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How to choose the best bodysurfing fins

HAVE FUN

The list of bodysurfing fins for swimming up for review , dafin, churchill, redleys fins, duckfeet fins ,propel fins ers fins, h2o fins

body surfing fins:there are a lot of choices for the perfect fin

In these reviews, we will give you the facts from our personal experience with each swim fin brand. We simply want you to have the best time handboarding, and part of that is having the best knowledge to be able to choose the equipment that best suits your needs and skill level. We may have our personal favorites, and we will let you know, however, be aware that everyone has their own requirements. So know what you are looking for in your handboarding equipment and buy according to those requirements. I like my fins to be above all comfortable, light and compact as I tend to do a lot of travel surfing.

Shop Our fin pick +

Choosing the best bodysurfing handboarding fins the quick list

1. Dafin
2. Kpaloa duck feet fins
3. Leblon Fins
4. Voit Duck feet fins
5. DMC Repellor fins
6. Viper Vector v5 & v7 fins
7. Propel fins
8. Makapu fins
9. ERS 4 fins
10. Propel fins
11. Makapu fins
12. ERS 4 fins

Scroll down For the extended reviews

The difference between bodysurfing fins and bodyboarding fins

The fundamental differences between bodysurfing and bodyboarding fins

Paul Watts, an accomplished bodyboarder and bodysurfer, has bodysurfedand bodyboarded around the world, from Sumatra to South Africa, and has used just about every fin under the sun on his travels. He has lost more fins in wipeouts in exotic places than most people have thought about fins.

"As a bodyboarder, the fins that I like are generally smaller, as I like to get up drop-knee. Therefore, I prefer a fatter, stiffer fin with a softer compound around the foot. I always struggled to find good fins that do not give me blisters. The problem with a lot of the fins is that they are all very much designed to control flow above water when you are on the wave and add control for the "bodyboarder" and little to no thought is given to the fin being used for bodysurfing." - Paul Watts

From a bodysurfing point of view, we have a relatively small selection of fins to choose from that are specifically designed for bodysurfers. However, our sport is growing, and companies are starting to design fins for bodysurfers.

THREE things to keep in mind when buying new fins for "bodysurfing"

1.
Fin Sizing and Comfort
2.
Fin Materials
3.
Fin Drive and Flow

Choosing bodysurfing fins THE REVIEW

Sizing and comfort

Size matters! Sizing and comfort for bodysurfing fins go hand in hand. In the past, most fins came in small, medium and large, 3-sizes-fits-all. Since then fin companies have done their research on what the customer wants. A perfect fitting swimming fin is by far and above the most important thing to get right. It doesn't matter how well the fin performs; if it's too big or too small, it will ruin your session. The best way to get the sizing right is to try a fin on at your local surf shop. Some fins run slightly bigger or smaller than your actual shoe size.

Choosing bodysurfing and handboarding fins The review materials on fins

What Materials are best

Natural rubber is the most comfortable and we always choose a natural rubber over synthetic. Choose a material that floats and is lightweight. Swim Fins are relatively expensive, and you will want to be able to find it in the water if it comes off. Lightweight material is essential, both for carrying your fins and for wearing them in the water. You will want to be quick and agile in the water, not weighed down by your equipment.

Choosing bodysurfing and handboarding fins The review

Drive and Flow

Drive and flow is referring to the way the fin performs in the water. As our Slyde rider Paul pointed out above, most fins are designed for bodyboarders these fin designs focus on control of water when the bodyboarder is out the water. A true bodysurfing fin will be concerned with not only flow under the water but also control and hold while bodysurfing the wave. As an example bodysurfing fins have rails that channel water.

Shop Our fin pick +

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO USING FINS

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO USING FINS

We test which fins float

We test which fins float

THE HANDBOARDING AND BODYSURFING FIN REVIEWS

Choosing bodysurfing fins the review

DA-FIN

ENDORSED BY MARK CUNNINGHAM

slyde ratings: 9/10

Price Range: $64-76

▼Read Our Review

quick Facts

Widely regarded as the worlds best bodysurfing fin for water men and woman around the world
The official swim fin of the United States Lifesaving Association
The number one choice for lifeguards, bodysurfers, and top water men around the world.
Designed in Australia perfected in Hawaii
Ultra-comfortable foot pocket
Float in the water
Lightweight (a big + for traveling water men)
Rigid blade with side rails for powerful bursts of speed and lasting acceleration that won't tire your legs.
All around amazing swim fin

What make the Dafin different?

