All my old directional kiteboards had thrusters, some even had one or two more small fins than that along the rails at the mid sections of the board. Selecting the correct fin type and size is essential to proper board performance particularly while kiting. They do add drag however the right sized ones for normal riding, not an all out speed race, not enough to worry about as a rule. On the other hand if you are missing the thrusters on a kiteboard you will notice a loss in performance when water starting, turning and riding closer to the wind. The extra fins come into particular play when you are turning or the board is edging off a flat state. Just because a board has fins that are good for surfing doesn't mean it is an optimal setup for traction kiting. One way to checkout what specific fins do is to take them off one at a time and then ride with it. I used to do this routinely by losing them! You might look at Protek fins as well, improves the odds of nasty skegging, an occupational hazard. Board rail shape, rocker also have a lot to due with performance beyond fin consideations. A good kiter can make due riding almost anything but if you want to improve performance that is when board and fin characteristics come into play.
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