Force Fin

Art and Force Fin

2011-10-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

From October 1st to January 16th the Architecture and Design Museum in Los Angeles is featuring Eames Words Eames Designs: The Guest Host Relationship.

When I was asked in August if I would allow some of my Force Fin models to be part of the exhibit I had no idea how they might display the fins, but I was ecstatic.

On October 6th the reception was held and I was fortunate enough to sneak in early and behold as you walk into the exhibit you are greeted with a wonderful display of Force Fins.

With great people, fitting music and a clear sky the event was one I shall not forget soon.

The outside area was just as exciting. Great show guys!
As we were leaving for the night I took this parting shot and was smiling all the way home. It is a great exhibit with many fascinating components and I can’t wait to visit again before the closing on January 16th.

Eames Designs: The Guest Host Relationship

Underwater Propulsion

2011-09-22T04:18:00.000-07:00

I met Lance Rennka in the 1970's at the Divers Den dive shop in Santa Barbara and we have been good friends ever since. He
started SCUBA diving in 1957 (Back in O2, When There Were Wooden Tanks and Steel Men is one of his published books). He became a NAUI SCUBA Instructor in 1965, trained divers and instructors for NAUI, YMCA and PADI, and was an Instructor Trainer for over 20 years retiring in 2003. His books are not only interesting eye openers, but inspirational. He is a truth seeker and an adventurer with a universal view. He was nice enough to allow us to post this writing of his and we hope enjoy the read, especially if you dive underwater.

Underwater Propulsion
By Lance Rennka, Ed.D.
In Billions of years of evolution, Mother Nature has developed a variety of techniques to provide the aquatic creatures mobility in water. When man began to enter the water and attempt to move over and through it, adaptations had to be made. Our human ability to problem solve allowed us to build floating devises from natural materials, i.e. logs, rafts, boats, canoes, skin boats, etc. Trial and error provided our ancestors many opportunities to modify and improve their creations. The first motives to venture into the water were primarily to harvest the bountiful variety of food the waters offered.

Learning to swim in the water was a survival exercise when someone accidently fell into the water and had to keep their head above water to breathe and reach safety. The learned skills of paddling with the hands and kicking the feet provided a certain amount of propulsion, but required a lot of effort and wasn’t very fast. With practice, we learned to swim efficiently and in order to increase our endurance, we came-up with a variety of different kicks and strokes – each with their own effort requirements and cruising speed. Learning to breath-hold allowed the swimmers to dive underwater and hunt and do a certain amount of work. By being observant of how other creatures moved in the water, adaptations were made as new material was developed.
One of the first attempts was webbed gloves to provide a bigger surface area of the hand – make it a bigger paddle – frogs, gators, etc. The next obvious attempt was to make the powerful legs work better by making the feet provide more propulsion. The first attempt to develop modern fins was simply nailing shingles to the bottom of tennis shoes. Theoretically, this should work, because if you increase the surface area of a stick by adding a paddle, you get more propulsion per stroke.
From here-on, Physics and human Physique take over. If we’re going to problem solve multi-billion year aquatic propulsion evolution, we should consider the aquatic creatures that are good at moving through the water and follow their “designs” – does this make sense?
One of the fastest creatures in the sea is a tuna fish, which pushes a huge body through the water at tremendous speeds – over 60 miles/hour. Whales and dolphins push huge bodies through the water with relatively small surface area tails. So maybe, just maybe if we’re going to design and build devises to help humans be more efficient in the water and move faster, we should consider Natures solutions and then apply science to understand how we can adapt the techniques so we can move better in water. I suggest the solution may be counter-intuitive, especially if you’ve been exposed to the large variety of fins available on the market today.
The first assessment needs to be taking an inventory of the human Physique, which is designed as a terrestrial creature that walks upright. To stand upright, Nature designed us with feet so we could walk and stand upright without falling over. To understand what this means, find a pair of crutches, and try to stand still and upright with both of your feet off the ground – got it?
Next lay down on your back, extend your legs and point your toes as straight as you can, note that your feet will not make a straight line with your body, unless you’re a ballerina who learned to walk on her toes. Now relax your muscles and notice that your feet point almost straight-up. If you could point your toes straight, it would take a certain amount of effort to do so and hold them straight while you kicked your legs up and down. This is why the tennis shoe – shingle thing didn’t work, the blade was impossible to get into a propulsion angle with your legs straight. So obviously fins needed to wait for a flexible material – rubber – to be invented.
The human leg is designed to walk – basically to climb stairs. Our weight is pulled down by gravity, so the strongest muscles in our body are used to hold our body up right and provide forward or backward movement on land.

Now get your fins and put them on, lay down on a bed on your back with your legs extending past the bed, keep your legs straight, toes pointed and kick your legs up and down. Look at the “angle of attack” the fins make in the air and you’ll see the problem of trying to get efficient propulsion out of fins in the water. If the fins didn’t bend, you’d actually move backward. If you don’t bend your knees, the efficiency of the fins, even if they bend, is very limited.
The “angle of attack” of a fin blade needs to be 45 degrees to provide optimum propulsion when moved in the water. This is the same angle your hands subscribe when you tread water on the surface. Now, with the fin on your foot, bend the fin so as much of the blade as possible is at a 45 degree angle. Note that only a small portion of the fin blade bends sufficiently to provide forward propulsion. Most of the fin actually tends to pull you backward. The only time the fin actually provides the optimum forward propulsion with the toes pointed and legs held straight is when we kick backwards from the centerline of our body. This is impossible to perform in the face down position on the surface of the water. All of my diving students learned to swim on their backs on the surface.
If you’re on the surface on your stomach, to get the fin to provide a modicum of forward propulsion, you must drop your knee down and then kick. If you’re moving forward on the surface and want to “put-on-the-brakes” you drop your knees. So in an effort to position the fins to give you propulsion, in the face-down position on the surface, you put on the brakes and then kick – doesn’t make sense.
The Ama Divers – female breath-hold divers of Japan – don’t use fins and when underwater they have developed a unique kick, which actually makes sense. They hold their thighs straight, relax their foot, bring their heel to their buttock, then extend the foot and kick the leg to the straight position. This is easy enough to prove, get in the pool, lay on your back, then practice the kick until you realize you’re probably moving faster than any other leg kick would move you. Now pay attention to the angle of attack your foot is making and how little effort you’re exerting.
If you use your fins when doing a similar kick, you’ll realize this is how you actually kick with fins when submerged. Note: this type of kicking will require building the musculature in the front of your thigh – the ones that bring your leg forward from the flexed position. This is not something we normally do against resistance except on a certain exercise machine. To move the thigh forward of the centerline of our body requires strengthening the stomach muscles, but remember, moving the thigh puts-on the brakes.

