Best Twin Fin SUP: Loco vs Starboard, SMIK, Infinity & SUNOVA

What is the best twin fin SUP?

The best twin fin SUP is the one that supplies enough stability for you to catch waves while keeping the rails and tail responsive enough to exploit the speed and release of two fins. For UK riders, the Loco Twinny is the strongest all-round choice in this comparison because its four sizes combine true twin-fin geometry, sub-four-inch rail profiles, carbon construction and sizing shaped around real British and European conditions.

That does not make every rival a bad board. Starboard offers the broadest global size range, SMIK has years of Hipster Twin development behind it, and Infinity’s B-Line Twin and Escape Pod target committed performance riders. SUNOVA makes excellent performance SUPs, but its current range does not provide a direct like-for-like twin-fin SUP rival, so we have treated it as an alternative rather than pretending otherwise.

This comparison uses published specifications and design information rather than invented test claims. Where possible, ride before buying and match the board to your weight, ability and regular break.

Quick twin fin SUP comparison

Why compare rail shape, not just litres?

Volume tells you whether a board can support a rider, but it does not tell you where that volume sits. Two 115-litre boards can feel completely different if one carries thickness into the rails while the other concentrates flotation through the centre.

Thick rails resist sinking. That can help initial stability, but it can also make a surf SUP feel reluctant to engage at speed. Loco keeps the rail profile below four inches even on its larger Twinny sizes, using the central shape and outline to provide support without turning the rail into a blunt float. The result is a larger board that can still feel connected when pressure moves onto the inside rail.

This matters in ordinary UK surf. A board must paddle through chop, enter waves early and carry speed across weaker sections, but it still needs clean tail and rail response when a section offers room for a turn.

How does the Loco Twinny compare?

The Loco Twinny is available in 7'9 × 29 at 100 litres, 8'2 × 30 at 115 litres, 8'9 × 31 at 130 litres and 9'2 × 32 at 145 litres. Published weights run from approximately 5.4kg to 7.8kg. Each is built as a true twin rather than a generic three-fin board with the centre fin removed.

The fins are positioned to encourage early speed and a free pivot. Carbon PVC sandwich construction keeps swing weight down, while the broader outline adds practical stability when the sea is not glassy. The larger sizes were not produced simply by scaling every dimension upwards. Rail, tail and volume distribution still need to work for the rider and conditions attached to that size.

Loco boards are designed and tested for British and European conditions with direct sizing advice from the person involved in the boards. That matters when the choice is between a theoretically radical size and the board on which you will actually stand, paddle and catch waves consistently.

Experienced riders including Guts Griffiths and Welsh charger Jock Patterson have chosen Loco equipment, alongside UK Champs Christina Doviak and 9th in the world Aaron Rowe from Jersey. That does not replace correct sizing, but it provides a more relevant performance reference than a catalogue board photographed only in perfect tropical conditions.

View the Loco Twinny Surf SUP or compare the Loco surf SUP range.

How does the Starboard TwinFin compare?

Starboard’s official TwinFin launch information describes the model as a high-speed surf SUP. Starboard’s TwinFin is the most heavily marketed recent entrant. Its range stretches from low-volume competition-oriented sizes to much wider, higher-volume boards. Starboard describes a pronounced hip behind the fins, a channel tail and fine rails, with a twin setup that can accept a small centre nubster for additional control.

The attraction is global dealer support, two construction choices and a size chart covering a wide rider range. The potential weakness is the buying decision. A 70-litre board and a 166-litre board share a name, but cannot deliver the same relationship between rail engagement, stability and swing weight.

UK buyers should compare the closest size rather than brand claims: width, rail profile, finished weight, included fins, board bag, availability and support all matter.

How does the SMIK Hipster Twin compare?

SMIK’s official Hipster Twin specifications show the current size and shape range. SMIK helped establish the modern twin-fin SUP category with the Hipster Twin. The family uses a fuller nose, a defined hip, double concave and vee through the tail to combine stability, glide and smooth rail-to-rail movement. SMIK also offers Twin Pin and Pro interpretations for riders wanting a different balance of hold and response.

