Alex Lopez Terrapin Fin
Alex Lopez's namesake single fin — narrow flared base, high rake, full foil — his own go-to template for eggs, pin tails and mid-lengths.Sold as a single fin in solid fiberglass for a standard longboard box, in 7.4" and 7.95", clear or brown.
The Fin
Alex Lopez's namesake single fin — narrow flared base, high rake, full foil — his own go-to template for eggs, pin tails and mid-lengths.
Sold as a single fin in solid fiberglass for a standard longboard box, in 7.4" and 7.95", clear or brown. The base is narrow and flares where it meets the board, the rake is high, and the foil is full through the body rather than thinned out. That is the Terrapin: a fin that holds a high line without asking much of the back foot, and answers when it is finally asked. It is the template Alex Lopez reaches for first, and the model the fin is named after.
How that reads
A narrow base takes the pivot out — the board will not spin around on this fin — while the high rake carries the turn out and away from you, so what comes back is a long flowing arc rather than a tight one. The flare low down is where the drive lives, and the full foil gives the fin enough body to grip up on the high line. Responsiveness survives because the tip is not carrying the area.
Who it suits
Eggs, pin tails and mid-lengths with a centre box, ridden in trim and off the front foot, with turns drawn out rather than jammed. The 7.95" is the one for a longer or heavier board, or when you want more hold through the turn; the 7.4" gives the tail more freedom.
Specifications
What people say
Easy to forget it's a single fin as it's so lively underfoot. It trims like a champ.
Catches everything in sight, and brings back the pure stoke of flow, trim, speed, and juicy carves.
Built for glide — with a wide-point-forward rail line for smooth surfing.
The Terrapin single is for the surfer riding a wide-point-forward egg or midlength who wants drawn-out, arcing turns with real drive and a measured release. The rake commits you to the arc — if you're chasing a pivoty, loose feel that releases quickly into snaps, it's the wrong tool. If that's the surfing you're after, it delivers it cleanly.
The Terrapin single fin was designed by Oceanside shaper Alex Lopez for his 7'4" Terrapin mid-length — a wide-point-forward, beak-nosed, down-rail board — and is manufactured by True Ames. It is available in 7.4-inch and 7.95-inch sizes and features a narrow flared base, high rake, and a fuller overall foil. True Ames pairs it with eggs, pin tails, and mid-lengths, roughly the 6'8"–8'0" range; the 7.95" is suited to longer boards and more powerful surf.