Discussing Twin Fins - Torren Martyn

Over the past decade Torren Martyn has helped redefine what is possible on a twin fin. Traditionally considered novelty by some, twin fins are now seen in the highest echelon of conditions gliding through heavy slabs, high speed Indonesian barrels and long point breaks. The twin has become a staple of many quivers and we sat down with Torren to discuss his thoughts on the space.

Some people consider Twin fins as more of a novelty piece reserved for beach breaks and smaller surf. Why do you choose to ride twin fins in larger challenging surf like ship sterns?

Riding twins in bigger, more challenging surf feels fast, loose, and incredibly alive under your feet. Over the years, Simon Jones and I have developed and refined these boards in all kinds of waves around the world, so I see them as more of an advantage than a limitation, even in heavy water. Paddling Shipsterns Bluff is without a doubt the most challenging wave I’ve ever surfed, but I’ve got complete confidence in the equipment. For me, the twin isn’t really a novelty—it’s just what feels most functional, familiar and comfortable.

Why do you choose to surf hand foiled solid glass fins?

They’ve got a lot of drive and feel really solid underfoot. The ridged strength of glass fins results in way more hold and that translates to drive and speed. Plus, with solid glass you can pull out some sandpaper and fix up any dings from rocks, or even tweak the foil a bit to change how they feel in the water. It’s a mix of performance and that hands-on ability to fine-tune them yourself. If you look after them they will last a lifetime.

How has riding twins influenced your surfing and how you approach riding a wave?

It's definitely shaped how I surf and how I read a wave. They open up parts of the wave I might not have explored otherwise—especially with all the different shapes and sizes Simon and I have worked on over the years. That mix of fin and board really dictates the lines you can draw, and it’s constantly opening up fresh ways to approach different waves.

What size fins and templates do you ride on different boards? Is there a rule of thumb?

I usually bounce between medium upright twins and medium keels. As a general rule of thumb, I’ll match the fin to the bottom third of the board. For example, a traditional short fish with a wide tail pairs well with a set of keel fins, while a rounded or pin tail tends to work better with a more raked, upright fin template.

Have you considered trying different fin setups?

Yeah, I was into quads well before I ever started riding twins. In a way, I think quads are like a gateway to twins—they give you a lot of the same speed and freedom. It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden one though, and I’d definitely like to revisit them at some point.

What does your quiver have in it generally?

I rarely have two boards that are the same. At the moment, my quiver stretches from a 5'8 Tracks twinny right through to a 10'2 glider I shaped myself—with a bit of help from Simon—and even an 11'11 shaped by a friend that’ll glide on a ripple. So there’s plenty of variety. Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time at Shipsterns on a 6'8 ‘Remote’—it’s got a touch more rocker and a more refined feel than my usual wide-point-forward boards, and it sits in a field of its own. The 7'2 is a real sweet spot I keep coming back to, but it really depends on what the waves are doing.

What else is going on in your world at the moment?

Right now, I’m living down in Tasmania, which serves up no shortage of adventure—and weather. Over the past 6 months, Ishka and I have been making our way around the island in a couple of 18-foot trimarans, getting to know this place in a much more intimate way. It’s been an incredible experience—equal parts rewarding and challenging.