By amalgamating two of our most popular templates and using a new ultra-light 3D foam core, we’ve created the lightest fin in the FCS range. One that delivers exceptional drive and control off the bottom without hampering speed off the top and release through the lip that’s so synonymous with Filipe’s fast, aerial style of surfing.
GEOMETRY
When we set out to design this fin with Filipe this is what he told us, “I like riding the Performer, it feels super responsive but sometimes a little twitchy in bigger conditions. I also like the control and confidence I get with a drawn-out fin like the MF. Can you make me something in between those fins that I can ride everywhere, and in any type of waves?”
So with that in mind, we created a fin that sits smack bang in the middle of those two fin templates to deliver the manoeuvrability and quick response of the Performer, with the hold and drive of a more raked fin like the MF and Carver. We also added a few extra specifics like a subtle bevel on the leading, which improves turning at higher speeds.
PERFORMANCE
Just look at how Filipe surfs to understand the full capabilities of this fin. In particular, take note of how hard he drives off the bottom, and the amount of power he expels on his longer arc turns. This fin can be pushed hard without feeling like it will skip out. Furthermore, it doesn’t have too much sweep (rake) that it feels sticky. It still breaks quickly out of a turn, and will release easily out of the lip. Its super light too, which maintains the neutral weight of your board, so at no point will you feel like the tail of your board is heavy or creating drag.
CONSTRUCTION
Performance Core (PC) with a new ultra-light 3D Core that mimics the external foil and geometry of the fin. This high density pressed foam core is inherently stiff, and fills the space where heavier fiberglass and resin usually reside inside the fin. This increases the effectiveness of the glass we actually use in the skin, while adding strength and reducing weight, making this the lightest fin in the FCS range, and the first of its kind on the market.
View the FCS II FT Athlete Fin
SurFebruary is a fun annual event in February, where participants raise money for cancer research by catching a wave or getting in the water every day – rain, hail or shine.
This episode sees Rich catch up with Mick Fanning on his recent trip to the US to chat about what he’s been riding, the development of his iconic fin template and how he came to embrace the FCS II system.