Top 10 Best Bodyboard Fins in 2023 – Optimum Choices for Bodyboarders

The best bodyboard fins in 2023? What are they? Read this article to find out!

Bodyboarding is considered either a leisure activity for summer holidays or a technical water sport. And some of the readers here, I bet, must be a devotee of this aquatics or a beginner as well.

For ones who have taken up bodyboarding lately: Besides bodyboards, a set of swim fins is one of the most useful tools or even a must-have for bodyboarding. Regarding both professionals and amateurs, there’s a need to pick out a particular pair of fins so that bodyboarders can achieve certain goals in the sport or at least can easily move in the water.

And perhaps, you haven’t made up your mind about the favorite fins yet. Lucky for you, I have shortlisted the 10 best bodyboard fins together with detailed descriptions of the products and buying guide.

What Are Bodyboarding Fins?

Bodyboarding fins are the tiny side fins that are often equipped on your feet when riding surfboards, especially bodyboards. They are usually made from rubber, plastic or carbon fiber. Bodyboard fins render technical assistance to users as they provide additional thrust and help to keep control of the bodyboard.

Fortunately, bodyboard fins are inexpensive so you can hope to have a great time floating on the water with your suitable ones.

My Top Picks

Considering the benefits that bodyboard fins offer and their reasonable price, I highly recommended a purchase right away whenever you start bodyboarding.

However, there are thousands of products on the market and you may not know which ones are the best bodyboard fins at the present time. After thoroughly investigating, I have come up with some ideal suggestions for your bodyboard gear list.

• Best Overall: DaFin Pro
  “The most standardized flippers of all time, commonly used by watermen around the globe.”
• Best Budget: Cressi Agua Short
  “Self-adjustable pockets, simple design, perfect for travel.”
• Best for Wide Feet: Hydro Tech 2
  “Multiple options to choose, pain-free, comfortable fit, and unsurpassed comfort.”
• Best for Beginners: Wildhorn Topside Hydro
  “Fully supportive on different surfaces, a wide variety of sizes available.”
• Best for Speed: Churchill Makapuu Pro
  “Iconic design, outstanding color, a master of acceleration.”
• Best Lifespan: Voit Duck Feet
  “A brand defined by quality, soft pockets, stiff blades, and especially, long-lasting life.”
• Best Drainage System: DORSAL
  “Enhance a large amount of power, big drainage holes, deliver adequate comfort.”
• Best Flexible Pockets: Churchill Makapuu
  “Eye-catching design, incomparable plasticity, remarkable buoyancy.”
• Best Comfort: Kpaloa Pro
  “A selective development, enable skillful performance, even bodyboarding photography.”
• Best for Drop Knee: MS Viper
  “Smooth your path in bodyboarding, easy to place on the board for a kneeling position.”

Comparison Table

I am writing this article with the hope of bringing you a closer look of the best bodyboard fins that are prevalent lately. You absolutely can’t have a thorough grasp of the product by browsing short descriptions on the Internet.

Before getting into details of each product that I have recommended, you should have a quick look at the comparison table below. You can grab some basic information about these fins including their material, size, weight, etc.

The 10 Best Bodyboard Fins Reviews

This is probably the most interesting part as you’re going to be provided with in-depth knowledge of each pair of the 10 best bodyboard fins suggested. Also, I have collected and sorted out their pros and cons carefully so that you can make comparisons and choose the best flippers for yourself.

1. DaFin Pro

(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)

See the Price on Amazon

The Dafin Pro Bodyboard Fins are undoubtedly the most popular in the world nowadays. If you study water sports, you should have heard about these flippers at least once. Their quality is endorsed by experts (the United States Lifesaving Association).

The fins are made of pliable Malaysian rubber and can be worn on either foot. Stiff blades help maximum thrust while vertical edges and spines in the center facilitate control of the bodyboard. Ribs on the bottom side give you grip walking on slippery rocks, which is often a cause for concern for many bodyboarders.

