Jamie O’Brien Just Signed With A Golf-Ball-Tech Fin Company

It’s common knowledge that Jamie O’Brien has surfing’s most eclectic quiver. Rafts, inner tubes, kayaks, hamster wheels to name but a few, have all been commandeered at some point by the Hawaiian (usually in dangerous conditions). With such a well-rounded experience of wave riding techniques and equipment, it’s safe to assume the man has a degree-level understanding of how to effectively get pushed to shore by lumps of ocean. Well, two years after receiving his first set of golf-ball-dimpled skegs, JOB has signed up with Australian fin producer 3DFins. He’s thoroughly road-tested the technology in credible conditions, like when he was set ablaze for that Red Bull shoot at Teahupoo and when he took second place in heaving conditions at the 2016 Volcom Pipe Pro. JOB is the latest addition to the company’s team which also includes Josh Kerr and Christian Fletcher.

So how exactly can dimples enhance surfing performance?

“As we all know, a golf ball with dimples will fly further than a golf ball without. What most of us don’t know is why? There are two main reasons: The dimpled surface reduces drag; The Dimpled Surface improves lift.”

And some credible words from Darren Stephens, a fluid dynamics expert:

“A surfboard fin with dimples creates a turbulent flow. Turbulent flow has more adhesion so when you start to turn, the dimpled fin surface delays the flow separation, reducing cavitation (the separation bubble) allowing the foil to maintain performance. When the surfer is turning at high speeds, the turbulent boundary layer helps the flow overcome an adverse pressure gradient and allows the fin to remain attached to the surface longer than it would otherwise. This reduces drag, increases lift and improves overall performance of the fin design.”

According to the 3DFins team they’ve been tested in “1ft beach breaks to 40ft Beasts and Monsta slabs.”

Sometimes it takes a high profile figure to help pry open the mind of the greater surfing community to new concepts. Perhaps this is the beginning of something big? With a ‘majorly groundbreaking’ new JOB signature model on its way (sporting a fresh take on the dimple tech), it would be wise to keep an eye on the bottom of Mr O’Brien’s more conventional craft.