Physics
Physics is the study of how and why everything in the Universe works. The Laws of Physics provide us with the factors involved with movement and propulsion in a fluid environment. These factors include:
Drag – the friction of moving through water – shape, size and configuration.
Vacuum – created behind an object when moved through a fluid, i.e. stepping in mud and trying to pull your foot out . . . without losing your shoe.
Angle-of-Attack – the angle of the paddle, oar, fin, propeller, sail, etc. to provide propulsion in a fluid
Effort – the amount of energy needed to move at a given speed in the fluid
First, let’s look at a tuna fish. Huge body, real narrow base of the tail, and real narrow fins, vertical to the movement in the water – and really FAST. Why? The tail fin is moved rapidly from side to side and because the blades are narrow, it can change the angle of attack quickly. The slowest fish have rounded tails and fairly long blades. This means the base of the tail has to move a certain distance before the fin can reach the optimum angle of attack.
Put the tip of your fin on the floor and perpendicular to it. Move the fin body (foot-pocket) back and forth and see how far it has to move before the blade reaches a 45 degree angle. This is the transition (null movement) and there is very little propulsion produced during this movement. The longer and stiffer the fin the greater the “null” movement required to get the blade into a power producing angle. Don’t get pissed at me because you have a pair of fins with three foot blades. The assumption with the long blades was the greater the surface area the greater the propulsion. In fact, if you look at the long fins in action in slow motion, you’ll notice that there is an “S” curve in the fins. Any engineer will tell you an “S” curve is inefficient – you can out-swim eels.
What this means is there is a critical length for a fin. In wind tunnel experiments (which can be extrapolated for fluid applications) the ideal length for the blade of a fin is approximately 12 inches. Any blade longer than that and there is turbulence – disruption of the water flow off the tip of the fin causing drag.
The vacuum factor has to do with the flow of water filling in “behind” the fin as it moves through the water. The reason it’s difficult to pull your shoe out of mud is that “something” has to fill-in behind the shoe before it will come loose – try removing a suction cup without breaking the seal. The next time you’re going to be walking in mud, tape a piece of PVC pipe to your leg with one end at the bottom of your shoes, in this way, air/water will have access to the bottom of the shoe and it will come out easily – you’re welcome.
What this has to do with fin propulsion, is that there needs to be a “channel” to allow the water to easily move from the front of the fin to the back of the fin easily. The best way to see this effect is to sit on the side of the pool and kick your fin up to the surface. Notice if the water is moving off the sides of the fin to fill in behind it. If it is moving off the side and not off the tip the fin is inefficient. This is especially evident in the “effort” (energy) needed to move the fin through the water. The same “size” blade (surface area) “should” require the same effort to move it through the water. Try different types and configuration of fins with different stiffnesses “against” each other sitting on the side of the pool. Then put one type of fin on one foot and a different kind on the other foot. Try kicking the fins the same way underwater and see if you tend to spiral as you swim. One fin will have more propulsion than the other.
We were taught that you could “feel” the power in certain fins. In fact, they were harder to move through the water. They were not providing more propulsion, the “power” we felt was the water trying to get from the front to the back – the amount of effort it took to move the fin.
OK, I know about the leaky fins, the ones with holes in them. Someone was paying some attention. The idea of holes in the blades was to let the water from the front of the negative portion of the blade move easily to the back of the blade thus reducing the vacuum effect. If there’s any question if it worked, plug the holes on one fin and see (feel) what happens. There’s another leaky fin, and I’ll only ask you one question, “If you split a fish’s tail will it swim faster or slower?”

One of the biggest problems for divers is fins, i.e. putting the fins on before entering the water, removing the fins after a dive and the inefficiency of the fins to propel them through the water. Also, the Foot Pocket has to fit over and around the foot wearing a booty. Do you get raw or blistered toes after long use? If so, the fin leverage is at the weakest part of your foot – the toes – instead of the strongest area near your arch. Most divers are additionally handicapped because they’re wearing gloves, carrying a lot of weight and pushing a large cross-section.
Heel attachment – Here’s a real good test to see how efficient your fins are – remove the heal straps and go for a swim. If the fins come off your feet, its “drag” – friction – that’s causing the problem.
If the “bend part” of the fin started where your toes attached to your foot instead past your toes, would you have better leverage? Could your fin be shorter and thereby make the transition to the power stroke quicker – more power, less null? Would there be less muscles used – your calves – if you weren’t working your fins with your toes? If the major propulsion stroke involved only the thighs, would you exert less energy for the same speed in the water – say 40% less? If the water coming off the tip of the fin produced a jet of water and boil three feet off the tip rather than off the side, would that indicate better propulsion? If you can leave the heel strap off and the fins will stay on your feet, does that indicate the fins have little drag in the water? If the fins look like a dolphin tail would it make sense that some human paid attention to the billions of years of natural evolution and the human physique needs? And if the Seal Teams tested this fin and proved it worked and it was faster than any other fin on the market, would you be interested in owning a pair?

If your answer was, “Of course!” or “I’d at least like to try a pair.” Then check-out: www.ForceFin.com for a dealer near you.

Lance Rennka started SCUBA diving in 1957 (Back in O2, When There Were Wooden Tanks and Steel Men is one of his published books). He became a NAUI SCUBA Instructor in 1965, trained divers and instructors for NAUI, YMCA and PADI, and was an Instructor Trainer for over 20 years retiring in 2003. Lance’s contact info – scubalust@aol.com

Adventures in French Polynesia

2011-01-18T14:24:00.000-08:00

I recently returned from a wonderful and long overdue vacation. We actually had to be invited as we never would have thought to go on our own and we could not turn down our good friends Jean-Michel Cousteau and Nan another time after years of declining the offer.
Susanne and I had a successful and uneventful travel to the South Pacific region, but once we landed I was off to a good start, with an emergency tooth pull in Papeete, Tahiti which cost me a whooping $50.00. Thank you Dr. Remi Dufrier!

Immediately after my tooth was extracted we headed to the M/S Paul Gauguin, which would be our home for the next two weeks as, we traveled the Tuamotus and Society Islands in French Polynesia.

It was a vacation I will never forget and I hope to share many of my adventures with you. In the mean time I will leave you with a few images to wet your thoughts of adventure aboard the M/S Paul Gauguin.

Until the next update I leave you at the starboard side rail of the ship.

50th Annual NOGI Awards Gala

2010-11-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

As the President of the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences for the second year in a row I am happy to say that this years NOGI awards gala will be an event not to miss. Promptly at 6pm on November 18th at the Las Vegas Hilton the hosted bar will open and the room will fill with most interesting of our kind.

There is still time to reservations and be a part of this night to remember and join us in honoring this years 50th Annual NOGI awardees.

AUAS is dedicated to recognizing the pioneers and leaders who have had a global impact on the exploration, enjoyment, and preservation of the underwater world and to passing the stewardship of the sea on to future generations. Look forward to seeing you there!

A first for me and a first for Force Fin

2010-09-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

I have always been interested in aviation. The dynamics of flight itself is fascinating to me and today I had two Army Helicopter pilots and a flight medic visit us at Force Fin straight from the flight path. I say us, but they really were coming to talk with Blair. He had talked with them last week and he mentioned to me that he had guys flying in on an Army Helicopter to size out for Force Fins. My response to Blair was, ”yea are they going to be landing on top of the building?”

Photo by Kabir Cardenas

I really did not put much thought into it until today when they showed up at Force Fin Head Quarters. I had a grin the size of California when I saw these guys walking into the parking lot in their uniforms about 15 minutes after touch down. Jsmith told us “my fins that were originally issued to me started to tear so I started looking into who was using what. I saw the videos and reviews and information and then I remembered the guys that were using them in Hawaii when I was stationed over there and thought it is time for Force Fins.” I let Blair square away the guys with fins then I showed them different models and we all had a chance to share stories. Once we started talking about aviation and their beautiful and proud EC helicopter they invited us to the check out their bird. I told Juan and Blair pack it up we are going to the Airport.

Myself and Juan with the Pilots.

It was great to meet the guys and to talk diving and flying. Smith was really excited to get into the water with his new Force Fin PROS and his energy was great I had to gift my Force Fin Hat right off my head.

Blair and Jsmith

We have had people stop by our Head Quarters from to time from all over the world. First time Force Finners to decades long time Force Fin veterans, but anything like this.

As we parted they mentioned they would fly over our building on their way out and sure enough I just so happen to be right out in the parking lot when they flew by with a smile and a new pair of Force Fin PROS. This was a first!

Thank you again for all your service and commitment to our country and its citizens it was great to meet you guys!

Don't go bananas

2010-08-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Don't go bananas ! Go with Force Fins

I took the fin off your foot. Most foot and leg cramps while SCUBA diving occur because your fin is hanging off the edge of your foot. One of the most common complaints that people have about diving is that their feet and legs hurt when they try to kick with today's long or stiff fins. Their arches or calves cramp, their toes are smashed into the end of the foot pocket, their legs tire... Sound familiar?

