1979 Retro Single Fin

1979 Retro Single Fin Quick Facts

1979 Retro Single Fin Q&A

What size 1979 Retro Single Fin should I get?

This is a retro single fin with retro thickness and volume, which is what makes it a dream to paddle, so don’t size it like a shortboard. The chart runs from 5’8 (19 1/2" x 2 5/8", 32.30 L) to 6’8 (21" x 2 3/4", 42.80 L), and even the smallest size carries more volume than most modern shortboards. Most surfers ride it at or a little above their regular shortboard length, for example a 5’11 shortboard rider looking at the 6’0 (20" x 2 3/4", 36.70 L), and lean longer for more glide on walled-up point waves. Our shop staff can help you pick a size.

What fins does the 1979 Retro Single Fin use?

A single fin. Mark Richards offers it with either a glassed-on (set) fin or a single-fin box, using an MR 1979 fin template that is custom made for the model, and we stock it the way MR builds it, marked as “single” fin on each board’s listing. If you order the box version you can run any standard single fin; our staff can match the fin size to your board length.

What is the 1979 Retro Single Fin based on?

An original single fin MR was shaping in 1979. The model was faithfully recreated using an original board to create the size range, and it retains all the features of those boards: the same dimensions and plan-shape curves from the original templates, retro rocker and thickness distribution, a beak nose and a flat-panel vee bottom. MR had a lot of competitive success on single fins from the mid to late ’70s and rode them in big surf until 1982.

How do you ride a single fin like the 1979 Retro?

In MR’s words: the secret to enjoying single fins is to find a wave with a wall, bust out the soul-man moves, feel the wave and enjoy the flow. The area round pin is great for tube riding, the retro volume paddles like a dream, and the original spiral vee gives it the true retro feel.

Who influenced MR’s single-fin designs?

Mark Richards names his shaping heroes of the single-fin era: Dick Brewer, Reno Abellira, Gerry Lopez, Tom Parrish, Jim Richardson, Geoff McCoy and Ben Aipa.

What construction does the 1979 Retro Single Fin come in?

We stock the 1979 Retro Single Fin in PU (poly), built in the USA by …Lost Surfboards, which produces Mark Richards’ models. Each in-stock board on this page lists its construction and whether it has a glassed-on fin or a single-fin box.

Can I custom order a 1979 Retro Single Fin?

Yes. Use the Custom Order 1979 Retro Single Fin button on this page, or open the Mark Richards 3D board builder directly, to design one: you choose the dims, a glassed-on fin or a single-fin box, colors and art.