The Best Swim Fins for Bodyboarding & Bodysurfing
Looking to upgrade your swim fins for bodyboarding, bodysurfing, or swimming laps in the pool? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you're a beginner catching your first waves, an advanced rider chasing barrels, or are training for a triathlon, we've got swim fin options for everyone.
At 662 Bodyboard shop, we have been helping customers find the best swim fins for their needs for over 20 years and have organized a list of the highest quality fins on the market for various performance preferences, use cases, and style tastes. If you aren't sure which type of swim fins would be best for you, check out our how to choose swim fins section below. Now let's find your new favorite pair of fins!
Best Swim Fins of the Year
| Ally | 662 Edge Swim Fins |
| ERS4 Swim Fins |
| DaFin Pro Classics Swim Fins |
| Vulcan V3 PLC Model Swim Fins |
| Mike Stewart VIPER Swim Fins |
| Delta VIPER Icons "Original Flex" Swim Fins |
Ally | 662 Edge Swim Fins
Ally and 662 have partnered together to bring you the Edge Swim Fin. Leaving you with the same comfortable foot pocket as the Ally Swim fins and the best placement a fin could have for the foot pocket drainage, but giving you that edge blade.
These Special Edition Swim fins are an asymmetrical fin designed with the classic bodyboarder in mind combining both superior quality rubber compounds and a refined blade to create a high performance bodyboarding fin. The stiff inner blade acts as an extension of your big toe to provide you with maximum line control. The outer blade helps minimize drag by channeling water flow through the center of the fin. The newly enhanced "Edge" design is a shortened straight blade which allows for a faster propulsion in those critical moments and will help increase your wave count.
ERS4 Swim Fins
Named after Eddie Reed Solomon IV, ERS4 fins are the long-awaited answer to many peoples search for the ideal fin for bodyboarding. These fins are a new school take on a classic fin, closely resembling the Classic Redley Swim Fin, Eddie Solomon took a good idea and made it great.
They are individually shaped with left and right foot pocket molds for the best performance, fit and explosive power. Take your bodyboarding experience to the next level and shop ERS4 swim fins!
DaFin Pro Classics Swim Fins
DaFiN is one of the most powerful and comfortable swim fins in the water today. DaFiN was developed in Hawaii by Andy Cochran, an Aussie who was one of Oz's early surfing pioneers. Cochran worked closely with two of Hawaii's most famous watermen, Mark Cunningham and Brian Keaulana, on the design of DaFiN.
DaFiN is the only swim fin endorsed by the United States Lifesaving Association, the premier professional association of beach lifeguards and open water rescuers in the United States. Besides helping lifeguards, DaFin is also great for bodyboarders and body surfers alike!
Vulcan V3 PLC Model Swim Fins
Vulcan swim fins were designed based on years of research and development from the collaboration of professional bodyboarders such as Pierre-Louis Costes and Jarod Houston. Vulcan swim fins offer bodyboarders the most modern advances in fin technology.
The new V3 PLC (Pierre Louis Costes) model offers more stiffness than any other fin in the Vulcan range. PLC has been working on this model for the last two years in order to design the perfect fins for his needs. They incorporate 40% of recycled rubber as all the other fins of the range in order to reduce our impact on rainforests and biodiversity. Find your perfect pair of swim fins and shop Vulcan today!
Mike Stewart VIPER Swim Fins
Mike Stewart Viper Swim Fins are designed with performance, comfort, and control in mind. Featuring a wider, shorter blade, these fins offer quick acceleration, perfect for catching waves with ease. The beveled sidewalls and unique delta tail design enhance control and minimize drag. With maximum foot pocket drainage, rocks and pebbles won't hinder your kick, keeping you comfortable in the water.
These fins are built to last, crafted from superior 100% natural rubber compounds. The rivet grip tread provides excellent footing on slippery rocks without snagging on coral or sharp objects. Additionally, Viper fins float high and remain visible even in the roughest surf conditions, helping ensure that you don't lose them. Packaged sustainably in sturdy recycled cardboard and printed with soy-based ink, these fins are an eco-friendly choice for the conscious bodyboarder or bodysurfer. Elevate your performance in the waves with the reliable and innovative Mike Stewart VIPER Swim Fins!
Shop Mike Stewart VIPER Swim Fins
MS Delta VIPER Icons "Original Flex" Swim Fins
Bodyboarding experienced a wildly progressive era in the 80’s and 90’s. The functionality of asymmetric fins for bodyboarding became the standard. Iconic maneuvers were being developed and captured on film which became the foundation for much of modern riding. As a tribute to this iconic era we present to you Delta VIPER Icons. Iconic colorways with modern performance.
Crafted from a softer, floating natural Malaysian rubber compound, these fins ensure a comfortable yet powerful experience in the water. Designed with precision, the winged tip off the inside rail enhances water flow for superior control, while the straight-cut angled blade minimizes turbulent drag. Whether you're aiming to replicate the iconic maneuvers of bodyboarding legends or carve your path in the waves, these fins offer the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation.
Shop MS Delta VIPER Icons "Original Flex" Swim Fins
How to Choose Swim Fins
Choosing the right swim fins is crucial for maximizing your performance and comfort in the water.
Here are 3 key factors to consider if you want to make the most out of your purchase:
1. Fin Stiffness Levels (How Much Bend or Give do Fins Have)
Stiff Fin Blades
- Pros: Can provide more response, power, thrust, and quicker acceleration.
- Cons: Are typically less comfortable than softer or more bendy blades, which can lead to more muscle strain, or cramps for riders who need to build endurance or who swim for long periods of time.