Force Fins in Action

2010-08-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

Pro Force Fins

Tan Delta Flying Force Fin

The Tan Delta Flying Force Fin

Captain Jack Guidry Loves Flying

2010-07-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

Flying has changed over the years. I flew as a kid in the Constellation. My excitement for flying has never changed. A few weeks ago Susanne and I experienced an American Airlines flight. First there was a lot of balloons around the ticket desk and then American airlines employees were handing out cake to all the passengers. What was up? a birthday - no, but as Captain Jack Guirdy taxied out of Dallas he announced that we were going to get wet.

A fire truck watered the plane down! WOW Then Captain Jack powered up the throttled and ripped up to 39 thousand feet. Over the intercom Captain Jack thanked the passengers for making his dream come true of flying airplanes most of his life. Learning to fly in High school and flying in the USAF then finally flying 31 years for American Airlines- My favorite Airline!- We were on his last flight out of Dallas Texas and the entire plane clapped and cheered after his touching announcement.

As we stepped off the plane I asked captain Jack if I could take a photo and by the look on his face you can see how much he loves flying!

May we all be so happy on our last flight. As I have been striving to make the finest fins on the market for the last 32 years I can relate to smile on Captain Jack's Face.

Choosing and Using a Full Face Mask

2010-07-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

I have recently viewed Hammerhead Press's New Video Choosing and using Full Face Masks WOW, I wondered after watching it if I would receive a certification in diving Full Face Masks. The Producers Steve and Kristine Barsky are no strangers to doing something right. Choosing and Using a Full Face Mask covers everything you need to know and more. Bonus section included!

The one of the many times I donned a Full Face Mask.

This Band Mask was used for a Brooks Photo shoot, my alma mater. I know the living legends of designing diving helmets Bev Morgan, Bob Kirby, Bob Ratcliffe three of the top commercial helmet designers

If you want first hand information on Choosing and Using a Full Face Mask turn to Hammerhead Press and there is lots of professional footage with Force Fins in the video.

If you want to chat with another personal friend who can give you a quick heads up contact Blair Mott at Force Fin.

Flat Fins VS Force Fins

2010-06-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

Force Fin production run in the 1980's

A simple way to understand the difference between a Flat Fin and Force Fin.
Every Force Fin that is hand poured has a curved blade that faces away from the bottom of your foot to provide more resistance on the power or downward ( during freestyle) phase of the kick. The blade then snaps back to assist on the recovery.

Have you ever seen a fast-swimming fish with a blunt or squared-off tail? Neither had I. That is why I pattered my fins after the split V shape of fish tails that more efficiently channels the water.

I also noticed that other fins worked basically like boards strapped to your feet; they were stiff and inflexible. Again I took my cue from nature and physics, and I came up with very flexible fins using innovative materials like polyurethane instead of cheaper rubber from the beginning when I started making Force Fins in 1983.

Follow the Ocean Futures Society Team

2010-05-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I have a special connection with Jean- Micheal Cousteau and Ocean Futures Society.
Jean- Micheal Cousteau diving the Fins made especially for his team. The OPS Force Fin.

Force Fin as well as myself personally have been long time supporters of all their efforts and adventures towards marine science and education. Most of them not only live in the same town as I do, but I am good friends with most of the team members and staff. I have been following the Ocean Futures Society Expedition Team while they have been documenting the Oil Disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

I believe it is important for us to gather as much information about such a disaster and having the good people from Ocean Futures Society on the front lines has has been exciting to watch and read about their encounters.
Tonight on the "CBS Evening News with Katie Couric" will feature some of the underwater video that the team has gathered so don't miss it. If you don't have TV that is OK because they will be showing the video on their websites! Good luck to the entire OFS Team, we are thankful for all your hard work!

Have bike will dive

2010-04-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

Somewhere along the road we found a way to transport our tanks from Hermosa Beach to Redondo Beach California. My Bike was the prefect horse in 1966. Jim Pennington and I walked the bike with two cylinders and equipment along the train tracks and down to the surf.

Did we try to ride the bike? Yes! It was like steering a time bomb - totally out of balance with two heavy steel tanks full of high pressure air. Walk don't drive worked quite well in those days!

Celebration of Life

2010-04-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

Celebration of Life
My father engraves the patented numbers on the Original Force Fin that came out the first Santa Barbara Force Fin head quarters in 1981.

Gordan Evans was a solider, Husband, Father and a remarkable Artist who contributed to my love for the Ocean, Art, Design and so much more...

Following a short illness my father Gordan Evans recently left this earth to join my mother and remain close to me only in spirit. Thank you for all your condolences and I look forward to sharing more of his work with everyone.

Beach Care

2010-03-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

Beachcare is an amazing organization that brings beachcare issues to light. Their website is full of excellent information concerning beachcare issues around the world.
Blogs, news, videos, pictures and more. Get informed and get to Beachcare's website

I feel very honored that they have chosen one of my photos for Photo of the Month.

Keep up the great work Beachcare and thank you for your support!
Bob Evans

Reminds me of the Colosseum

2010-03-09T13:13:00.000-08:00

I recently shared an old news clipping with our Force Fin staff. It was a response I had written to The Santa Barbara News Press's editorial "The case against captivity" many years ago when the Atlanta Aquarium opened up and I would like to share it with you.
"“Good for the Santa Barbara News Press for pointing out the sadness captivity brings to these beautiful marine animals. When I was a child I lived in Rome, right next to the Colosseum.

Me with my mother and sisters in Rome.

Towards the end of the empire, the Romans would bring animals from Africa-giraffes, elephants, leopards, lions, monkeys, etc. They would perform in the Colosseum. The latest great aquarium in Atlanta, Ga., reminds me of the Colosseum. It is the end of civilization when they can justify captivating people in awe of spectacular animals. If you wish to learn about dolphins, whales, look to our oceans, take a scuba class from one of Santa Barbara's instructional centers, or book a snorkeling adventure. You'll get more out of the experience of floating in the water and watching what marine life may swim by than a beast circling in a Plexiglas Coliseum.
I speak from experience. I have photographed marine animals in their native environment and in Santa Barbara's own Undersea Gardens in the 1970s. I rejoiced when Myrtle the Turtle somehow escaped from Undersea Gardens Aquarium in Santa Barbara, California.

When I was on a photo assignment for a water park in 1973,

I first came in contact with how dolphins were treated. They were in these very small pens, and the trainer told me the dolphins became aggressive over time. I thought to myself that I would become crazy being put in these dark water coffin pens. Time to let killer whales, sea lions, dolphins etc. all go back to the sea and close down these modern day Colosseums

Hitting 100

2010-02-26T13:51:00.000-08:00

I have recently hit number 100 in my Tan Delta Flying Force Fins! The Flying Force Fin is special to me for many reasons. One is it looks cool and with its down turned wing tips it always commands remarks even above the standard Force Fin comments. This model has been around for a long time, but I have only recently started selling it to the public. Decades ago the engineers from the Stars and Strips yacht racing team were researching how to make the fastest hull design. They actually bought a pair of Force Fins and took the fin into the boeing wind tunnel to preform analysts. Afterwards they gave me a call and discussed their results! After the call the Flying Force Fin was born.

Now to modern Day I am proud to announce that I have just signed number 100. Amethyst Purple and they are a exquisite!
I can also say the Jaun Fiscal, who has been one of my employees for the last 20 years, assembled them. Thanks for all your dedication over the years!

This pair is going to a wonderful Ocean Enthusiast. His request of inscribing " Save our Sharks" on one of the blades will say a lot where he is diving! Thanks for your support with all my hand crafted products.
Fair winds and Following Seas,
Bob Evans

The Cove

2010-02-12T13:13:00.000-08:00

On the night of February 10th the SBIFF awarded the David Attenborough Award to The Cove for Excellence in Nature Filmmaking. I hope you have all seen the movie The Cove, if not, it is a must see and someone should have told you that you must see it.

Blair Mott and I had a truly inspiring experience February 10th 2010. I would like to share his take on the evening. Blair thanks for getting my there and sharing your words with us all.

