{"product_id":"starboard-sup-side-fins-set-balsa-core","title":"Starboard Balsa Core SUP Side Fin Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eStarboard Balsa Core SUP Side Fin Set\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eWhy choose the Starboard Balsa Core SUP Side Fin Set?\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eLighter feel than a standard side-fin setup for a more reactive board\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eHelps reduce swing weight, so turns feel quicker and less laboured\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDesigned for paddlers who want more drive and release in surf conditions\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eA strong choice for performance surf SUP and crossover board setups\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePremium Starboard construction with a more eco-conscious material story\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAvailable in 4.5\" and 4.7\" sizes to suit different boards and rider preferences\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003eWhat do these fins do on the water?\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eSide 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eWhere they sit in the range\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eIf you simply need a basic replacement set of side fins, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/starboard-thruster-net-positive-sup-fin-set\"\u003eStarboard Thruster Net Positive SUP Fin Set\u003c\/a\u003e is the more budget-friendly choice. If you want a lighter and more performance-focused setup, the Balsa Core version is the better pick.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIf you are also refreshing the centre fin on your board, it is worth looking at the wider \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/fins\"\u003eSUP fin range\u003c\/a\u003e, including options like the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/starboard-sup-center-fin-net-positive\"\u003eStarboard SUP Center Fin - Net Positive\u003c\/a\u003e and the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/starboard-balsa-core-bio-resin-natural-winner-sup-fin\"\u003eStarboard Balsa Core Bio Resin Natural Winner SUP Fin\u003c\/a\u003e, depending on whether your priority is surfing, all-round use or straighter tracking.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003ctable\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003eStarboard Balsa Core SUP Side Fin Set\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003eSUP side fin set\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSizes available\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e4.5\", 4.7\"\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003eSurf SUP and hybrid SUP setups\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003eBalsa core performance construction\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003eLightweight, responsive and more performance-oriented than standard side fins\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/tbody\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e \u003ch3\u003ePackage includes\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e1 x pair of Starboard Balsa Core SUP side fins\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlease note: this product is a \u003cstrong\u003eside fin set only\u003c\/strong\u003e. A centre fin is not included.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eHelpful advice\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cdetails\u003e \u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this fin set best suited to?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis is best suited to paddlers using a surf SUP or hybrid shape who want a lighter, more performance-led side-fin setup. It is a good upgrade for riders who care about turning feel, grip and responsiveness rather than simply replacing a broken fin with the cheapest option.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/details\u003e \u003cdetails\u003e \u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between the 4.5\" and 4.7\" sizes?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe 4.5\" option will generally feel a touch looser and quicker to release, while the 4.7\" gives a little more bite and hold through turns. If you are heavier, ride more powerful waves or prefer a planted feel, the 4.7\" can make sense. If you want the board to feel a bit more lively, the 4.5\" is often the better choice.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/details\u003e \u003cdetails\u003e \u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo these fins come with a centre fin?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo. This is a side fin set only. If you also need a centre fin, take a look at our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/fins\"\u003eSUP fin collection\u003c\/a\u003e for compatible options.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/details\u003e \u003cdetails\u003e \u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these a good upgrade over standard side fins?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes, especially if you notice the feel of your board on the wave. The main reason to choose the Balsa Core version is to reduce weight and get a more refined, responsive feel from the tail of the board.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/details\u003e \u003cdetails\u003e \u003csummary\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these only for expert riders?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo, but more experienced riders will usually appreciate the difference most. That said, any paddler trying to improve the feel of a surf or hybrid SUP can benefit from a lighter, better-quality side-fin setup.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/details\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Starboard","offers":[{"title":"4.5\"","offer_id":53475529883981,"sku":null,"price":69.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"4.7\"","offer_id":53475529916749,"sku":null,"price":69.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0904\/8381\/8829\/files\/StarboardSUPSideFinsSet-BalsaCore.jpg?v=1772727169","url":"https:\/\/www.thesupco.com\/products\/starboard-sup-side-fins-set-balsa-core","provider":"The SUP Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}