Fins

SUP fins, fin screws and replacement fin options

SUP Fins for Paddleboards, Touring, Racing and River Paddling

The right SUP fin can make a big difference to how your paddleboard tracks, turns and feels on the water. This collection brings together paddleboard fins, river fins, touring fins, race fins, click fins, US fin box spares and replacement fin parts from trusted watersports brands.

Start by matching the fin to your board’s fin box system, then think about where you paddle most. A shorter river fin helps in shallow water, a longer touring fin improves tracking, and a performance fin can sharpen glide and control for faster paddling. If you are not sure which fin fits your board, ask The SUP Company team for advice before ordering.

Expert Advice Replacement Fin Help Demo Options Delivery Support

SUP fin buying guide

How to choose the right paddleboard fin

Choosing the right SUP fin starts with compatibility. Before looking at size, shape or performance, check what fin system your paddleboard uses. Common options include US fin box systems, click-in fins and brand-specific fittings. A fin that looks right can still be wrong if the base, screw position or locking system does not match your board.

Once you know the fitting, choose the fin style around where you paddle most:

  • All-round paddling: choose a dependable centre fin that balances tracking and turning.
  • Touring: a longer, more swept-back fin can help the board track straighter over distance.
  • River paddling: a shorter river fin helps reduce grounding in shallow water.
  • Race and fitness paddling: a performance fin can improve hold, glide and efficiency.
  • Surf SUP: fin choice affects turning, grip and release on the wave.

If you are unsure, send us a photo of your fin box and board model via the contact page and we will help you narrow it down.

US fin box, click fin or brand-specific fin?

A US fin box is one of the most common systems on touring, race and many inflatable paddleboards. It usually uses a plate and screw, giving you some adjustment forwards or backwards in the box. Moving the fin slightly can change how planted or manoeuvrable the board feels.

Click fins are designed for faster fitting and removal. They are useful for paddlers who pack and unpack often, but you still need to make sure the exact click system matches your board. Some click fins are specific to a brand or board range.

Brand-specific fins and spares are often the safest choice when replacing a lost or damaged original fin. For example, if you have a Red Paddle Co, Starboard, Jobe or Fanatic board, it is worth checking the original board model and fin system before choosing a replacement.

Helpful starting points include the Jobe Aero SUP Centre Click Fin, Red Paddle Co US River Fin 4.6", Red Paddle Co Click Fin and the full SUP fins collection.

Best SUP fins by paddling style

All-round paddling

Look for a practical centre fin that is easy to fit and gives a good blend of tracking and turning. Ideal for family paddling, first boards and general cruising.

Touring

A touring fin usually favours straighter tracking and smoother glide, which helps when covering distance on rivers, lakes, estuaries and sheltered coastal routes.

River and shallow water

Shorter river fins reduce depth below the board and help in shallow sections. They can make paddling less stressful when weeds, gravel or sandbanks are a problem.

Race and performance

Performance fins are often chosen by paddlers who want better hold, efficiency and control at speed. The Black Project Ray Fin is a useful example of a premium race and touring fin option.

River fins vs touring fins: what is the difference?

A river fin is usually shorter, so it sits higher in the water and is less likely to catch the bottom. It is useful for shallow rivers, tidal creeks, weedy areas and casual paddling where grounding is likely.

A touring fin is usually deeper and more focused on straight-line tracking. That means fewer correction strokes and a more efficient feel over distance. The trade-off is that deeper fins need more water beneath the board and may not suit very shallow routes.

For many UK paddlers, it can make sense to own more than one fin: a shallow-water river fin for low-depth paddles and a longer touring fin for open water, fitness paddling and longer routes.

Replacement fins, screws and small spares

If your fin has been lost, damaged or left behind after a session, do not guess the replacement. Check the board brand, model, year and fin box type first. The most common mistake is ordering the right style of fin with the wrong fitting.

Small parts matter too. US fin box screws, plates and fin keys are easy to misplace, but without them the fin cannot be secured properly. It is worth keeping a spare screw set in your board bag, especially if you travel with your SUP or paddle regularly.

For fitting help, visit The SUP Company How To Series, which includes useful SUP setup guidance, or contact us with photos of your board and existing fin box.

Try, Advise, Ride: how we help you get the setup right

Try: If you are buying a full board or paddle setup, the SUP Test Centre at Woodmill gives you the chance to compare paddleboards and paddles properly before committing. Fin choice is part of how the full setup feels on the water.

Advise: A fin is not just a spare part. It affects tracking, turning, grip and how confident the board feels. Tell us your board model, paddling location and experience level, and we will help you choose the most suitable option.

Ride: The right fin helps you spend less time fighting the board and more time enjoying the session, whether that means easier cruising, cleaner tracking, better shallow-water paddling or improved performance.

For wing, foil and specialist demo advice, you can also explore Try It Now at The SUP Co x Lymington.

Delivery, finance and support

Most fin purchases are simple accessory upgrades or replacement parts, but if you are building a full board, paddle and accessory setup, you may also want to look at finance options at The SUP Company.

For delivery information, including shipping options and current policy details, visit our shipping policy. For returns and general support, visit the FAQs page or contact the team directly.

Need help choosing a SUP fin?

Send us the brand and model of your board, a photo of the fin box and where you normally paddle. We will help you choose a fin that actually fits and suits how you ride.

Contact The SUP Company for fin advice or visit The SUP Co x Woodmill for in-store paddleboard support.

SUP fin FAQs

How do I know which fin fits my paddleboard?

Check the fin box first. Look at whether your board uses a US fin box, a click-in system or a brand-specific fitting. If you are unsure, send us a clear photo of the fin box and the board model via our contact page and we will help you identify the right replacement.

What is the best fin for shallow rivers?

For shallow rivers, look for a shorter river fin. It reduces the depth below the board and helps avoid catching the bottom. River fins are especially useful where there are weeds, gravel, sandbanks or low water levels.

Will a bigger SUP fin make my board more stable?

A deeper fin can help a board track straighter and feel more planted, but it does not replace the stability that comes from board width, volume and shape. If your board feels unstable, the fin may help slightly, but it may not be the main issue.

What is the difference between a touring fin and a race fin?

A touring fin is usually chosen for straight-line tracking, easy glide and dependable control over distance. A race fin is more performance-focused, often designed for efficiency, hold and speed. Some premium fins work well across both touring and race-style paddling.

Can I use a race fin on an inflatable paddleboard?

Sometimes, yes, but only if the fin system is compatible and the board suits that style of fin. A race fin may improve tracking and efficiency, but it may not be the best choice for shallow rivers, beginner paddling or general family use.

Do I need a fin screw and plate?

If your board uses a traditional US fin box, you will normally need a screw and plate to secure the fin. Some fins use tool-free systems, while others use a screw, plate or grub screw. Always check the fitting before heading to the water.

Where should I position a US box fin?

As a general guide, moving the fin further back can make the board track straighter, while moving it slightly forward can make the board easier to turn. Start near the middle of the box, then make small changes based on how the board feels.

Can The SUP Company help me choose the right replacement fin?

Yes. We help customers match replacement fins to board models, fin boxes and paddling style. Send us your board details and photos, or visit The SUP Co x Woodmill for in-store support.

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