When I arrived at the Lobero Theater with Bob Evans it was a good hour before the film was to begin. The Lobero is the oldest working theater in California and is a great venue, we have both seen a lot of shows there and Bob has even presented his work inside the theater accompanied by live piano music.

Sandra Squires, Executive Coordinator for Jean-Michel Cousteau, was the first to arrive from our group and she walked up with The Cove poster for the backdrop during the Q & A and awards presentation after the film.

She stopped to take photos and swap stories. Thanks Sandra and good luck to all your efforts in saving the planet. I remember seeing the head of the communications department at SBCC, various ocean activists, enthusiasts, local Natural History Museum staff, plus a plethora of local and out of town individuals who were jazzed for the night. We were then soon joined by Dr. Marc Grandle Alki Chiropractic and Myotherapy, Kirsten Candy ,Holly Lohuis from Ocean Futures Society
and Michal Hanrahan President and co-founder of the Ocean Channel.

Mike deGruy has been the head of the Reel Nature Series for the SBIFF for years and he stopped by. We had a chance to talk about the success of the Reel Nature series this year and about the man himself Ric O’Barry being on-site for the show.

Holly Lohius immediately whipped out her book to ask Mike if he could help her get the book signed for her son Gavin. They devised a plan and something about 8:45, green room and it was another covert OPS in the works. Mike had to run, so we moved inside and when we started to move down the isles we could not get 5 rows into the theater before we ran into Fred Benko from the Condor Express and started a pile up in the theater as our group broke into a barrage of greetings as almost everyone in the group began reconnecting with someone else in the theater. Energy was everywhere and the Lobero was the prefect backdrop.

The Film……is….a MUST SEE!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t know, but I believe if you find someone who has not seen it, I was one of them, tell them it is about poison and they might leave behind their thoughts of watching a movie filled with dolphins being massacred in an unknown cove in Japan. Just a thought.

The blend of allowing us to see a bit of the mobilizations and “behind the curtain” moments drive the film for me and they were inserted appropriately throughout the film. There is excellent historical footage and an extremely visually compelling sequence of a dolphin blowing air rings and manipulating the rings with its sonar and body movement that leaves in you in awe of the intelligence of the mammal. Bob and I will be talking about that forever. I have heard and read about Ric O’Barry for years, mostly from Holly Lohuis, but having him in the film allowed me to get to know him and become a bigger fan!

Among many, one thing that sticks out in my mind was when Ric O’Barry brought the point of- “this is not a cultural issue- we could not win that argument, this is not an emotional issue– we eat cows they eat dolphins etc…– we could not win this either, but we can win because this about health” Japan is poisoning their people by selling them contained dolphin meat. They are actually selling poisonous meat to humans, dolphin meat no less, dolphins can you believe that!
The film is well put together and allows the audience to feel the energy behind a story that needs to be told because it can start a change in the world. Mike deGruy hosted a conversation session with the Director Louis Psihoyos and Ric O’Barry that covered filming making, inspirations and anecdotes with nothing left behind.

Ric O’Barry is trying to get 1000 people to Tijia, Japan September 1st and he opened the invitation to everyone last night at the show. Get your frequent flyers miles ready and go the website as he said they will be posting more info on how to get on board. September 1st 2010 we need THOUSANDS of people in Taiji, Japan. Thanks for the invite Ric!
Afterward Peter Howorth presented the David Attenborough award to The Cove received by Louie Psihoyos and Ric O’Barry and the lights came on.

I asked Holly if she had Ric O’Barry’s signature on her book that he wrote and she sheepishly said she tried, but no. Bob said let’s go and try again, Holly hesitated and I looked and Bob and said,” Get her backstage NOW!” they took off and the theater started to let out.

I did a resonances mission and located Simon Hutchins – Expedition Director for The Cove and Director of Expeditions for OPS, Charles Hambleton – Clandestine Operations -The Cove as well as Mary Jo Rice from the Earth Island Institute. They all stayed late after the show and when the staff of the Lobero finally kicked us out they hung around a bit more to talk and take pictures. Thanks a lot guys and your respective dates for staying till the very end. Out of the 150 plus people that were there that night we the remaining 9.
Myself and Simon Hutchins talk logistics and life on expedition.

I look forward to keeping in touch and keeping informed! Thanks for inspiring us all!

All photos shot by Bob Evans

Catalina weekend

2010-01-26T10:34:00.000-08:00

This last weekend our Product Specialist, Blair Mott, was fortunate enough to travel to Catalina Island for the Ultimate Diver Challenge Catalina Reunion. As some of you know the weather was not in his favor for a weekend of diving and it was in question if he could even make it to the island. Erik Phariss, who is an instructor for the National Academy of Police Diving, invited him along and they were lucky to make the first out of the only two Catalina Express runs to the island on Friday. Once they arrived they were greeted by Ron Moore of Dive Catalina Ron asked them who they were with and then he immediately offered to help. He was a tremendous help with getting the gear to their house for the weekend. Blair knew they might not be diving because of the weather, but that did not stop him from bringing 2 drysuits, 2 wetsuits, full scuba set up and 3 sets of Force Fins. With the a recent landslide occurring near the ferry dock they had to lug all of their gear into town.
The site of the Dive Catalina truck loaded up brings a smile to Blair's face.

It seems that not only was he a safety diver and camera operator during the UDC, but a good friend of Blair Mott's old mentor Don Santee. Once they settled in Erik and Blair started to explore the town and if you have been there, you know it is a special place with signs that you are not on the mainland everywhere. Blair captured this photo of one of the local transports.

They met up with Jim Pearson of Cinema Rentals who was the logistical coordinator for the Reunion and in charge of all the filming that took place during the 2009 competition as well as the topside filming that would take place during the weekend.

Erik Phariss recounts his experience during the Ultimate Diver Challenge 2009.

They did not get to dive on Saturday as originally scheduled, but they did see some clear sky from time to time.

It was a great weekend where Blair learned a lot about the Ultimate Diver Challenge and met the very passionate people who compete and support the competition on a yearly basis. Pam Bertrand, the Executive Producer of the Ultimate Diver Challenge, has a lot of great enthusiasm and energy that is contiguous and truly a breath of fresh air towards promoting SCUBA diving in 2010. Blair was fortunate enough to meet the contestants, safety divers, judges and production crew for the 2009 Ultimate Diver Challenge and he is excited about the the UDC 2010 , but Blair's highlight of the weekend had to been spending time with Erik and swapping his Tactical and Special Response Diving missions with his own expeditions. Erik Phariss has an amazing story and a lot of experience with Force Fins. Before he left to Miami to teach another course he shared his thoughts on Force Fins.
Thank you Erik for your support over the years and to all the people involved with the UDC. Thank you for letting Blair be a part of your special weekend. He has told me about the passion and excitement surrounding the competition and that is fantastic! I am excited to learn more.

All of us at Force Fin applaud you on what you have accomplished and what is to come!

The Funk Zone

2010-01-18T10:22:00.000-08:00

Decades ago, the Funk Zone was started @ 28 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara California with Bob's studio and Elaine Hyde Glass blowing studio.
In the above photo Susanne and her son Alex Gagnon checking out Bob's push rod fin in his design studio circa 1987.

The Art of Design

2009-12-28T09:14:00.000-08:00

The Art of Design
The Innovative Designs of Bob Evans, Erik Buell and Burt Rutan
©1998 Prof. Harry J. Wirth

May 2, 1998

Introduction

Design has many meanings in this world. The context I have chosen here is design as the process of creation. Design can be defined as a noun or as a verb. The word usage I wish to employ here is that of the verb or the action word. The process of design being the creation of an idea or object as a result of a need, want, or desire. As to art, that word has many and varied connotations as does design. In this case I apply the word art again as a process. This would be a process of discrimination to a very high level. Therefore the Art of Design would be the careful selection of concepts as it applies to the creation of an object.

