TJ Twinzer Quick Facts
Firewire TJ Twinzer quick facts
| Brand / shaper | Firewire Surfboards, Carlsbad, California; a collaboration between San Diego shaper Stu Kenson and Taylor Jensen |
|---|
| Board type | Twinzer mid-length – Stu Kenson’s twin-plus-canard setup on a performance mid-length outline; “the Thruster, enhanced” |
|---|
| Best waves | 2–7 ft in a variety of conditions, from small junk surf to well-overhead powerful waves; Firewire charts it peaking in average waves |
|---|
| Skill level | All levels, beginner through pro |
|---|
| Tail | Rounded pin tail |
|---|
| Design | A performance mid-length built around the twinzer fin cluster – two main fins with two small canard fins just ahead of them – for better transitions and more turns than a conventional thruster; works as well on your backhand as your forehand |
|---|
| Fins | Twinzer – four boxes (two mains, two canards). Best template: the Stu Kenson Twinzer fin set, Stu’s go-to twinzer setup with balanced curves and a canard sized to work with the rear fins (size large, Futures). Futures boxes on every board. |
|---|
| Stock sizes | 6’8 to 7’4 (43.7 L to 54.1 L) |
|---|
| Sizing | A mid-length: 6–12 inches longer than your shortboard with noticeably more volume; the 6’8 and 7’0 suit shortboarders stepping up, the 7’2 and 7’4 suit bigger surfers and longboarders stepping down |
|---|
| Constructions we stock | Firewire builds the Taylor Jensen Twinzer in Helium, which is what we stock |
|---|
TJ Twinzer Q&A
What size TJ Twinzer should I get?
Size it like a mid-length: 6–12 inches longer than your shortboard with more volume. The stock range is 6’8 (21 1/2” x 2 3/4”, 43.7 L), 7’0 (48.4 L), 7’2 (51.3 L) and 7’4 (54.1 L). A surfer on a 6’0 shortboard around 30 liters would usually land on the 6’8 or 7’0; bigger surfers and longboarders stepping down will be happier on the 7’2 or 7’4.
What fins does the TJ Twinzer use?
It is a twinzer: two main fins with two smaller canard fins set just ahead and outside of them, in four Futures boxes. Firewire recommends the Stu Kenson Twinzer fin set, which Stu describes as his go-to twinzer setup for years – clean, balanced curves with the right blend of base, rake and area, and a canard sized to work together with the rear fins. It comes in size large with Futures-compatible single tabs. Stu uses the same set on everything from sub-6’0 fishes to longboards and step-ups.
What waves is the TJ Twinzer for?
Firewire says it works well in surf from 2 to 7 feet in a variety of conditions. Stu Kenson points out that one of the key things about the twinzer is how well it works from small junk surf to well-overhead powerful surf – and that it works just as well on your backhand as your forehand.
What is a twinzer and how is it different from a twin fin or thruster?
A twinzer is a twin fin with two small canard fins added ahead of the main fins. Stu Kenson started making them after watching Martin Potter ride one at Lower Trestles in 1989: twins were known for more speed and maneuverability than single fins, and the twinzer adds directional control the pure twin lacks. Firewire calls it the Thruster, enhanced – better transitions and more turns, inspired by the performance of thrusters and the desire to make them more fun and finessed underfoot.
Who is the TJ Twinzer for?
All skill levels. It suits mid-length surfers who want something livelier than a 2+1 or single fin, twin-fin fans who want more control, and shortboarders curious about a mid-length that still transitions quickly rail to rail.
What construction does the TJ Twinzer come in?
Firewire builds the Taylor Jensen Twinzer in Helium – a stringerless EPS core with flex controlled by paulownia and balsa wood rails and a composite deck skin, light and lively with easy speed. That is the construction we stock. Each board on this page lists its construction and fin boxes.
Can I custom order a TJ Twinzer?
Firewire builds the TJ Twinzer in set stock sizes rather than true one-off customs, so there is no custom board builder for it. If the size or construction you want is not on this page, we can usually special order it for you from Firewire’s current range – contact the shop and we will check availability and lead time.