Dafinare light and compact and are great for easily throwing in your backpack on for a quick session. We love to travel and I don't want a heavy fin to lug around. Also, The Soft the natural rubber is very smooth and soft unlike a lot of other chunkier fins. There is a reason we only supply Dafin.

slyde ryder thoughts

Dafin are one of our favorite fins well refined, tested and proven in some of the most critical situations in the world from north shore Hawaii to Teahupoo, Tahiti. What impressed us most about Dafin's is the incredible comfort of the foot pocket. When bodysurfing fins are essentially doing the same things fins on a surf board do, they steer you. The Dafin's rigid fin and contoured edge is a perfect balance of propulsion and steering. Dafin are also designed specifically for swimming and body surfing and handboarding, the fins are a perfect length for thrust and kick and not for flow outside the water like many fins designed for bodyboarding

The Bad

There is very little we didn't like about the Dafin. They are fantastic fins, however, fins are a personal preference and I have heard complaints of a too rigid fin. In the end it comes down to what you prefer and for bodysurfing you really cant go wrong with these fins.

Choosing bodysurfing fins the review kpaoloa swim fins

KPALOA DUCK FOOT

BRAZILIAN NATURAL RUBBER

slyde ratings: 8.5/10

Price Range: $75-80

▼Read Our Review

Quick Facts

Super soft Brazilian vulcanized rubber, made in Brazil
This is a Brazilian company that has been around since 1983 according to their website
New kid on the U.S market, therefore quiet hard to find right now
Kpaloa are designed for bodyboarding
Ultra-comfortable foot pocket
Kpaloa Float in the water
Not as Lightweight as Dafin but Compact
Great color combinations
Explosive power

What make the Kpaloa different?

Made in Brazil from what seemed like the softest rubber I have come across, especially around the foot pocket area. Even though they were not designed specifically for bodysurfing you couldn't tell as they are not asymmetric like a lot of other bodyboard fins and they have great control and maneuverability.

slyde ryder thoughts

Rated by 2016 World Bodysurfing Champion for boys division 15-17 Dylan Biggerstaff had this to say about the Kpaloa fins. They have great explosive power without overexerting my knees and legs. The first thing I noticed was how soft and comfortable the foot pocket was. They were "super slick" When on the wave they did not hold me back at all. The symmetry of the fins provided great control and maneuverability. The Kpaloa also had a surprisingly powerful kick they got me in the wave earlier and allowed me to get barreled for longer. The bright green color was great if they come off you can find them a lot quicker than other fins. Kpaloa are great fins!

The Bad

There is little to complain about with the Kpaloa's. They look like they last a long time given the right care and are really comfortable. The only real issue we see is they are a few dollars more and that might turn some people off the Kpaloa but we think they are worth it.

Choosing bodysurfing fins the review

LEBLON

The most powerful fins ever

slyde ratings: 8.3/10

Price Range: $109-116

▼Read Our Review

quick Facts

Created by JSC Mauricio, a long-time Brazilian, passionate bodysurfer
One of the few fins designed specifically for bodysurfing
Developed in Germany with the latest advances in fluid dynamics to bodysurfing.
Named after Mauricios home break of Leblon Beach in Rio de Janeiro
Designed and tested at Nazare and Leblon. Two big wave bodysurfing spots
Leblon is now based in Florida, USA
Float in the water
3 styles of fin to suit every level of bodysurfer / ocean swimmer
Exceptionally Rigid blade with side rails for powerful bursts of speed that will have you going faster than most other fins on the market
Great fins for the bodysurfing looking to hit the bigger waves

What make the Leblon different?

The biggest benefit that Leblon fins have over any of their competition is the propulsion that they provide. I have never used a pair of fins with this much speed with very little effort. The foot pocket is built from a very soft natural rubber and the blade starts next to the foot pocket which is designed to maximize energy conversion on thrust with minimum effort. The lateral rails are completely separated from the foot pocket, allowing the water to flow between them, eliminating drag. The side rails really are quite high and more pronounced and you do feel like you have a lot of control on the face of the wave. One thing I will note is these are heavy fins and bulky and would probably not be a travelers first fin option

SLYDE RYDER THOUGHTS

These are a pair of fins I would recommend to anyone who wants to make sure they get into the pocket on big days over 5-8 foot. They gave me a lot of confidence I was going to make the drop on the set waves and not head over the falls. They were also really fun doing underwater takeoffs popping out at the last second to get pitted, super fun. They were not as much fun in shore break on smaller days as there is a lot of fin. They also took a little getting used to with the high rails and I they got hooked on each other a couple time, but the more I used them the better it got