A design exhibition I recently produced was titled “The Art of Design”. It highlighted the design work of contemporary American designers of graphics, products and architecture. The exhibition illustrated the process of design as well as the finished products. The design process was displayed as conceptual sketches and models along with narratives by the designers documenting the evolution of the product development. This method of display allowed the viewers to compare and contrast not only the products, but also the methodology employed by each of the designers. As might be expected, the design process of each of the designers had similarities as well as great differences. Some designers used sophisticated design methodologies whereas others used a more serendipitous method, that which some of us refer to as “hands-on”. This latter method of being more tactile in the experimental process and allowing new connections to occur and then recognizing the results as potential positive attributes to the design. The key in this more crude design method is discrimination--the ability to recognize the accidental discovery as a positive.

Three designers whom I have come to know through my exhibitions are some of the most talented, innovative people in America, Bob Evans, Erik Buell and Burt Rutan. The three are all very intense designers, each share a high level of enthusiasm with varying personalities. Each has a very private side. Rutan prefers to not give interviews as it takes him away from designing airplanes. These designers are from far different fields. Bob Evans designs swim fins, Erik Buell designs motorcycles, and Burt Rutan designs aircraft. I will use their physical designs to help illustrate their creativity and involvement in dynamic design. The three design for transportation, and their work involves moving objects through air or water. I feel it is their unique personalities that leads to the their innovations. The innovation as evidenced in their work is a result of their enthusiasm, passion, vision, courage and ability to implement a design into the marketplace.

Evans, Buell and Rutan use simple tried and true methods in their design process. It is now a common practice for designers to utilize computers in the design process. All three design and visualize through the use of three dimensional physical models. Evans especially prefers to work with the actual materials in hand. He had tried computer design, but states that he cannot “feel” the weight, nor can he sense the texture and smoothness of the form. Both Rutan and Buell use computers while they are in the design phases of developing a solution. Their use is predominantly in the testing of stress and strain of material, and wind loading on the streamlined forms. Evans and Buell prefer to work with life-size test models, quickly building mock-ups to try human fit and technical function.

As to their similarities, all three are extremely energetic individuals. They are obsessed with their work and their designs. Each designer applies technology and utilizes the latest materials in their work. In fact, they tend to invent technology which makes them leaders in their fields. All are about the same age, early fifties, and late forties. The energy level is so high, in fact, there is very little else in their lives except for their work. Needless to say, the stress levels run high as well. I want to emphasize here individuals, as each one essentially works alone. They do utilize teams of people and specialists in their work, however they tend to be alone in the design process. Each one is driven by their desire to improve upon that which exists. Each is truly an innovator who is making a significant contribution to their respective industries. The individuality, I believe comes from a strong belief in one’s philosophy or ideals. Each is autocratic in their management style. Each one is also a maverick, a person who tends to go against the norm, who dreads sitting in on committees, and who abhors bureaucracy. Each one comes from a one-man shop initially, where design and experimentation was a daily course of activity which lasted well into the night.

Evans, Buell and Rutan are design hybrids. I would call all three artists as well as designers. They are also relentless entrepreneurs. Essentially self-taught in business practices each has an uncanny feel for the market and what could sell. Is this an American trait? I don’t know. However, I do know that in the USA we have many people like these three gambling on a “long shot”. They take risks and experiment with ideas of which others seem to laugh. It is this fortitude, courage, and energy that drives them. In the face of opposition, it seems they get stronger with their beliefs. I believe their passion for the product is equal to their entrepreneurial skills. Being also highly intuitive, they have the ability to make connections and predict outcomes of untried ideas.

They are artists in the sense that their products are things of beauty as well as having superior function. Each man has the final word as to what the object will look like, and each discerns well the balance and proportion weighted against the ultimate function for which it was designed. Similar to the way nature works, these three have the inherent talent to be able to tie all of the disparate elements and processes together to a unified, balanced and beautiful whole.

Bob Evans and the Forcefin

Bob Evans was and still is an accomplished scuba diver. He initially became interested in the beauty of sea-life and thus became an underwater photographer. He is quite an accomplished man with the camera as his photographs have been published widely in books and magazines. Having worked underwater extensively and after logging thousands of dives and expeditions, he became intimately involved with the many difficulties of swimming and maneuvering while attempting to photograph his submariner subjects.

Evans literally grew tired of the constant pushing and pulling of water with the conventional fins as he watched the effortless gliding of the fish around him. He had observed and continues to this day his observation of water as a three-dimensional living substance. He realized the fin cannot be designed with the typical two-dimensional mentality. Another observation was that the faster, more efficient fish had a split tail as a main thrusting feature. All of the fins on the market at the time were flat single fins. As Evans puts it, the flat type is very clumsy and inefficient for swimming and diving. The reinforcement ribs restrict water flow around the fin and increase unwanted drag.

An astute and observant individual, Evans made intuitive connections between man and nature. He found that the highly evolved fish shapes could be adapted to the human form. Humans are “by nature” one of the most inefficient and awkward objects moving in the water. In essence, he wanted to make the human body more fish like, but in a simple manner with the application of an appropriately designed fin.

The basic “Forcefin”, the first model, was physically conceived in 1980, however, the initial concept was realized in the early 1970’s. Evans painfully and diligently evolved the design through many developments of configuration, size and materials. His design methodology was the handling of the design as a dynamic object rather than that of a static one. There was an extensive undertaking of the study of the movements of the foot, ankle, and leg in order to get a good understanding of the dynamic movements of the parts together and separately. An interesting drawing Evans compiled from these leg-movement studies hangs in a prominent place in his studio as a work of art. The innovation was a result of observations of nature in the sea and the application of those observations.

Quickly made of crude materials, many designs were tested, rejected, and refined for quick evaluation. His many configurations were quickly prototyped with chicken-wire and newspaper. His feet would get cuts and bruises as he tirelessly tried concept after concept until he arrived at a shape that worked. Evans would make the molds himself in his shop, pull the product and run to the beach to try a new shape. To this day he still follows the same basic “hands-on” method of design development. Many new materials were tried, tested, and evaluated to seek out the best formula suited for his needs with the fin. He needed a stable compound with the necessary snap and flex that would augment and amplify the movements of the leg and foot.

The latest material being applied to the fins is a two-part liquid polyurethane with a good memory of shape. Evans found this material to be quite forgiving in his unique composite molds. Once the fin was formed and pulled from the mold, he discovered the polyurethane had a chain-molecular bond arrangement that allowed it to be more durable, yet flexible on the flipper ends or as he calls them, the deflecting foils. He found this product while perusing technical journals and saw that it was good for mallet hammers and heavy duty wheels. It was resilient, yet very durable and flexible.

It is the split ends on the fin that are so special. Observing fish with split fins, Evans saw the tremendous maneuverability of these fish. Trying to do a roll underwater with conventional long stiff fins is quite difficult to accomplish. With the shorter Forcefin, and the flexible tips, which work independently of one-another, maneuverability underwater is smooth and easy. Divers who take their first swim with the Evans’ fins first remark that the fin isn’t working because they feel no resistance. Evans is quick to point out that this is the quality he was striving for, an efficiency that makes underwater kicking effortless.

Another unique feature to the Forcefin is its ability to flex and snap. This action-reaction of the polyurethane structure increases the divers thrust. As Evans states, “when in operation, it has power in one direction and then collapses while throwing water behind in the other direction so that it can get back to where you kick against it without strain.” He saw that this action was the same action as what he had seen occur on the fins of a harbor seal on a slow motion video.

The Forcefin is an elegant, organic, fluid-formed device that becomes a natural extension of the human leg. Looking rather strange in our dry conditions walking about on the pier, once in the water the beauty of the design is immediately apparent and functionally is better and more efficient than any other fin on the market. Other models followed as the design became more widely accepted. He now has the “Beaver”, the “Rip Force”, the “Tan Delta” and the most advanced, the “Pro Model” with adjustable “winglets”.

