I just recently tested Surfco’s 9″ Proteck Powerflex longboard fin in our Kimo Greene 9’0 x 22″ x 3″ Honolulu model. I had been using a regular flex 9″ Proteck center fin as a single in the Honolulu model but we had a few days of pretty small/slower surf so I decided to give the flexible Powerflex fin a go. The main feature about the Powerflex fin is that it actually flexes in your turns and releases coming out. I have to say that this fin worked extremely well in the smaller/slower surf and gave the Honolulu model a smooth feel to it. Turns and cutbacks felt like butter and I could really feel the fin flexing just the right amount helping to smooth out my turns. The regular flex proteck fin felt a little too stiff in the slower waves and was slightly less forgiving in the smaller surf.

The only downside to this fin is that it only works well in shoulder/chest high surf and under. I found that in head to overhead plus surf the fin flexed too much and lacked enough drive to really generate sufficient speed but in the smaller surf it provided the perfect blend of flex and drive.

Surf Safer

The other great feature of the Powerflex fin along with all Proteck fins is that they protect you from nasty fin cuts. The Powerflex fin features a flexible core along with softer urethane edges which can save you and your fellow surfers a trip to the emergency room. Proteck fins perform just as well if not better than carbon and fiberglass fins. Research has shown that 66% of all surfing injuries are caused by the ultra sharp leading and trailing edges of carbon and fiberglass fins. Using Protecks gives me the confidence to attempt maneuvers without worrying about getting skegged. I’ve been hit by my Protecks numerous times and the worst I’ve received was a minor bruise. Had I been using fiberglass fins, I probably would have had 20 stitches in my leg. Many surfers have been making the switch and surfing smarter.