The Not-So-Retro Al Merrick Keel (AMK) Fin

I’ve said it before and I will certainly say it again: I love a good twin fin. As an avid longboarder, I adore the feeling on a long, drawn out turn and the sense that I’m on a board that can get me through just about any sort of Florida mush. But for the days when the swell packs a little more punch, a retro twin-fin fish may not cut it when it comes to steeper drop-ins and controlling that increase in speed.

The Al Merrick Keel (AMK) Fin does just that: add control and performance without sacrificing the groovy feeling of your favorite fish. Developed in conjecture with the Fish Beard, it’s not surprising that this fin design similarly combines high performance surfing with the flow and speed of a traditional fish. Inspired by traditional keel fin outlines, the guys over at Channel Islands have rejuvenated this design by creating a fin with a more modern rake. These fins are made of a fiberglass construction, which is stiff and holds tough even in heavier conditions. The flat inside foil of this design allows for your fins to break free sooner, offering more control even with heaps of speed.

This fin would be a great choice for almost any groveler or small wave board where you’re searching for more performance and control. The AMK Fins pair particularly well with the Fish Beard, which is built to surf more vertical than your typical fish. These fins will allow for more release off the top, but have plenty of surface area to hold when you’re laying into a turn.