Starboard Balsa Core SUP Side Fin Set

The Starboard Balsa Core SUP Side Fin Set is a premium side fin upgrade for paddlers who want a lighter, more responsive feel from their surf or hybrid SUP setup. If you are looking to sharpen up turns, reduce swing weight and keep your board feeling lively underfoot, this is the more performance-led option in Starboard’s fin range.

These fins sit above a more basic moulded side-fin set for riders who care about how their board feels on the wave. The benefit is not just lower weight on paper. A lighter side-fin setup can make the board feel quicker from rail to rail, easier to redirect and more positive through drawn-out turns. For paddlers riding surf SUPs, smaller wave boards or hybrid shapes, that extra response is exactly why this upgrade makes sense.

Why choose the Starboard Balsa Core SUP Side Fin Set?

• Lighter feel than a standard side-fin setup for a more reactive board
• Helps reduce swing weight, so turns feel quicker and less laboured
• Designed for paddlers who want more drive and release in surf conditions
• A strong choice for performance surf SUP and crossover board setups
• Premium Starboard construction with a more eco-conscious material story
• Available in 4.5" and 4.7" sizes to suit different boards and rider preferences

What do these fins do on the water?

Side fins play a big part in how a SUP behaves when you put it on rail. They add grip, control and stability through turns, but they also influence how free or tight the board feels. With the Starboard Balsa Core SUP Side Fin Set, the goal is improved response without making the board feel dead or overly stiff.

In plain English, these are the kind of fins you choose when you want your board to feel more precise. They help the tail hold where it should, but still allow the board to release naturally when you want to redirect or change line. That makes them especially appealing for riders who surf their SUP properly rather than simply using side fins for extra tracking.

The balsa core construction also gives these fins a premium feel for riders who want to trim unnecessary weight out of their setup. It is the sort of upgrade you notice in how the board accelerates into a turn and how cleanly it comes back out again.

Where they sit in the range

If you simply need a basic replacement set of side fins, the Starboard Thruster Net Positive SUP Fin Set is the more budget-friendly choice. If you want a lighter and more performance-focused setup, the Balsa Core version is the better pick.

If you are also refreshing the centre fin on your board, it is worth looking at the wider SUP fin range, including options like the Starboard SUP Center Fin - Net Positive and the Starboard Balsa Core Bio Resin Natural Winner SUP Fin, depending on whether your priority is surfing, all-round use or straighter tracking.

Specifications

Package includes

• 1 x pair of Starboard Balsa Core SUP side fins

Please note: this product is a side fin set only. A centre fin is not included.

Helpful advice

Not sure whether to go 4.5" or 4.7"? As a general rule, the smaller size suits riders wanting a looser, slightly more playful feel, while the larger size gives a little more hold and confidence. If you are replacing an existing Starboard side-fin setup, matching your current size is usually the safest route.