
Powerful waves
A dependable example is the 4.45" Raked Thruster Fins, designed to deliver clean projection and smooth carving turns.
How Rake Affects Speed
Rake influences how efficiently a board maintains speed through turns.
More Rake = Better Projection
Raked fins help the board maintain forward speed when carving.
They:
Hold the rail longer
Maintain water flow
Reduce abrupt release
This creates smooth acceleration out of turns.
Performance thruster sets like the 4.75" Performance Thruster Fins – Pro Glass provide a balanced rake that suits most surfers and conditions.
Less Rake = Faster Direction Changes
Upright fins release more easily, allowing the board to redirect quickly.
They work well when:
Waves are weak
Sections are short
Turns need to be quick
This makes upright fins popular in everyday beachbreak conditions.
How Rake Affects Turning Style
Fin rake strongly influences the shape of your turns.
More Rake Produces:
Long carving arcs
Smooth rail-to-rail transitions
Controlled high-speed turns
Surfers who like flowing style often prefer more rake.
Less Rake Produces:
Tight turns
Quick snaps
Vertical surfing
Surfers who like aggressive direction changes often prefer upright fins.
How Much Rake Do You Need?
Most surfers perform best with moderate rake.
Moderate rake provides:
Reliable drive
Predictable turning
Balanced performance
This is why most everyday thruster fins use moderate rake designs.
Rake and Wave Type
Small Waves
Small waves often benefit from more upright fins because they allow faster direction changes.
This helps maintain speed when waves lack power.
Powerful Waves
Powerful waves often benefit from more rake because they provide stability and projection.
Raked fins maintain control when the board is under load.
Rake vs Other Fin Features
Rake works together with other fin features.
Base
More base provides:
Stronger drive
Depth
More depth provides:
Greater hold
Foil
Foil influences:
Lift
Release
Rake works best when combined with the right base and depth.
Signs You Need More Rake
You may benefit from more rake if:
Turns feel too abrupt
Board loses speed through turns
Rail feels unstable at speed
Signs You Need Less Rake
You may benefit from less rake if:
Board feels stiff
Turns feel slow
Hard to redirect quickly
Choosing the Right Rake
For most surfers:
Moderate rake works best
Upright fins suit small waves
Raked fins suit open faces
If you're unsure, start with a balanced thruster setup like the 4.75" Performance Thruster Fins – Pro Glass, which offers a proven balance of speed and turning.
Common Questions About Fin Rake
Does more rake mean more speed?
More rake usually provides better speed through turns, especially on open faces.
Are upright fins faster?
Upright fins can feel faster in small waves because they release quickly, but raked fins maintain speed better during carving turns.
Do professional surfers use raked fins?
Many performance thruster templates use moderate to high rake because it provides reliable projection.
Is rake important for beginners?
Yes.
Fin rake influences how easy a board is to turn and control, even for new surfers.
The Bottom Line
Fin rake strongly influences how your surfboard turns and carries speed.
More rake = smoother carving and better projection
Less rake = quicker turns and faster release
Choosing the right rake helps your board feel balanced and predictable in real surf.