Fin Release Meaning in Surfing

Fin release occurs when the back of the board slides out of water. This happens when the surfer pushes hard enough to disengage the fins. The board rotates freely on the surface before the fins grip again. This maneuver adds a progressive and modern style to a standard turn. It requires a sudden burst of leg power and very precise timing. The surfer must maintain balance while the board loses its primary traction. A surfer performs a sharp snap that results in a fin release. Spray flies into the air as the tail slides across the top. One athlete executes a clean fin release at the lip of waves. Mastering this skill allows for more explosive and exciting performances on a board.