The Beginning
DAFINwas developed by Andy Cochran, an Aussie who has madeHawaiihis home for the past 35 years. Cochran had been a lifeguard atAustralias famousBondiBeachand was one of Ozs early surfing pioneers.In the mid-1990s, he created the initial design forDAFINout of a wooden block.Fins were produced inAustraliaand then put to the test inHawaiiwith world renowned Hawaiian watermenMark CunninghamandBrian Keaulana.Mark and Brian shared a passion with Andy to develop a high quality swim fin for ocean lifeguards that was powerful, yetcomfortable, andversatile enough to provideany user a level of safety in the ocean.Their invaluable input helped guide Cochran as he refined and retooledDAFINfrom initial prototype to final product.

Form Meets Function
DAFINusesthe highest quality Natural Malaysian Rubber in a unique, proprietary manufacturing process which integratestwo different rubber durometers into the finished product.The blade provides rigid resistance yet is flexible where required.There is less drag on the up kick and leg strain and cramps are reduced.The strap does not bind or blister.For such a powerful fin, DAFINis one of the lightest surf fins on the market. Less weight equals less strain.

Total Power
The low angle wedge type fins on each side ofDAFINare called the strakes. The strakes act to keep water from spilling off the outer edge of the fin on the down stroke. The strakes work in conjunction with a slightly elevated V-shaped foot pocket to create a chamber that allows maximum acceleration of the water flowing over the fin surface resulting in more thrust per kick.

Total Comfort
The foot pocket is a separate chamber of low durometer rubber combined with a high durometer foot plate.The pocket is silky smooth and soft over the top of the toes and foot to prevent blisters and chafing while the bottom of the pocket is rigid to transmit power to the blade.Fin socks or booties are not required for comfort.

Total Control
At speed the strakes generate a vortex of water from the trailing edge forming a barrier to help prevent the outflow of water from around the raised foot pocket resulting in an element of control and maneuverability across the face of a wave or in turbulent water.

DaFiN Sizing

DaFiN/Kicks sizes are based on US Mens Shoe Sizes. The size chart shows conversion to Womens, EU and UK sizing. Length is the most important measurement: heel to longest toe.

We do not make narrow or wide versions of DaFiN. The foot pocket is soft, comfortable, and stretches to accommodate width.

Increase your size selection if you plan to wear a bootie, however, our foot pockets are so comfortable a bootie is not needed for comfort.