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The Greenough 4-C is one of the most classic, fundamental single fin designs for a longboard…ever.
The Greenough 4-C is one of the most classic, fundamental single fin designs for a longboard…ever!
The man behind this revolutionary fin is George Greenough, whom the surf world is forever indebted to for his wave-riding performance innovations beginning in the 60’s. Greenough paved the way from traditional logging to more progressive surfing in the pocket through the development of his Velo-Spoon kneeboard designs. To complement his kneeboards, Greenough found inspiration from mother nature for his fin templates through studying the tail fins of tuna–one of the fastest and most maneuverable fish in the ocean. The subsequent high-aspect ratio design he created allowed surfers to place themselves in more critical parts of the wave and execute more radical turns; and it ultimately ushered in a new era of high performance capability.
The 4-C is a direct descendant of Greenough’s “Stage 4” tuna fin-inspired designs from the early ‘70s; this iteration was conceived earlier on in the evolution of the Greenough and True Ames collaboration that ultimately led to the 4-A. The 4-C template represents the first step taken in the move away from a traditional pivot fin. Greenough kept the upright nature and minimal rake of a pivot fin, but shaved off a considerable amount of surface area in pursuit of a more high-aspect ratio design. This translates to a higher performance fin that is even more maneuverable, and faster down the line with less drag.
The 4C began as a fin he made for himself from scratch, then adapted to standard panel construction for production — it is its own design, not a smaller 4A, and it's built for a different job.
Put it on a log or performance log where you want planted tail trim and pivot — it holds position and lets the board wait for you rather than running out from under you. If your board feels dead without base width, get the Greenough 4A first and add the 4C when you want this specific feel; in the box, half-inch changes matter.
The Greenough 4C is a single fin sold within True Ames's Greenough family, offered here in one size, 9.5 inches, in a wide range of colors. It has less rake and less base than the 4A, with a more upright outline. The template did not originate as a Greenough fin: Paul Gross has said it began as a fin he made for himself from scratch, later adapted to standard panel construction for production.
Mentioned in the review — Greenough 4A — not something we carry.
Volan is a woven fiberglass cloth laid by hand and finished with a resin that cures to a warm amber tint. It flexes differently than solid fiberglass — more spring, more life, more feel through turns. Where solid glass is stiff and direct, volan breathes with the wave.
The hand-laid process means each fin has subtle texture and character. It's heavier, which adds momentum through flat sections. Surfers who ride volan describe it as "warmer" — the fin does more of the work, trimming and holding without demanding constant input.
Shop the Greenough 4C Single Fin 9.5 Volan ›