The True Ames Lovelace Sidebite Fins are a two-fin set designed by Ryan Lovelace for surfers who want subtle extra hold and drive from a 2+1 setup without overpowering the center fin. Built to work especially well in longer boards, minigliders, and more performance-oriented 2+1 configurations, these sidebites are intentionally small and supportive—adding bite and down-the-line speed while letting the center fin remain the main influence on the board's feel.
Designed to Support, Not Dominate
Ryan Lovelace designed these sidebites for 2+1 setups where the center fin should do most of the work. Rather than creating a heavily finned or overly spread-out feel, the Lovelace Sidebites are meant to stay clustered and subtle, adding just enough support to improve hold and drive without taking over the ride.
They are a particularly good match for surfers who prefer a slightly more parallel 2+1 setup, an under-finned feel, or a smaller performance sidebite option on longer boards.
Key Features
- 2-fin set: Designed specifically as sidebites for 2+1 surfboard setups.
- Futures compatible: Fits Futures side fin boxes.
- Compact template: Adds support without overpowering the center fin.
- Down-the-line drive: Helps add speed and bite through turns and longer sections.
- Clustered setup feel: Designed to work closer to the center fin rather than as a wide, spread-out performance 2+1.
- 5° cant: Provides a balanced blend of hold and response.
- Flat inside foil: Creates predictable, controlled performance.
- Solid fiberglass construction: Durable, responsive feel with minimal unwanted flex.
- Raw sanded finish: Clean, functional finish with a classic fiberglass look.
True Ames Lovelace Sidebite Fin Specs
- Height: 3.46" / 88 mm
- Base: 3.01" / 76 mm
- Area: 8.02 sq. in. / 51.74 cm²
- Cant: 5°
- Foil: Flat inside foil
- Construction: Solid fiberglass
- Finish: Raw sanded
- Compatibility: Futures
Best for 2+1 Mid-Lengths, Minigliders, and Longer Boards
These fins are especially well suited to boards where you want the center fin to define the ride while the sidebites provide a little extra security. They work well on mid-lengths, minigliders, and longer boards that benefit from added drive and hold without moving into a heavily finned setup.
Ideal For
- 2+1 mid-lengths
- Minigliders
- Longer performance boards
- Surfers who prefer a more under-finned feel
- Riders who want the center fin to remain the dominant part of the setup
How They Change the Ride
The Lovelace Sidebites are designed to add a little extra bite, support, and down-the-line drive while keeping the overall setup loose and center-fin focused. Compared with larger side fins, they create less resistance and allow more of the board's personality to come from the center fin.
If your current 2+1 feels too stiff or over-finned, these smaller sidebites can be a great way to free the board up without giving up all of the added hold that side fins provide.
Rider Shack Note
Buying your True Ames Lovelace Sidebite Fins from Rider Shack supports a small business and a core surf shop run by surfers. Thanks for supporting independent surf retail and quality surf equipment designed by people who understand how boards actually feel in the water.
FAQ: True Ames Lovelace Sidebite Fins
What type of setup are the Lovelace Sidebites designed for?
They are designed for 2+1 setups, where a larger center fin does most of the work and the sidebites provide additional hold and drive.
Are these fins Futures compatible?
Yes. The Lovelace Sidebites are Futures compatible and fit Futures side fin boxes.
Are these sidebites smaller than a typical performance 2+1 fin?
Yes. They are intentionally compact, making them a good choice for surfers who want a more subtle side-fin influence and a setup that stays centered around the main fin.
What kind of boards work best with these fins?
They work especially well on mid-lengths, minigliders, and longer boards, particularly boards designed around a looser or more center-fin-dominant 2+1 setup.
What does a 5° cant do?
The 5° cant provides a balanced amount of outward angle, helping the fins add hold and response without making the board feel overly stiff or locked in.
What is the benefit of a flat inside foil?
A flat inside foil creates a predictable, controlled feel and is a common choice for side fins designed to add reliable support and bite.