The Adustable Model Forcefin is an adjustable fin to suit the diving and kicking preferences of the diver. Two, independent, small winglets are attached to either side of the fin. These are mounted with hex-head bolts to allow for adjustment in the field. A diver can increase thrust of the stroke by moving these winglets in or out dependent on the performance desired.

Recently, the US Department of the Navy conducted an exhaustive test of many diving fins. Bob Evans' Forcefins came out on top in the tests. The tests concluded that divers using the Forcefin used less oxygen while active in diving than with any other design. Interestingly enough, the elite Navy Seals teams use the Forcefin as further proof of their superiority as a dive fin. “Eventually,” as Evans states, “all fins will be made this way.”

The Forcefin is continuing to catch on. The sales have increased to such a high level, Evans has to consider now the future of his small company and where he wants to go with it. His desire is to design newer fins and try new technologies, but at present the pressure of meeting the tremendous consumer demand for his superior product is taking most of his time.

Erik Buell and the Buell Motorcycle

Erik Buell was and still is an avid motorcyclist. It was at one point in his life he wanted either to be a musician or a motorcycle racer. He lived on a farm during his formative years and loved horses and motorcycles. His first motorcycle was a Honda “step-thru” 50cc. Once a potent racer on the circuit, Buell became very concerned that there weren’t any USA motorcycles being raced in the superbike class. Having had training as a mechanical engineer in Pennsylvania, Buell travelled to Milwaukee, and to the heart-center of American motorcycling, the Harley-Davidson company. There, in 1979, he joined HD and made significant achievements in innovation by getting the company several patents in suspension technology and design. His air-assisted anti-dive mechanism incorporated in his Harley-Davidson FXRT Sport Glide of 1984 and work on the FLT model gained him much recognition far and wide for their engineering as well as styling advancements.

He approached the high level management at Harley-Davidson asking for a chance to work on a new sport motorcycle concept he had been entertaining during his spare time. The grand idea he had did not sing music to the ears of the company executives, and Buell found himself quitting a good job and going home to his modest shop in his garage.

This is the place where much innovation in design is born in the USA---the back yard garage. There, with a few dollars to his name he began the project that would change his life and the lives of many others. From his perspective as a motorcycle racer, he drew out rough specs as to what his ideal sport motorcycle would be. Light weight, aerodynamic, rigid frame, short wheel base, and good looks. He started welding and building, first alone, then with just a few assistants.

Simplicity is the common factor in all Buell designs. Buell had been a motorcycle mechanic while attending engineering school. Working “hands-on” in a multi-brand shop, Buell recognized early that most motorcycles are too complicated and have too many parts. He also observed that many of the motorcycles were difficult to maintain and tune. A key requirement was to let the rider ride the motorcycle, instead of worrying about valve timing and tune-ups. His motorcycle was also going to be lighter, more efficient, user friendly and easy to maintain.

Buell uses simple laws of physics and engineering artfully applied for his purposes. Not a follower of tradition, he supplants the common stand-by application of exotic materials with common sense. He notes that many other designers over complicate the design, then to make it practical, they use very expensive, exotic, lightweight materials. Such is the argument of the single front brake rotor featured on all Buells. Buell maintains one large rotor is enough and keeps the unsprung weight low. Other designers overburden the front wheel with two rotors, then have to shave weight with material substitutions to make it work.

Buell bought the Barton engine in England, which had become available, an advanced, two-stroke square four racing engine of 750cc. He enclosed this special engine in his first perimeter geodesic chrome-moly frame. A fully enclosed fairing was added for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. Thus the first Buell motorcycle was born in 1983, the Buell RW 750. This was the first fully enclosed high performance motorcycle. Full body work had been seen before on motorcycles, but not to the extent in which Buell incorporated it, especially on a consumer street machine. His intent was to race this machine, however the AMA Formula One racing rules changed and he had to abandon the Barton project. The positive outcome of this project were the precedents for future projects, the fully enclosed fairing, stable geodesic space frame and simplicity of design.

The first successful consumer-available project to come from his garage in 1987 was the Buell RR1000. Fully enclosed with body work, this machine was and still is one of the best performers in the wind tunnel. The RR1000 incorporated the HD XR1000cc Sportster motor. This motor was the most powerful HD ever produced. Buell took this opportunity because nobody including HD wanted it. Being in such close proximity to the HD factory and engine plant, Buell had access to the latest engine technology in Milwaukee. He found that Harley had a surplus of unused XR 1000 engines and they were available for Buell to purchase. Buell preferred and still does prefer the Milwaukee in-line engines as it allows him to achieve better cornering characteristics, narrow body, as well as mass centralization. Innovative in this model was his perimeter geodesic space frame surrounding the motor, rear suspension components slung under the motorcycle, and one-single massive front six piston brake. The space frame was not as new of an idea, however the single front brake configuration and the underslung suspension got Buell noticed in the world of Motorcycles.

Most of the public’s response to this machine was mixed. It had superior performance but others did not care for the bulbous body work, which Buell believed was quite necessary for a high-performance road machine. He achieved simplicity in the components he selected and the basic configuration. His subsequent model, the RS 1200 of 1989 lost some of its body work as a response to public opinions. However, the other Buell signature components remained on this machine. In 1991 he introduced the inverted front fork to the first production motorcycle. Buell began to sell his products well in many countries especially Japan. His small factory with a very limited number of specialists produced about 500 hand-built machines between 1988 and 1993.

In 1991 Buell was asked to design a “mountain bicycle” with suspension for the Paramount Bicycle Company in Waterford, Wisconsin USA. His signature under-frame suspension was utilized in the bicycle in a similar way he applied it in the motorcycle. A “D” shaped swing arm kept the rider level while pedaling and was a breakthrough in bicycle suspension technology. The rear suspension featured a full 4”, 102mm of travel.

Buell says he’s autocratic and strong-minded in his dealings with subordinates. He does his research, and when he gets his mind on an idea, he is relentless to follow it through to the last detail. Whether it is successful, or not, he is untiring in making sure the project is complete. He is heavily influenced by automobile designs of the yesteryear, unique styling excites the mind of this designer. His design mentor is Raymond Loewy and his favorite car design is the Studebaker Hawk.

Ironically, in 1993, almost a decade after Buell left Harley-Davidson, the motor company came knocking on Buell’s door with an offer to fund his projects. In return Buell would give them a substantial share of stock in his company. The timing of this offer was perfect as Buell needed the financial support at this critical stage. This new relationship with the large Milwaukee company with its distribution network in place allowed Buell to finally fulfill a dream to get Buell motorcycles out to the public in numbers never before seen. During this period Buell produced the S2 Thunderbolt. Following and still in production is the S1 Lightning, the S3 Thunderbolt and the M2 Cyclone. All share the same perimeter space frame and similar suspension and brake units. They are the lightest motorcycles in their class of 1200 cc motors and have the shortest wheelbase.

Buell reworked the conventional HD factory Sportster motor, and squeezed more horsepower out of it than ever expected. For a street-legal machine, Buell was able to increase performance to 101hp and make the S1 one of the quickest machines off the line. He accomplished this by suggesting a shaved flywheel and new head and cam configurations. The free-breathing air box coupled with a non-restrictive exhaust propelled the Sportster engine into the high performance category.

Buell’s fledgling company is still in its infancy and he still believes in innovation and technology above all else. Buell is satisfied that his “David and Goliath” fight is becoming in his favor. Erik Buell truly is a garage-born, lone missionary who is changing the way the world looks at, and rides motorcycles.

Burt Rutan and the Scaled Composites Company

As an eleven year-old boy, Burt Rutan’s room was a workshop for model airplanes. As his famous pilot-brother Dick Rutan puts it, “Burt was a little different, if I were the wild greaser, Burt was the pimply science kid, obsessed with airplanes.” As a youngster, he won several model airplane competitions with models of his own design. His physics course in high school was a pivotal point in his life where he saw scientific principles that could have practical uses. Later these principles, enhanced by his intuition, would be applied in his involvement with aviation. His mentors are the great Kelly Johnson of Lockheed and Wernher von Braun, the rocket pioneer.