There is a wide range of styles available concerning multiple colors and sizes. Standing out is the Dafin Mark Cunningham Signature, which is named after a legendary Hawaiian bodysurfer – Mark Cunningham.

Despite the quality they offer, their price is no more than $100.

Key Features:

• Be made of rubber
• The V-shaped foot pocket
• A stiff blade
• Endorsed by the United States Lifesaving Organization
• Sizes from XXS to XXL

Product Specifications:

Below is a video review of the DaFin Pro Fins. Watch it and see for yourself to know how they work.

2. Hydro Tech 2

(Best for Wide Feet)

See the Price on Amazon

Made in Australia, the Hydro Tech 2 Bodyboard Fins integrate all improvements from its predecessor – the Hydro Tech Fins. The product comes in diverse styles (both sizes and colors).

Each of the variants is categorized in different sizes for people with wide feet and even big toes.

These flippers are made from T-Form, a silicone-based material. The innovative V-rail design provides an extra surface, which is aimed at promoting propulsion. That means you don’t need to make a great effort to catch a wave because any kicks in the water are supported.

The ergonomic foot pockets make smoother your slipping on and off. There are three holes on each fin, making room for sand and water to escape.

The structure of the fins enables them to be placed on the bodyboard when you are in a kneeling position. Users are also capable of walking on land thanks to the non-slip treads.

Key Features:

• Silicone material
• V-rail design
• Asymmetric blades
• Not floating
• 4 colors options

Product Specifications:

Watch this video review of the Hydro Tech 2 Bodyboard Fins and see how you can get the best out of your workout with them.

3. Wildhorn Topside Hydro

(Best for Beginners)

See the Price on Amazon

With versatility in mind, the producer of the Wildhorn Topside Hydro Bodyboard Fins has combined shoe’s and fin’s function to help users easily move and enjoy revolutionary comfort whether on land or in the water.

These fins are exceptionally endurable due to a high-polymer blend base and adjustable velcro straps around the ankles. Just say no to cumbersome heel straps!

There is no foot protection needed thanks to a strong rubber sole in each fin. What’s more, hypertension in your foot will be prevented with closed toes and heels. Your two feet are also saved from getting squashed by neoprene boots.

Short bladed fins might not be ideal for long-distance purposes but propels you effectively in the water and give remarkable boosts for speeding up. With free-float technology, you can expect to find your fins when they are slipped off.

These fins are travel-ready because they are super convenient to carry. The Wildhorn Topside Hydro Bodyboard Fins hope to join you in every water adventure.

Key Features:

• An adjustable velcro strap
• Neoprene material
• Short blade design
• Free-float technology
• Pull tab

Product Specifications:

Here is a video review of the Wildhorn Topside Hydro Bodyboard Fins; check it out and see if you’ll settle for comfort over everything.

4. Churchill Makapuu Pro

(Best for Speed)

See the Price on Amazon

Developed by professionals and for professionals, the Churchill Makapuu Pro Bodyboard Fins are a speed master in the water. With patented dolphin-tail shape, these flippers are exceptionally different from any other type of bodyboard fins.

The unique construction makes great contributions to the specific style of the fins. The entire fin is mainly made from 100% natural gum rubber that is super soft and flexible. Stiffer rubber blades promote stronger kicks for acceleration.

The fin pockets and heels are neoprene-lined, making the product buoyant.

Tethers help stable the flippers in spite of powerful kicks. Thick padding heels support the feet so that users can keep control of the bodyboard more effectively.

Key Features:

• Dolphin tail design
• Side rails
• Heel strap
• Completely made of natural gum rubber
• Bottom drainage hole

Product Specifications:

Check the following video of the Churchill Makapuu Pro Bodyboard Fins and see new updates in this upgraded version.

