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The surfing performance of two shortboard fin types with surface features were compared to a standard (control) fin with a smooth surface using dynamic computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The fins with surface features included designs with a partially grooved and serrated surface (CR), and humpback whale-inspired fins with tubercles and other features (RW). Surfboard roll, pitch and yaw during cutback maneuvers were simulated based on field data from surfers of intermediate, expert and professional (WCT) skill level surfing on ocean waves. Sustained resultant forces relative to the rider direction were significantly different between fin types, and lowest for RW at WCT-level rotations. CFD results also revealed RW’s ability to dampen effects of turbulent flow. RW fins were always the last to stall during a turn, and always exhibited the most gradual stall. CR fins had significantly lower pre-turn drag, and the highest mean resultant forces during the turn. Overall, CR fins appear best for forward acceleration and hold on the wave, while RW fins appear best for maneuverability and stability.

Compared to other Olympic sports, little research exists on competitive shortboard surfing—especially research comparing field and numerical data. In this paper, GPS sensors with 9-axis motion sensors were used to collect data on nearly 2000 surfed waves. Data were collected from four surfers of differing skill levels, ranging from intermediate/advanced (Level 6) to top-ranked professional (Level 9). The results revealed a positive correlation between surfer skill level and roll/pitch/yaw rates during a cutback. Some surfers used two different fin types: a standard commercial fin (C), and a 3D-printed, humpback whale-inspired fin (RW). Statistically significant cutback performance improvements were seen when surfers used the RW fin. Because of the skill level differences suggested by the field data, dynamic computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed to simulate cutback maneuvers at three different rotation rates (roll/pitch/yaw). Sustained resultant forces relative to the rider direction were lower for RW fins during the turn, suggesting a less-skilled surfer could generate faster and more powerful turns using RW fins. Field results also confirmed that a skill Level 8 surfer performed closer to skill Level 9 when using RW fins, but not control fins. Surfers experienced more stability using RW fins, and CFD results confirmed RW’s ability to dampen the effects of turbulent flow.