The Bad

This may not be a bad for everyone but one thing I will note is these are heavy and bulky fins and would probably not be a traveler’s first fin option. However if you are on a trip to surf Nazare or any one of the bigger breaks around the world look no further. But for the recreational bodysurfer this will be a lot of fin. Be sure to wear fins savers (as you should with every fin) I lost mine twice on a big day at Salt Creek but they float so I found them on both occasions. Also it may be worth noting these are one of the more expensive fins on the market ,however if you are surfing big waves the money for good equipment is immaterial

Choosing bodysurfing fins the review Voit Duck Feet Swim Fins

Voit Duck Feet

legendary fins

slyde ratings: 8.2/10

Price Range: $33.80 - $79.85

▼Read Our Review

quick Facts

Duck feet have Legendary status in the world of fins. Navy seals love these fins
Two distinct lengths short for bursts of power and long for longer fluid kicks
Designed specifically for swimming and bodysurfing
Dual density rubber with a soft rubber foot pocket
The Duck feet have a stiff blade
Full floating rubber and cool color combinations
Great propulsion with very little effort
Decisions, decisions be sure to know what you want them for long blade or short make a big difference

What make the Voit Duck feet different?

Duck feet fins are made Voit UDT which stands for Underwater Demolition Team. The Duck feet are a staple with a lot of older generation watermen and woman, especially the lifeguards and open water rescue crews. The longer bladed version are great for longer swims and rescues in open water, where the shorter blade is great for explosive bodysurfing style that requires maneuverability off the mark speed.

slyde ryder thoughts

Voit Duck Feet are a staple of the older generation but have fallen out of favor with the new generation, who have all but turned to Dafin for their bodysurfing fin needs. Also the older Voit Duckfeet where not focused on comfort as they were the propulsion. This is were Dafin took over and created the ultra comfy foot pocket. However, Duck feet have up'd their game with a new rubber combinations that have really made the fins a lot more comfortable with the same old propulsion they are known for. We felt that if you find the foot pocket comfy then the Voit Duck Feet are the way to go

The Bad

For me the foot pocket was little narrow and my foot started to ache after about 45 minutes in the water. That being said the propulsion from theses fins are phenomenal and beat out most other fins.

Choosing bodysurfing fins the review the repellors

repellor

Don McCredie fins

slyde ratings: 8.2/10

Price Range: $75-$80

▼Read Our Review

quick Facts

Designed and made by Mr bodysurf Australia Don McCredie
Incredible molding and finish we were blown away at the quality highest we have seen
New on the market as of November 2016
Amazing look and feel with soft touch matt finish rubber
Designed in Australia
Ultra-comfortable foot pocket and a raised ankle cutaway makes it super comfy
Float in the water
Lightweight and compressible to take up less space in luggage
The Repellor have a great flushing sytem that get rid of sand and rocks quicker than most other fins
They look like the a Star Wars Thunder Jet fighter plane

What make the repellor different?

The first thing you will notice about the Repellor is how well they made, truly the best made fins we have seen. The reverse VEE rails really do what they say and channel lots of water and has the effect of stabilizing your ride. The Spaceship like folded up rails fold out flat when you are kicking effectively making the fin a third bigger and really giving you a huge boost when you need it most and steering when you are on the wave. An ingenious piece of engineering

Rider thoughts

The Bad

These might be a a bit flexible and although that generally means more comfort it means less propulsion, for us anyway.

Choosing bodysurfing fins the review the repellors

VIPER VECTOR V5 & V7

FLOAT & DURABILITY

slyde ratings: 8/10

Price Range: $69-80

▼Read Our Review

Quick Facts

The V stands for Vector
Made in America
100% recyclable
New rubber compound improvements from old version
The vectors have a great color combinations
V7 has a 7 inch blade and the v5 has the shorter 5 inch blade
Yellow is the stiffer blade and the Orange vector is the softer version
All vectors Float Float in the water
Lightweight rubber compounds
Great color combinations
The fin worn by many professional body surfers and bodyboarders

What make the V7 and V5 Vectors different?

The first thing you will notice about the vector series is the high rail system that is designed to aggressively channel water down the blade of the fin. These are the highest and most pronounced rails of any fin we have seen. They also come in awesome bright yellow and orange great for finding in the ocean if they come off. They have a strong thrust for confident take-offs and deep duck-dives in big surf.

slyde ryder thoughts

I originally tried the v7 yellow vectors that I swapped out from a pair of Dafin. I felt the longer fin were great for long swims or treading water. The v5 yellow with the shorter fin and speed burst would be a great bodysurfing fin. Once I was on the wave I had an amazing ride the longer blade made it really easy to control and steer

The Bad

Vectors are an either, you love them or hate 'em kind of fin. Some watermen and woman swear by them and others hate them. The foot pockets of the older version had to have the neoprene inserts or the hard rubber cut up your feet. The newer Vectors have the newer rubber compound and are way more comfy.