Rutan has little time for anything other than designing airplanes. His wry sense of humor is evident whenever talking about existing norms in aviation design or construction. He says he was dissatisfied and bored with the direction he saw aviation going, and he wanted to change that course.

The airplanes he designed are easily identified at air shows and airports, most share the front canard wing configuration and the so-called “pusher” prop. The canard is a small wing located at the front of the fuselage. The pusher prop is a propeller pushing back, behind the airplane. Essentially the canard improves the handling and decreases the possibility of stalls. The pusher prop helps keep a smooth airflow over the plane. It is interesting to note that the Wright brothers’ planes had these features as well. Generally dropped by the aviation industry, Rutan reused this early aviation innovation to his advantage in his unique aircraft designs. In the early 1970’s Rutan got noticed for three little home-built airplanes he designed and built which revolutionized the industry. His planes the VariEze and LongEz and VariViggen were years ahead of the typical boxy “stick and fabric” home built aircraft of the time.

With new materials and new wing and fuselage configurations, Rutan was able to make any shape possible and cut much of the unwanted structural weight. As a result, the planes were faster, smoother, longer range, safer and easier to build. Rutan was able to sustain himself by starting the Rutan Aircraft Factory and selling plans and supporting kit-builders around the world. Sadly, because of the extreme product-liability concerns in the USA, Rutan had to halt his production of plans for his home-building enthusiasts. The threat of lawsuits on his experimental designs put a halt very quickly on his small aviation firm and its related support industry.

That negativism did not stop Rutan. He created a new company called Scaled Composites and became a consultant to the aviation industry. Rutan would sequester himself in his hangar in the Mohave Desert, and on speculation, unveil new designs in quick succession. Now companies, with the belief in innovation in design, consult Rutan and incorporate many of his ideas into their planes. One such example is the Beechcraft Starship. This is an elegant business class plane with two rear engines, canard and swept back wings and is similar to the early VariEz but much larger. Also made of composite materials this plane was and is a top performer. Market acceptance however, had been slower than expected.

Rutan’s most famous and challenging venture was the design of the Voyager. This was an aircraft that had to fly around the world non-stop and without refueling. This was a challenge indeed, one which no large corporation or military organization had ever accomplished. This feat was considered the “last-first” in aviation history. Using the basic aerodynamic formula of thrust, weight and drag, Rutan calculated what it would take to carry all of the fuel necessary for such a flight. The plane weighed 4,400kg empty, 22,000kg loaded and the amount of fuel needed was that of a fully loaded tanker truck, about 5,000 liters. The fuel accounted for 72% of the total weight of the plane. A unique configuration was arrived at with two motors, one pushing and one pulling in-line with the fuselage. Both motors were used during the take-off climb, after that only one was needed for level flight.

Rutan’s brother Dick and friend Jeana Yeager were to pilot this experimental untried design. Rutan put his reputation and the lives of loved ones on the line with this project. The unusual design consisted of carbon-fiber composite technology. The plane was hand built by the pilots and an army of friends and volunteers. Technology had to be invented on the spot as the plane was completed. With a modest budget, the plane was then ready for the world flight.

In 1986, the pilots were in the air for nine days straight and completed their mission after logging more than 42,000 kilometers. Burt Rutan was now a famous aviation designer with a very reliable reputation. He received the Presidential Citizen’s Medal of Honor.

Many new projects and challenges followed: including an ultra light car design for GM and a racing plane. The Pond racer was a radical new twin-engine entry in the unlimited racing class in Reno, Nevada. Recently, his asymmetrical designs for aircraft have become more apparent at aviation conventions. These modified configurations coupled with new technology of engines and lightweight composites, resulted in breakthroughs in modern aviation as seen in the Rutan designs. One very new design of his, the “Boomerang” is an example of the asymmetrical twin-engine design. Built for himself, it is a test-bed for new technology, new materials and new avionics. This was seen for the first time in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 1996.

Asymmetry in aviation design is rare. Rutan observed that twin engine propeller planes are dynamically unbalanced even though they appear balanced symmetrically. Through the process of elimination, he arrived at a solution that provided dynamic stability through an unconventional asymmetrical design. He also wanted a safer twin engine plane that would have stable one engine on, one engine off, operating performance. He built this in his spare time in the “back room” at Scaled Composites and is experimenting with it until he finds a marketable outlet for its features. It is this speculative design nature of Rutan that is unique.

The most recent project, the Proteus is a twin-engine high-altitude aircraft capable of many tasks. Unique in its structural configuration and modularity, is an extremely versatile aircraft. It is an all-composite canard design, typical of Rutan. With “HALO” (high altitude, long operation) the plane can loiter in the air for up to 18 hours and at an altitude of 96000 km. Telecommunications signals can be bounced off the pod slung under the aircraft for a fraction of the cost of other planes like the U2 or satellites. The plane is also capable of carrying orbital and sub-orbital boosters to make space access more affordable. It is this design that will take Rutan into space. His dream of making space flight affordable is becoming reality. With the Proteus, Rutan has plans to win the “X Prize” competition. This is a challenge to see who can become the first “citizen” to design, build and fly in the first non-commercial, non-military manned space vehicle. The award is $10 million US dollars to the first team to accomplish this feat.

In Conclusion

These three men accomplished remarkable feats with little support. They are the pioneers of our time. They are all competitive, dedicated and have persistent self-motivation. Another common trait is their ability to follow-through and implement their designs into reality. They were alone with their unconventional ideas and the challenge to succeed helped them move ahead. With their unique vision and stamina, they beat the odds against them for their success. These men, single-handedly against huge multi-national corporations and research and development departments of the industry were successful with their dreams. Harley-Davidson Inc. couldn’t do it, Buell did. US Divers Corporation couldn’t do it, Evans did. Boeing Corporation couldn’t do it, Rutan did.

The function of the products presented is remarkable in addition to their having unique inherent visible beauty. In conclusion, using the words of all three of these men, “Just go ride the motorcycle, just go swim with the fins, just go fly the airplane.” The proof of good design is in the look and most importantly the performance. I assure you that if you do take this simple advice you will find yourself amazingly impressed with the advanced creations of these talented men.

Sources:

Angelucci, Enzo, The Rand McNally Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft, 1914-1980. (New York, 1980) 239, 314, 325.

Buzzelli, Buzz Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance Handbook. (Oceola, Wisconsin, USA, Motorbooks, International, 1992) 64, 65, 151, 178.

Chaikin, Andrew, Air and Space. (New York, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Little Brown, 1997) 282

Cox, Jack, Sport Aviation magazine. “Boomerang” (Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA, October 1996) 19-28.

Greenwood, John, Milestones of Aviation. (New York, Macmillan Publishing. Smithsonian Institution Publication. 1989) 75-77.

Hallion, Richard P., Designers and Test Pilots. (Alexandria, Virginia, USA, Time-Life Books, 1983) 167

Kostman, Chris, Aqua Corps 13 Magazine. “Fin Doktor” (Key West Florida, USA. Feb/Mar 1996) 62-72

Sucher, Harry V., Harley-Davidson, The Milwaukee Marvel. (4th Edition. England, Haynes Publications 1992) 280, 312, 313, 327.

Wirth, Harry J., Biographical Questions sent to the designers for this writing and personal conversations with Bob Evans and Erik Buell. Conversations with Burt Rutan through Kelly Hall. April 1998

Wirth, Harry J., Personal notes from previous design exhibitions. Notes from the Experimental Aircraft Association Conventions, Oshkosh, Wisconsin USA, Other personal notes from meetings and interviews. 1993-1998.