5. Voit Duck Feet

(Best Lifespan)

See the Price on Amazon

The Voit Duck Feet Swim Bodyboard Fins are one of the first swim fins for bodyboarders. These fins have been around since the early 50s and have become a legend themselves. Even though the company changed ownership, the fins still have big fans around the globe.

Made from dual-density rubber, the Voit Duck Feet Swim Bodyboard Fins are full-floating and non-marking at the same time. Angled lines make the fins super hydrodynamic, which allows excellent propulsion without much force required.

Double drainage holes eliminate shells, sand, and water effectively. Straight heel strap helps in stabilizing the feet with ultimate comfort.

The product is very snug so neoprene fin socks are highly recommended. In addition, you should add a half to your true foot size when shopping for the fins.

Key Features:

• Rubber foot pocket
• Stiff blade
• Hydro-dynamic design
• Floating
• Sizes from XXS to XXL

Product Specifications:

Watch the video review below of the Voit Duck Feet Swim Bodyboard Fins and learn the way to improve your bodyboarding performance on your own.

6. DORSAL

(Best Drainage System)

See the Price on Amazon

If you are looking for a decent pair of fins for yourself, you definitely can’t ignore the DORSAL Bodyboard Swim Fins! These flippers are 100% made from gum rubber, which is one of the most high-quality materials for swim fins.

They are known as the phantom swim fins due to the exclusive bat-like rails. With triple ribs on the blade, you can hope for powerful thrust in the water. The 3 Blade Rail Ridges generate more energy then deliver it the blades where propulsion is promoted.

The fins are innovated with vacuum drain design, which consists of a large drainage hole at the bottom of the fin’s toe. The DORSAL Bodyboard Swim Fins only cost less than $50. Such a bargain!

Some small things to notice: they are quite stiff when they are dry. But when they are wet, they are likely to soften up so get them wet before putting on!

Key Features:

• Orca tail design
• Be made from gum rubber
• Green Blue color
• Bottom drainage hole
• Triple ribs

Product Specifications:

Here is a Youtube video of the incredibly comfortable DORSAL Bodyboard Swim Fins. Check it out and see whether you should buy one pair for your next bodyboarding.

7. Churchill Makapuu

(Best Flexible Pockets)

See the Price on Amazon

The Churchill brand has made a name for itself when it comes to bodyboard fins. A worth-buying product would be the Churchill Makapuu Swim Bodyboard Fins.

The fins have had their materials individually inspected for quality. Also, they have a very exclusive design. When you put two fins together, they will mimic the tail of a dolphin.

With asymmetric shapes, the flippers give considerable comfort and satisfaction in the water. Gentle vertical edges don’t sacrifice massive acceleration for bodyboarding. If you have been searching for perfect softness, these fins are exactly what you are needed!

The Churchill Makapuu Swim Bodyboard Fins are very buoyant due to lightweight materials. However, they often slip off your feet whenever you produce some strong kicks. Therefore, you might need separate ankle bracelets to prevent them from being lost.

The product comes in only two colors. Yet the blue/yellow edition has a very outstanding appearance. Meanwhile, the classic one in green is very simple and signature.

Key Features:

• Dolphin style fins
• Slip-on design
• Sizes from S to XL
• Made of natural gum rubber
• Floating

Product Specifications:

You can see how efficient the Churchill Makapuu Swim Bodyboard Fins are by watching the following video review.

8. Kpaloa Pro

(Best Comfort)

See the Price on Amazon

The flippers I’m talking about are the unique edition by the Bodyboarder World Champion. Developed by professionals, the Kpaloa Pro Bodyboard Fins have all the improvements and innovations compared to other swim fins.

By a combination of different types of rubber with dissimilar density, these fins seem to support every of your movement in the water. In general, the Kpaloa Pro Bodyboard Fins are made from vulcanized rubber, with flexible rubber for foot pockets and medium hard rubber for blades. Anatomical low profile straps ensure you will have the best time bodyboarding ever.

The Balanced Floating formula is the fruit from a thorough and careful investigation into the function of bodyboard fins. Symmetrical design is an additional advantage for the users of these flippers.