Choosing bodysurfing fins the review propel platino Swim Fins

Propels

GREAT PROPULSION

slyde ratings: 7.5/10

Price Range: $39 - $50

▼Read Our Review

quick Facts

Soft foot pocket for superior foot comfort similar to the da-fin
Contoured ankle strap
Wider fin reduces calf muscle cramping
Extended level blade increases balanced power
Directional control ribs channel water flow off centre of blade
Full floating rubber lack of color combinations
Mid stiff blade for power
Left and right fins for max comfort
Australian brand

What make the Propels different?

The Propel Fins are designed with the name in mind "propulsion". We found significant increase in propulsion because of the wider fin blade and outside contours.

slyde ryder thoughts

These are cheap fins but the work great. For a relatively unknown fin we were very impressed with the propel the moment we put these on and rode them they excelled in every aspect from Drive through to comfort (No Cramps or Blisters big + when it comes to Fins) I lost one in a heavy wave, but they floated really well and found them straight away. All in all these are great fins and I will be using them on a regular basis.

The Bad

The only reason we don't stock these fins is because the manufacturing was very poor. The difference between the Repellor (also an Aussie brand) is like night and day. That being said they are half the price of the Repellors. These are all I wore for 2 years until I lost them at an event and it seems sad that they are not more popular and more effort being put into making the manufacturing and materials better, because the shape and fin works so well. if you can find them they are great value for money.

Choosing bodysurfing fins the review the makapu swim fins

MAKAPU

PATENTED DOLPHIN FIN DESIGN

slyde ratings: 7.5/10

Price Range: $45 - $65

▼Read Our Review

quick Facts

Mitch Rawlins, Ryan Hardy, Jeff Hubbard and many other top professionals wear Churchill Makapuu fins
Made with floating rubber Truly a floating fin
Traditionally a bodyboarder fin but great swim bodysurf fin
One of the oldest and most respected shaped fins Invented in 1936
Makapuu fins also act like a skeg on a surfboard to help maintain total control
Named after the famous surf spot Makapu on Oahu
The rubber covering your foot is soft for complete comfort while the rubber found on the blade is stiff for more kick power
Left and right fins for max comfort
One of the most copied shape in fin history

What make the repellor different?

The Churchill Makapuare probably one of the oldest fin shapes in the world and have had amazing success. So much in fact that they are ripped off by a lot of different companies. What sets the Makapu fins apart is they where designed off the shape of a dolphin fin and allow you a lot of thrust especially when you place both feet together and kick together.

slyde ryder thoughts

These classic fins have been around a long time. They achieve very good drive and control. Great for the all round water man or woman. They are not a swim or bodysurfing specific fin regardless I got a lot of great waves. They did quiet have the propulsion a traditional bodysurfing fin has but they were very adequate.

The Bad

The Makapu are not a traditional bodysurfing fin which is why it gets put down our list and loses a few points. Also they are pretty chunky and heavier than the other fins on this list.

Choosing bodysurfing fins the review v7 v5 viper fins swim fins

ERS 4 FINS

EXPLOSIVE POWER

slyde ratings: 7.3/10

Price Range: $60-$70

▼Read Our Review

Quick Facts

Made by ally of all natural rubber making them soft
Similar to the coveted Redley fins that are no longer in production
Asymmetric making them a bodyboard specific pair of fins
The left and right foot pockets for better fit
Short fin with Explosive speed and thrust
All vectors Float Float in the water
Not as Lightweight as Dafin but more compact
Great color combinations
The fin worn by many professional body surfers and bodyboarders in hawaii

What make the Ersa4 fin different?

ERS4 fins are very similar to the classic Redley fins in design and shape. They are individually shaped left and right foot pocket molds for the best performance and fit. They are very explosive fins made from 100% natural rubber. They also come with a thermo molded ankle strap and a foot pocket that has a traction pad on it for those sprints out the shore break or if you are bodysurfing a reef or walking on slippery surfaces this comes in handy. The drainage holes are great to get rid of that excess sand from barely shore breaks. They also float in case you lose a fin.

slyde ryder thoughts

The ERSA 4 fin are incredible fins designed for bodyboarders. However, they work really well bodysurfing or handboarding too. They are a little heavy but they make up for it in being a more compact fin. I found my pair to be a great in shorebreak where you need smaller fins and had adequate thrust to get into steeper quicker waves.

