Upright vs Raked Fins — Which Should You Ride?
The shape of your surfboard fins has a major impact on how your board feels in the water. One of the most important design features is fin rake.
Choosing between upright fins and raked fins affects:
Turning speed
Drive through turns
Projection
Overall board feel
This guide explains the difference between upright and raked fins and helps you decide which style suits your surfing best.
What Are Upright Fins?
Upright fins have a more vertical outline with less sweep from base to tip.
This creates a fin that releases easily and responds quickly.
Upright fins typically provide:
Fast turning response
Tight turning arcs
Quick release
Loose feel
Upright fins are popular in small-to-medium surf where quick direction changes are important.
A good example is the 5.7" Upright Twin Fins – Pro Glass, designed for quick response and fast release.
What Are Raked Fins?
Raked fins have a tip that sweeps further back from the base.
This creates a longer outline that holds the rail and maintains speed through turns.
Raked fins typically provide:
Strong drive
Smooth projection
Longer turning arcs
More hold at speed
Raked fins are popular in open-face waves and powerful surf.
A dependable example is the 4.45" Raked Thruster Fins, designed for clean projection and flowing turns.
The Key Differences
Upright Fins
Provide:
Quicker turns
Faster release
Tighter arcs
Looser feel
Best suited to:
Small waves
Beach breaks
Fast direction changes
Raked Fins
Provide:
Strong drive
Smooth projection
Longer turns
Better hold
Best suited to:
Point breaks
Powerful waves
Open faces
Which Fins Are Faster?
Both designs can feel fast — but in different ways.
Upright Fins Feel Fast Because They Release Quickly
They allow:
Rapid direction changes
Quick pumping
Easy acceleration in weak waves
This makes upright fins feel lively in small surf.
Raked Fins Maintain Speed Through Turns
They help the board:
Carry speed through carving turns
Maintain rail hold
Project forward
Balanced thruster sets like the 4.75" Performance Thruster Fins – Pro Glass combine moderate rake with reliable drive for everyday conditions.
Which Turns Better?
Upright Fins Turn Tighter
They make the board feel:
Quick
Loose
Easy to redirect
Ideal for surfers who like vertical surfing.
Raked Fins Turn Smoother
They make the board feel:
Stable
Flowing
Controlled
Ideal for carving surfers.
How Wave Type Influences Fin Choice
Small Waves
Small waves often suit upright fins because quick turning helps generate speed.
Upright fins make it easier to:
Pump for speed
Redirect quickly
Fit turns into short sections
Larger Waves
Larger waves often suit raked fins because they maintain control at speed.
Raked fins help:
Hold the rail
Maintain projection
Control powerful turns
Most Surfers Need Moderate Rake
The majority of surfers perform best with moderate rake fins.
Moderate rake provides:
Balanced drive
Predictable turning
Reliable control
This is why many everyday thruster sets use moderate rake designs.
Dependable all-round examples include the 4.75" Performance Thruster Fins – Pro Glass, designed for balanced speed and turning,
and the 4.5" Progressive Thruster Fins – Black Pro Glass | FCSII Compatible Set
Signs You Should Try Upright Fins
You may benefit from upright fins if:
Your board feels stiff
Turns feel slow
You surf small waves
You like quick snaps
Signs You Should Try Raked Fins
You may benefit from raked fins if:
Your board feels loose at speed
Turns feel abrupt
You surf open-face waves
You like carving turns
Common Questions About Upright and Raked Fins
Are upright fins better for small waves?
Often yes. Upright fins make it easier to generate speed and redirect quickly in weaker surf.
Are raked fins better for powerful waves?
Usually yes. Raked fins provide stronger drive and better control at speed.
Do professional surfers use upright fins?
Some do, particularly in small waves. Many professional templates use moderate rake for balanced performance.
Which is better overall?
Neither is universally better.
Upright fins suit quick turning and small waves.
Raked fins suit smooth carving and powerful waves.
The Bottom Line
Fin rake changes how your board turns and carries speed.
Upright fins = quicker turns and faster release
Raked fins = smoother turns and stronger drive
Choosing the right rake helps your board feel faster, more controlled, and more predictable in real surf.