There are three escape holes on each fin to drain off water. Despite being a pro model, both beginners and experts are able to make use of the Kpaloa Pro Bodyboard Fins.

Key Features:

• Vulcanized rubber material
• Rubber foot pocket
• Endorsed by Henrique Pistilli
• The symmetrical design of the blades
• Three drainage holes
• Lateral ridges

Product Specifications:

9. MS Viper

(Best for Drop Knee)

See the Price on Amazon

Inheriting a delta tail design, which comes from an exclusive technology called the Mike Stewart Science Delta Tail, the MS Viper Bodyboard Fins allow users to make turns easily when bodyboarding. Beveled sidewalls add advantages to the control of your bodyboards.

Blades are made shorter and wider so that users can promote quicker kicks. Rivet grip tread, together with minimal vertical edges provide you with incredible comfort as well as massive propulsion.

Different stiffness is what makes the MS Viper Bodyboard Fins so universal. The stiff models often come with yellow dots on the blades while the flex models have dots in other colors on them. You can choose between stiff or flex, all according to your own needs.

Key Features:

• Orange color
• Delta tail design
• Beveled sidewalls
• Wide and short blade design
• Natural rubber material

Product Specifications:

Watch this video review of the awesome MS Viper Bodyboard Fins and see if they are worth becoming a new supporting tool for your bodyboarding practicing.

10. Cressi Agua Short

(Best Budget)

See the Price on Amazon

These are the products by Cressi, an Italian brand founded in 1946. With the latest technology which is called Self Adjusting Foot Pocket System, the Cressi Agua Short Bodyboard Fins are suitable for feet in all shapes. You also don’t have to wear socks or booties while using the fins.

Lightweight rubber allows users to stay in the water in a great deal of time without resulting in fatigue. Meanwhile, hydrodynamic rails will stimulate the legs, generating greater power to move on the water. Your body will subsequently be elevated so that you can easily ride your bodyboard.

The fins are designed with simple blades and few angles. Therefore, they don’t take up much space in your luggage. You can now carry your favorite fins to tropical islands!

The Cressi Agua Short Bodyboard Fins are also the most affordable ones in my suggestion list.

Key Features:

• Renewed version
• Self Adjusting Foot Pocket System
• Made in Italy
• A 2-year limited warranty
• Short blade design

Product Specifications:

Choosing the Right Bodyboard Fins

Choosing the right bodyboard fins to buy is a hot potato for almost every bodyboarder. Shopping a product at the drop of a hat then discovering a mismatch later is indeed a recipe for disaster. It is such food for thought and I’m here to help.

In case your plans for purchase are still up in the air, I have added up to the article a buying guide section.

First and foremost, you should fully understand who the product is aiming at and discover your own needs. Manufacturers develop a wide range of products for a number of purposes.

Shorter bladed fins allow you to produce quicker kicks for massive acceleration. Longer bladed fins cut the water deeper, giving you stronger propulsion and helping handle the bodyboard.

1. Material

You must bear in mind that opting for a product with high-quality materials is of paramount importance. The foot cavity should be soft and flexible while the blade has to be stiff so that users can easily catch a wave and move forward.

It is not bad to own a pair of fins that can float as well since they will not sink whenever they’re off your feet.

In addition, fins with non-slip treads will help you avoid awkward moments on slippery rocks. Meanwhile, preference for lightweight material (natural rubber) can make sure you will not be weighed off while on the water surface.

2. Size

Another thing to consider is the correct fit for your feet. To ensure your performance won’t be ruined, you had better pick the appropriate fin size. You will also feel more comfortable when using the product that matches you.

If your fins are too loose, they may be slipped off during your bodyboarding session. On the other hand, if they are too tight, you might end up being injured.

Fins of different brands come in dissimilar size charts. Therefore, you ought to pick your peers’ brains beforehand. Otherwise, it will really take the wind out of your sails when you find out what you have purchased are not the ones you’ve been looking for.

