The New Channel Islands “Upright” Fin is Practical Beauty for Everyday Slop

There’s something about fresh fins that hits us right in the feels.

They’re handsome and industrial, come in elegant sets, and, significantly, unlike surfboards (and unless you’re disorganised or have light-fingered mates) you’ll have them for the majority of your surfing life. Think of all the intimate moments you’ll spend together.

Surfcraft building really is in the Merrick DNA, and you know if the Channel Islands family put their name to it, then they’ve done their research. Which is exactly the case with their new fin in conjunction of FCS, the simply named “Upright” fin.

The idea with the Upright is simple. CI have already likely had rudders under your feet at some stage (or certainly influenced what lurks below your back foot) with their universally used and adored (and highly raked) Al Merrick template. But, they shine in good waves, and most of us surf anything but on the regular, so that’s where the new silhouette picks up.

Getting up to speed as quickly as possible and then offering control in tight pockets is Upright’s raison d’etre. Whether you’re priming for the Qs to re-start, or just trying to enjoy surfing when it’s not pumping, having the equipment to perform your best in everyday conditions is everything. It’s literally the difference between having fun for an hour or so four plus times a week, or not. And, just because you only surf for your own enjoyment, doesn’t mean you can’t improve, and improving means refining your technique in sub par conditions. Which is an all around win. The great irony of surfing being that, the better you get at it, the more fun it is.

If you need a new set to breathe life into your grovel routine, dive in.

(Ps. This post is part of our ongoing partnership with FCS, just so you know).