- Recommendation: Typically better suited for intermediate to advanced bodyboarders who are willing to sacrifice a little bit of comfort for faster acceleration.
- Pros: You can kick faster and they are typically more comfortable as they put less strain on your muscles and joints due to their give in the water.
- Cons: Can require more effort or extra kicking to accelerate as quickly as stiff fins.
- Recommendation: Can be a better option for beginners looking to grow their endurance, are ideal for people with leg or knee issues, or they can be great for any level bodyboarder or bodysurfer looking for longer sessions in the water.
2. Fin Blade Shape
Symmetrical Fins (Balanced Shape)
- Symmetrical fins typically have a universal fit, meaning you can wear each fin on either foot (No left or right foot specific fin) and are generally a wide triangle type shape.
- Symmetrical fins typically have less surface area than asymmetrical fins, making it easier to kick for beginners which also helps to reduce strain or cramping in the legs.
- Shorter, symmetrical fins are typically the go to for drop knee bodyboarding, but this is the only riding style that has a defined ideal fin type.
Asymmetrical Fins (Unbalanced or Dolphin Shape)
- Inspired by the shape of a dolphin's powerful tail, asymmetrical fins feature rigid (Stiffer) outer blade sections to accommodate for their extended length and larger surface area.
- They will typically have a strengthened rail on the longer side of the fin or both sides to allow for greater propulsion through the water.
- The longer outer edge aligns with the leg to help you hold on the wave, which can help provide greater control.
3. Fit and Comfort
- Ensure the fins fit snugly without causing discomfort.
- Poor fitting fins can lead to foot pain, ankle pain, blisters, or cramping, especially when new.
- Be sure to check out the swim fin size charts for whichever brand of fin you are interested in purchasing to help ensure that you get the right fit!
- Swim fin socks or pads can help you get a snug fit if you fall between sizes and will help prevent the fins from rubbing on your skin as you kick.
- Swim fins will take some time to break in and become more comfortable. The first time you wear your fins in the water, they will be their tightest and stiffest. As you bodyboard with a new pair more, the fit should loosen up, they will become a little less stiff, and they should feel more comfortable on your feet!
These are just a few of the key considerations for selecting swim fins. For full details on how to select the best swim fins for your needs, be sure to check out our swim fin buying guide.
How We Test Swim Fins
At 662 Bodyboard Shop, we are committed to helping you find the highest quality products from the best brands the bodyboarding and bodysurfing industry has to offer. Our product testing process is rigorous and designed to provide the most reliable recommendations. Here's how we ensure the swim fins we recommend are quality options:
20+ Years of Experience with Swim Fin Design & Engineering
662 Bodyboard Shop was launched in 2003 out of a small garage by Eddie Solomon, a Southern California bodyboarder known for his aggressive, big wave riding at legendary spots like Waimea Shorebreak and The Wedge. For close to ten years, he operated several bodyboard only stores and launched one of the first and most successful online bodyboard shops in existence. During this time, he worked closely with bodyboard industry pioneers to learn about bodyboarding design and engineering, in order to launch his own swim fin and bodyboard brands.
Utilizing these years of experience passed on by Eddie, we work closely with swim fin manufacturers to advance fin design and produce products that offer optimal performance. We also collaborate with other swim fin brands to bring you the best fins available on the market.
Hands-On TestingNothing quite beats real-world testing. Our team takes each pair of fins into the ocean to evaluate their performance in various wave and water conditions. We also collaborate and sponsor some of the greatest bodyboarders in the world, helping us collect advanced insight on how fins are performing in various conditions. This hands-on approach helps us understand how swim fins feel on our feet, generate power, support control on the face of the wave, and how comfortable they stay with long term use.
Collecting Customer FeedbackWe listen to the bodyboarding and bodysurfing community, which includes you! Customer reviews and feedback are integral to our assessment, providing insights into the durability, performance, and overall satisfaction of each pair of swim fins over time.
By combining years of experience with swim fin design, hands-on testing, and collecting customer feedback, we are confident in helping you find the best fins possible!
Final Thoughts
Whether you're new to bodyboarding or bodysurfing or are a vet in the water, the right pair of fins can make all the difference in your performance and enjoyment while catching waves. Finding the best pair of swim fins comes down to understanding your preferences and how different types of fins perform.
If you find that you are still not sure which type of fins would be best for you, feel free to contact us. With our comprehensive testing, and wide product selection we hope that our best swim fin list has helped you find your new favorite pair!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need Swim Fins for Bodyboarding or Bodysurfing?
- While possible to bodyboard or bodysurf without swim fins, they give you the thrust and speed needed to catch more waves and swim more efficiently. Fins aren't necessary for young children but are a must for most adult bodyboarders and bodysurfers. The right pair of swim fins enhances propulsion, agility, and control in the water, making it easier to catch waves and have more fun!
How do I know if my swim fins fit correctly?
- A proper fit feels snug but not uncomfortably tight, with no excessive pressure points. Your heel should fit securely in the pocket, with minimal movement.
What is the best pair of swim fins?
- It depends on your preference and activity. Longer blades offer more propulsion, ideal for bodyboarding. Shorter blades are better for bodysurfing, providing greater maneuverability.
How much should I spend on swim fins?
- High-quality fins are an investment in your bodyboarding, bodysurfing, and lap swimming experience. We don't recommend compromising on quality for the sake of saving a few dollars as having to replace poorly made swim fins after minimal use will end up not being cost effective in the long run. Most fins between $60 - $100 will offer quality performance and can last many years with proper care!
