How to Surf Faster in Small Waves: Boards, Fins, and Construction
Why Speed in Small Waves Matters
Small surf is where most of us spend the majority of our time. The challenge? Staying fast enough to catch sections, make turns, and keep the session fun. The good news is that the right board design, fins, and construction can help you generate speed even when waves are weak.
Board Choice: Groveler vs Small-Wave Performance Board
- Grovelers: Wider outlines, flatter rockers, and more surface area under your chest. They glide easily and project down the line but can feel stiff or catch in turns.
- Small-Wave Performance Boards: Shorter, with low entry rockers and wider tail blocks. They fit into tight pockets and allow quicker, sharper turns, while still carrying speed.
Your choice depends on how you like to surf: glidey projection down the line (groveler) or tight top-to-bottom turns (performance shortboard).
Fins: Speed vs Control
- Twin fins: Fastest option with no drag from a center fin. Great for projection and fun flow.
- Quads: More drive and speed down the line, with smoother flow between turns.
- Twin + Trailer: Thruster feel with extra speed.
- Thruster (3 fins): Classic stability and pivot, but often slower in weak surf.
Construction: EPS vs PU
- EPS/Epoxy: Floats higher, feels lighter, and adds “pop” in turns. Best for small waves where responsiveness matters.
- PU/Poly: Heavier, sits deeper in the water for more control in choppy conditions.
Lightweight builds (around 4.5 lbs for a shortboard) feel quicker and more responsive, helping you put the board where you want it with less effort.
How TRAX Helps You Surf Faster in Small Waves
You can guess which fins or construction give you speed - or you can measure it. TRAX tracks your paddling, speed, and turn flow across boards and fin setups. That way, you’ll see which combinations really help you generate speed in small surf and which are slowing you down.
Related Reading
- Are You Surfing the Wrong Section of the Wave?
- Fix Your Surf Stance – Without Getting in Your Head
- Duck Diving: The Skill Every Shortboarder Needs