The Bad

These are making a comeback thanks to 662 board shop in Hawaii bringing out their own version and making some cool colors. The fact that they are designed for bodyboarding means they get a lower rate on our scale. However, if you are looking to do both bodyboard and bodysurf the ERSA4 are a solid choice.

Choosing bodysurfing fins the review propel platino Swim Fins

Hydro Tech

FIRST EVER SILICON FIN

slyde ratings: 7/10

Price Range: $67 - $80

▼Read Our Review

quick Facts

Made from silicon not rubber compound, The world's only Silicon based fin
Australian designed
The silicon material makes for a super soft foot cavity making these a very comfortable choice
A dedicated left and right foot making initial fit more comfortable
Hydro Fins are a great starter or novice fin

What make the hydro tech feet different?

the Biggest difference from the other brand here is that the entire hydro range is made from silicon and not rubber. The Company says " The benefits of using this material far outweigh the extra cost; the silicon does not cause blisters as rubber tend to" what we say: If there is a possibility of using a fin that doesn't cause discomfort, we are all for it . The actual blend and hardness of the silicone used has been the result of extensive collaboration with the molder, the material is soft, yet resistant to tearing and splitting, and is UV proof as well. The shape of the foot pockets has been the subject of considerable research, and along with the dedicated left and right foot fins, give exceptional comfort, and greatly reduce the incidence of cramps.

slyde ryder thoughts

The Hydro tech Fins live up to their reputation as being a comfortable fin. The silicon is way more comfortable than the rubber on most other fin brands. However, update and advances in rubber have all but caught up to to the comforts in silicon. Also, they have a great thrust to them and are small enough to be able to walk up the beach or into the water without too much problem. Great fins and very comfortable

The Bad

We found the Hydro tech are little on the soft side and don't quiet have the stiffness and spring of the rubber versions and are more suited to beginner riders. However, the price tag on the Hydro tech make them a little steep for beginners.

Choosing bodysurfing fins the review the mike Stewart viper swim fins

MS Viper

Mike Stewart Signature Fins

slyde ratings: 6.9/10

Price Range: $69 - $75

▼Read Our Review: quick Facts

Mike Stewart 9 X World Champion Bodyboarder and 15 X Pipe Bodysurfing Champion Signature Fin

Designed for all types of wave-riding, specifically bodysurfing
Delta tail used to reduce drag and give the rider more control
Pronounced riveted grip that really improves grip on slippery surfaces
MS Vipers float so you can find them in the heaviest of conditions
Beveled side walls-not as prolific as the vector style but helps with control
Foot Drainage to get rid of water and pebbles
Comes in yellow dot version regular and the orange dot with softer rubber for flex

What make the MS Viper different?

The Ms Viper are designed for bodysurfing, and quick acceleration. As performance driven fins, they arebest suited for a strong swimmer.Mike Stewart has said they are his favorite and he has a number of world Championships under his belt, so they come with great backing. The also have a wider blade that really help with thrust.

Slyde Ryder thoughts

I found that the MS Viper are great when you need a really sharp burst of speed and I really liked them in shore break. I felt I had considerable amount of control.

The Bad

The MS Vipers are a great choice for wave-riders in powerful surf. Sizing can be a bit difficult, I personally had a problem with the foot pocket being a bit constrictive on my foot. Maybe I needed a bigger pair but, I felt like the rubber was a bit too hard for my liking.

Choosing bodysurfing fins the review churchhill slasher swim fins

Churchill Slasher Fins

Mini Makapu fin

slyde ratings: 6.6/10

Price Range: $45-$50

▼Read Our Review

Quick Facts

100% Natural rubber and recyclable
A softer version of the much vaunted Makapu fin
The second fin in the Churchill range that started by Olympic sailor Owen Churchhill
Rounder pod like shape with the same dolphin tail inspired outline as the Makapu
Drain hole for water and pebble release and
Floating rubber compound
There is a left and right foot fin
Designed for bodyboarding

What make the Churchill Slasher fin different?

Churchill fins have amazing pedigree and have been around since 1936. The Slashers are really a great alternative to the more aggressive Makapu range and the slashers are great for beginners. They have a shorter fin have have the great Dolphin inspired outline

slyde ryder thoughts

The Churchill Slashers are not my go to fins by any means and I felt like they were a bit heavy and way to small a fin for bodysurfing. The foot pockets were also fairly uncomfortable so I would suggest a bigger size up. I felt I got the most thrust and power form the Slashers when I placed my leg together and kicked like a dolphin. On the wave I felt dragged down somewhat in comparison to the lighter fins.

The Bad

Fin Making and construction has moving on and the Slashers is a very old mold. Today fins are lighter and lot more comfortable. However for the price the Slashers are a viable option for someone looking to save some money.

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