3. Extra equipment

According to types of bodyboard fins, you will need to buy extra separate gadgets for your ultimate comfort and safety. Will you be wearing fin socks, heel pads or cinches?

If yes, you need to determine the kind and size of the accessories. Buying these things is just a piece of cake, you can find them at several water sports stores or just contact the retailer selling your fins for further consultancy.

Bodyboard fins and their accompanied gear will not cost an arm and a leg so you don’t need to worry that they can eat into your savings.

How to Use Bodyboard Fins?

Bodyboarding is a fascinating activity for your family. Should you expect a satisfactory performance, you must know that bodyboard fins are quintessential. Now you might wonder how to effectively utilize your swim fins. If you are reading this, your problems are solved!

It is suggested that you put on your flippers not on the sand but at the shore. When the water reaches your ankles, walk backward out to the sea as blades are not going to work in this case.

The next piece of the puzzle should be how to paddle with your flippers. You can make use of your arms and leave your feet relaxed out of the water. If you want to employ legs’ power instead, stabilize your hands on the nose of your board, place your arms straight, kick up and down with your fins in the water.

Once you notice a breaking wave, lower your head, use the chest to keep the board flat on the water surface and hips to apply pressure on the board’s tail, then make do with the flippers on your feet, kick as hard as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are a lot of questions raised about bodyboard fins and here are some of the most frequently asked.

Can You Bodyboard Without Fins?

Yes, you can. You also manage to search for some tricks and tips to bodyboard without flippers on the Internet. However, you will need to make a great effort, combining both your arms and legs, to catch waves. And you may find it extremely exhausting because your legs are not lifted and supported. Never hope to reach maximum speed, either.

For those who have muscle weakness, bodyboarding without swim fins is almost impossible. Fins improve your performance in every aspect: paddling, riding bodyboards, catching waves and so on.

What Size Bodyboard Fins Should I Get?

Just choose ones that fit your feet perfectly, not too loose or too tight. Loose fins will let water flow in your pocket and tight ones will give you blisters. If you want to ask for half size, feel free to contact the producers so that they can help you sort out the best fins.

The size charts of fins are not the same, so remember to check the information carefully and don’t forget to take advice from professionals or ones who have experienced the product before.

Why Are Bodyboard Fins Angled?

Bodyboard fins are often designed with angled rails so that they can cut deep into the water surface to produce thrust. When users kick with their flippers, angles join blades to exert a powerful force, which can propel the bodyboarders to catch waves before they are steep. In other words, angles are aimed at boosting acceleration.

What Should I Do to Prevent Getting Blistering From Wearing Fins?

If your fins allow you to wear fin socks or heel pads then wear them immediately! After using, drain off the water in the foot pockets and dry your fins with straight blades. Don’t leave them at low temperatures because the rubber may dry rot.

WindSurfingMag Overview

Every bodyboarder needs a good pair of swim fins for support and safety while taking part in the bodyboarding water sport. Bodyboard fins are inexpensive and available for people of all ages, from kids to adults.

With a view to delivering a full understanding of the products on the market, I have conducted research to learn which bodyboard fins worth buying in 2023. Those recommended products above may be the ones that you always dream of. I hope you find this article useful for yourself.

The DaFin is my top pick for best overall with outstanding features that no bodyboard fins can compare.

My suggestion for ones who can spend only a small amount of money on slippers is the Cressi Agua Short. And the Hydro Tech 2 option would definitely erase the curse of having wide feet!

For beginners, it is a good idea to start your bodyboarding training with the Wildhorn Topside Hydro. Meanwhile, people who long for massive speedup will fall in love with the Churchill Makapuu Pro!

If you find this article is just what the doctor ordered, don’t wait to share it with your friends. Your peers may also be interested in bodyboarding but she/he doesn’t know which bodyboard fins to buy. Help them out! Click the share button below!