Flex Meaning in Surfing

Flex refers to the amount a surfboard or fin bends under pressure. This property allows the equipment to store and release energy during a turn. A board with more flex feels springy and lively on the wave face. Very rigid boards provide more speed but can feel stiff to the rider. Shapers use different materials to control the flex pattern of every surfboard. A surfer feels the board load up with energy during a deep turn. The release of this flex provides a burst of speed out of maneuvers. One athlete prefers a flexible fin for a more forgiving and smooth ride. Proper flex helps the surfboard adapt to the moving shape of the ocean wave.