Body surfing goes back to before written history; it was an activity done by indigenous peoples living along equatorial coastlines.
While there is some written history, much is centered around Southern California, Australia, and Hawaii.
However, it is known that people in places such as Brazil, Indonesia, India, the Caribbean, and Papua New Guinea engaged in the activity.
Swim fins garnered popularity after World War II but were created in 1940 by Owen Churchill, beginning the duck feet fin evolution that would change body surfing and, eventually, bodysurfing forever.
Now in 2025, almost all bodysurfers and bodyboarders use some sort of swim fin to give them more power and maneuverability.
Factors to Consider When Buying Swim Fins for Bodyboarding
The first thing to consider when buying swim fins is the comfortability of the fins themselves, whether you feel you can wear them barefoot or need a fin sock for increased comfort.
Secondly, the flex and material of the fin are essential; see whether you prefer a stiff flex or soft flex fin.
There are so many features that are incorporated into swim fins, such as raised edges for better control, the different kinds of channels for water to pass over, and even the drainage hole.
Overall, choose a fin that fits well and is comfortable.
The Best Bodyboard Swim Fins of 2025
Option 1: Da Fin – Pro Signature Zak Noyle - $68
Da Fin, along with Morey, has been the longest-existing player in bodysurfing and bodyboarding fins. The Pro Signature has the perfect balance of comfort and power.
These fins are endorsed by the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and the United States Lifesaving Association. They float in salt water and are lightweight. They are made with quality natural rubber.
Option 2: Voit Duck Feet Classic Fins $99
Voit is not known for strictly making fins, but they have been making high-quality fins for over 60 years.
The Voit Duck Feet are constructed from dual-density rubber with a soft rubber foot pocket and stiff blade. They are full-floating fins that are hydrodynamically designed for greater propulsion with minimal effort.
Option 3: Morey Churchill Makapuu Pro $75
Morey has been around since 1971, although prior to the invention of the bodyboard, Thomas Morey was working on various other inventions, such as the paper surfboard and the first interchangeable fin system.
The Churchill Makapuu Pro is made of a neoprene foot pocket with a secure fit, a fin tether, and an ankle strap. The stiff blade provides quicker thrusts and more speed. Morey fins are some of the longest-lasting fins; reviews tell you that some customers have had the same pair for over 20 years.
Option 4: Viper V5 Flex
Viper fins were created in 1978 when Fred Simpson designed the first Viper Fins prototype out of lightweight balsa wood.
By 1982, the fins were in full production and had become a staple of Southern California body surfers and body boarders.
The V5 fins are easy to kick due to the soft blade while still delivering the maximum amount of thrust and control.
Option 5: Yucca – Vandos Ultra Soft Flex Fins $80
Yucca fins were created in 2016 in Newport. The Vandos fins have tons of flex and pop for all-day comfort.
The soft rubber rails provide extra support and make the fins dynamic while adapting to the wave.
The Bottom Line: Bodyboard Swim Fins
All the fins on this list will do the job, whether you are bodysurfing or bodyboarding.
If you are considering ordering online, I recommend going into your local surf shop and trying the fins out; after all, fins are all about personal preference.
My all-time favorite when body surfing shore break are the Morey and Da Fin Fins. While Morey gives more stability and control to the wave face.
Da Fins are sleeker and tend to fell less in the way and give more power when paddling for a wave.
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