That history gives the Hipster genuine credibility. It particularly suits riders who value a surfy, flowing sensation. The downside of a large model family is that Standard, Pro and pin-tail versions solve different problems. Compare the exact construction, width and litres rather than assuming the most aggressive version is automatically best.

How do Infinity twin fins compare?

Infinity’s official Escape Pod page publishes the current dimensions and design notes. Infinity’s B-Line Twin and Escape Pod sit at the compact, performance-driven end. The Escape Pod is published from 6'10 × 26.5 at 85 litres to 7'10 × 30 at 125 litres. Infinity describes it as an evolution of the Phoenix, developed around short-board-style SUP surfing with high-level riders.

For an experienced rider able to exploit a compact platform, reduced swing weight and tight-pocket response are appealing. The trade-off is accessibility. A short board can carry adequate litres and still demand more work when paddling, tracking and waiting in chop. UK availability, imported pricing and support also deserve consideration.

Where does SUNOVA fit?

SUNOVA deserves inclusion because it is a serious performance SUP manufacturer with sophisticated rail and construction work. However, its current public SUP range does not show a direct purpose-built twin-fin equivalent to the Loco Twinny, Starboard TwinFin, SMIK Hipster Twin or Infinity B-Line Twin.

Models such as the Steeze provide refined low-volume rails and a versatile performance outline, but use a 2+1 configuration. They are valid alternatives for somebody choosing a performance surf SUP, not honest like-for-like twin-fin entries.

If a dealer offers a new SUNOVA twin model, check the exact specification rather than relying on an old brochure. Foil tracks and twin surf fins are not the same thing.

Which twin fin SUP suits UK waves?

For small and medium beach-break surf, prioritise a board that creates speed without requiring perfect wave power. A true twin, clean release and enough planing area can keep the board moving through weak sections. In wind chop, stability still determines how many waves you catch.

A competent intermediate normally benefits more from a correctly sized 115-to-145-litre board with responsive rails than from copying the litres used by a much lighter professional. Advanced riders can reduce width and volume when their fitness, balance and local conditions justify it.

The Loco Twinny wins this UK-focused comparison because the range covers realistic rider sizes without abandoning thin rails, a sharp tail or true twin-fin intent. It also has direct UK sizing advice, UK-focused development, included carbon fins, premium board bag and practical delivery support. Starboard wins for breadth of global choice; SMIK for twin-fin heritage; Infinity for compact specialist performance.

What should you check before buying?

• Your weight in winter kit.
• Your ability to stand and paddle in chop.
• The weakest waves you regularly surf.
• Finished width, thickness and rail volume—not litres alone.
• Whether it is a true twin or a 2+1 compromise.
• Included fins, bag, warranty and delivery.
• Local replacement parts and advice.

For a broader shape explanation, read Surf SUP Shapes: Longboard, Twin Fin or Performance?. For fin setup, see Do Better SUP Fins Make a Difference?.

Best twin fin SUP: final verdict

There is no universal winner for every rider. Starboard, SMIK and Infinity all offer credible twin-fin ideas, while SUNOVA remains a strong performance alternative rather than a current direct twin rival.

For British riders seeking one board combining speed, loose turning and realistic stability, the Loco Twinny is the most rounded choice here. Its advantage is not a louder logo. It is a genuine twin-fin layout, low rail profile, light construction, four purposeful sizes and advice grounded in the conditions UK customers actually use it in.

Frequently asked questions

Is a twin fin SUP only for small waves?

No. Twin fins are particularly good at generating speed in weaker surf, but capable riders use them in larger waves too. In powerful or critical conditions, some prefer a thruster’s additional hold.

Is a smaller twin fin always better?

No. It only performs better when the rider can paddle, balance and catch waves on it. Insufficient stability reduces wave count and progression.

Can I remove the centre fin from any SUP?

You can remove it from many 2+1 boards, but that does not create a purpose-designed twin. Tail shape, fin position, rails and bottom contours all matter.

How do I choose the best twin fin SUP?

Choice depends on weight, ability, local chop and desired performance. Contact Loco with those details rather than choosing from litres alone.