The Fin-ess

The Fin-ess is the result of a quest ventured upon with team rider Matt Snelling in search of new feelings in the realm of free friction (finless). Matt having already taken a deep dive into this world, solely surfing without fins for several years already had ideas to explore. We soon discovered what was working and what was not, leading us onto this concept we have now. Ironically I came to realise we had to think more along the lines of fins and what was already familiar ground, rather than get too trippy and weird, which is easily done. 

The board is symmetrical in its plan shape but asymmetrical in bottom shape, so they are designed for either a regular foot stance or goofy. This doesn’t mean they only go one way though, quite the contrary. Rails play a huge part in these boards, essentially now playing the part of your fin. The toe side being an edge rail and bevelled on the heal really help to hold connection into the wave. Amongst strategically placed channels, channel extensions, resin edges and a scooped dish in the tail for hyperdrive, there are so many intricacies that play their part in making this board the special vessel it is. 

For myself having not ridden finless before, I believe this board has enabled me to pick up the finesse of riding free friction quicker than any other board would. Within the first session I was shooting down the line in pure amazement and awe. The sensation of no drag and skipping along the wave face sideways but in control at the same time is like no other and personally gave me the feeling like I was a kid again, similar to that feeling of your first wave again. 

I felt this had to be shared. I’ve developed the board with fin boxes now, giving the rider an option to go finless or with fins. The fins, I have had to scale down to give the same functionality as a traditional board with fins. The boards design and channels add so much grip already, it doesn’t need much of a fin to give you the control you will be used to from a similar twin fin. Less fin again means less drag and more speed, which there is definitely no lack of here. The board feels like it is continually driving, through turns and round sections, it just wants to go. 

I have 2 fin templates, a keel and an upright so there are still different options depending what your surfing style prefers. 

For those wanting to make a gradual transition into the finless world without frustration there are options for smaller stabiliser fins as well, to help feel out the slides till you feel ready to go full freedom. 

We are bridging the gap here between the two realms for those of you who are curious to alternative ways and sensations of riding waves. Opposite ends of the spectrum, two boards in one, but without sacrifice in performance. 

Fit as standard with Futures fin boxes, twin fin setup. If having no boxes is preferred (finless only), just mention in your order form.

Pictured board dims: 6’6 x 20 1/2 x 2 1/2