HD Plugs

HD Plugs – a long-lasting solution for heavily stressed fin boxes

HD Plugs were developed to specifically improve one of the most common weak points on a surfboard: damaged or ripped-out fin plugs. In classic surfboards, plugs are glassed directly into the foam – for surfing in the ocean, this is usually completely sufficient.

When surfing in a pool, where boards are ridden between solid walls and are exposed to significantly higher loads, however, plugs were frequently pushed in or ripped out, especially at the start of the first Citywave (in 2017). At our Surfari Surf Shop, repairs were also piling up, and it quickly became clear: a more sustainable solution was needed.

Pictured: On the left, a standard FCS II plug as used in ocean boards. On the right, also an FCS II plug, but reinforced with HD foam.

For this reason, Roman (owner of Surfari Surf Shop) sat down with Nick Urricchio and Miguel Katzenstein from Semente. What originally started as a joke over a few beers quickly developed into a solid solution...

The name HD (High Density) refers to the green foam used, which is significantly denser than conventional surfboard foam. The higher material density ensures better force distribution during impacts to the fins – so that the pressure is distributed and does not press directly onto the plugs. We have been using this technology for years, and it has proven so successful that it has been adopted by virtually all pool board manufacturers!

HD Plugs are milled by hand from special high-density foam and are consequently complex to produce. However, the extra effort pays off: boards with HD Plugs are significantly more resilient, longer-lasting, and require much less frequent repairs. Especially with heavily used pool boards, this means less downtime – and more time in the water.

Pictured: Repair by the Swiss Ding Doc using an HD Plug

April '26 discount campaign from the Swiss Ding Doc

In April 2026, you can benefit from special conditions on HD Plug repairs. The Swiss Ding Doc is now upgrading your ocean board or pool board with HD Plugs at the following prices:

• Single HD Plug*: CHF 90.– (instead of CHF 120.–) 25% discount

• HD Plugs (Set)*: CHF 170.– (instead of CHF 240.–) 30% discount

The discount campaign applies to all surfboards dropped off at the Surfari Surf Shop in Zurich by April 30, 2026.

*excluding plugs at CHF 18.– each

Pictured: Re-installation of an HD Plug (including fin system change)