Wirth, Harry J., The Art of Design 2. (Exhibition Catalogue, Salem, Wisconsin, USA 1993)

Wolff, Anthony, OMNI Magazine. “Rare Bird” (New York, July 1980) 100-104

Yeager, Jeana and Rutan, Dick, Voyager. (New York, USA, Random House)

Web page addresses:

Bob Evans, www.forcefin.com
Erik Buell, www.buell.com
Burt Rutan, www.scaled.com
Harry J. Wirth, www.harrywirth.com

Correspondence:

Prof. Harry J. Wirth
Associate Professor of Design
School of Art
Northern Illinois University
c/o
The Crow’s Nest Studio
4515 256 Ave.
Salem, WI USA 53168

Phone: 262.210.1183
email: hwirth@tds.net

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-16T09:07:00.000-08:00

Tis the season when we all celebrate the Holidays. We wish a warm and healthy December and a prosperous New Year to all. At Force Fin we are kicking off a 30% discount on over 12 Force Fin models until January 13th. So you could be looking at The New Year gift to start the year right. We have even put on the Flying Force as part of the Program.

Safe diving, fair winds and following seas,
Bob Evans

My Favorite Fitness swimming Fin

2009-12-08T10:34:00.000-08:00

I have used the Adjustable Slim Fin for over a decade , but it was the last 10 years that I have used it 5 days a week in the Los Banos pool to start my mornings. It is called the Adjustable Slim Fin because it adjusts over the bridge of your foot to your size or to the varying foot sizes and equipment combos that are found in team settings and in different environments.

Similar to all of the models in the Adjustable Force Fin line, once the fin is adjusted to your foot- there is no more adjustments. Now if I wanted to use my same fins in the Ocean and wear a aqua sock, booty ect I could adjust the foot pocket to my new foot wear. With a bungie heel strap standard, the Adjustable Slim Fin is my Favorite Fitness swimming fin.

Adjustable Slim Fin

2009-11-16T14:45:00.000-08:00

The Adjustable Slim Fin is my favorite fitness swimming fin and it is the Force Fin model I use Monday through Friday mornings for his workouts in his US Master's swim program. It is extremely comfortable and is a great enrichment tool for my watertime! The Adjustable Slim Fin will fit barefoot sizes from 7 to 11 US. I am 10.5 and I use it barefoot! This model is currently the Force Fin product that is part of our 30 30 30 PROMO- 30% off until December 14th.

Friends of Force Fin

2009-11-10T07:15:00.000-08:00

I have recently returned from the 50^th NOGI Awards Gala which was held in Orlando Florida. It was a great event where you could meet and listen to many legends in the dive industry. I would like to thank everyone who attended and everyone whose hard work went into making the 50^th NOGI Awards Gala a night to remember.

Among the many guests that attended the awards gala was Nick Caloyianis. Nick Caloyianis is an award winning cinematographer who has been working in the film and documentary business for decades. It was great to catch up with him and a wonderful surprise when he presented me with a disc with photos from some of his latest work.

For swimming the IMAX camera underwater for the film "Mysteries of the Great Lakes" Nick chose the SD1 Military Force Fin which I designed as a result from the request from military divers wanting a fin that could push heavy loads through the water. The SD1 Military Force Fin is the answer.

PHOTOS by Clarita Berger

When he was filming Basking Sharks for another film project he needed a fin that would provide him with quick acceleration and was fast enough to keep up with the big sharks. He also needed a fin he could swim all day long with out becoming worn out. For this he chose the Excellerating Force Fin and he told me" the Excellerators are a perfect match"

PHOTO by Greg Skomul

Force Fin 30 30 30 PROMO

2009-10-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

For the First Time ever Force Fin will be presenting a new program though out the year
It is called the 30 30 30 PRODUCT PROMO

30% off the Force Fin retail price
30 day money back guarantee
30 day special

This also includes Free Shipping anywhere in the world!

So far this year we have featured the PRO Force Fin The Tan Delta Force Fin

Pierre Seguin and Jonathan Bird with their Tan Delta Force Fins while shooting for Jonathan Bird's Blue World series for PBS.

Currently the Original model is the Force Fin product in the 30 30 30 PROMO until November 14th. The Force Fin Original is an all around fin that is great for travel, snorkeling, diving and having fun in the Surf Zone.Stay in touch with the latest Force Fin 30 30 30 Promo at www.forcefin.com

Shaq - Michael Phelps - Men's Health & Slim Fins

2009-09-07T16:49:00.000-07:00

Crazy days are when you receive a late Friday afternoon call, "We need your fins next day air, early morning delivery on Saturday to Fort......" This time, the call came from ABC, who needed a pair of Force Fins for Shaq to wear in a swim against Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps. Shaq has a 23 size foot and he knows I am the man for fin sizing options.

Today, I was reviewing ForceFin.com website stats and much to my surprise, there were thousands of hits coming in from an article in Men's Health, where Writer Matt Bean in an interview of Michael Phelps recommends our Slim Fins.

I swim with Slim Fins every morning at Los Banos, our city pool in Santa Barbara, California

Inter-Seas Exploration

2009-09-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

For over Forty years, Luke Clyburn, of Inter-Seas Exploration Ltd. has pursued exploration and adventure on and under the Great Lakes, and has enlisted many others in his quest for knowledge. He and his team are Force Fin users with in depth experience and we are proud of their accomplishments and continued work towards exploration and education.
I have know Luke for many years, but my product specialist, Blair Mott, first met Luke and his team while filming part of an episode for the Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Adventure Series for PBS. Using the the Pride of Michigan as their mother ship they explored the wrecks of Lake Huron and were introduced to the Sea Cadets Program.
Luke is in a constant mode of Exploration and I received this photo from on of his recent 10 day diving trips in the Straits of Mackinac.Luke wearing his new Tan Delta Excellerating Force Fins. Photo by Kathy Trax.
The work he described to us at Force fin was very intersting and with Wayne Lusardi , Michigan Maritime Archaeologist, on board we are looking forward to hearing and seeing more about their trip. Thank you Luke ! Your programs are great and we look forward to hearing more!
Fair winds and following seas,
Bob Evans

Bob Meistrell's Birthday SCUBA Dive

2009-08-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

On July 31st, Iwas invited by Billy Meistrell "JR"
of Body Glove - to be part of his uncle's - Bob Meistrell's birthday dive!

Back in 1966 I was certified as a SCUBA from Bob Meistrell through the LA country Certification Agency and worked at their Dive and Surf Shop for seven years as a teen ager. The Twin Meistrell brothers helped me start the Force Fin company back in 1980. The Historical story can be read in The Journal of Diving History vol 16 issue 2 number 55 Spring 2008.

Bob Meistrell of Body Glove is filmed during this exciting day.

Jocko Robinson with his faithful Pro Force Fins. He accompanied Bob to the Depth of 162 FSW off Redondo Beach, California.

Bob Meistrell prepares to Dive in his Force Fins. Check out more photos and a short video from Body Glove.

Both Bob and Jack were wearing the smart fin the FORCE FIN! It was great day! Happy Birthday Bob.

All photos shot by Bob Evans

__________________

The learning Curve

2009-07-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

Concerning the learning curve. I have found if you take a new diver, a
diver who has never used Force Fins or any other type of fins, Force
Fins are the quickest to adapt to and easiest to use. In fact, dive
dealers and their instructors have found that if they line up all the
fins available at their store or in their locker, and let new divers
choose which fin they prefer, most, if not all will choose Force Fins
because they are very easy and natural to kick. Force Fins simply make
sense.

The learning curve only exists if you have used other fins and
conditionally interpret the strain in your lower legs as power. It is
the diver who has built in mental and physical conditioning using
regular paddle fins that has a learning curve of about 4 dives to get
used to not feeling the strain and stress associated with normal paddle
fins. As Susanne, my wife and executive Vice President of Force Fin, stated in Chris Kostman's article
Force Fins

".... when you 'feel' your fin, it gives you a lot of security. We're
terra creatures. Our whole frame of reference for moving forward on land
is resistance points on our feet. But when you're moving efficiently in
the water, as with Force Fins, you don't actually feel your fins working
for you. You have to use other independent cues or frames of reference
to know that you're moving efficiently. Force Fins are the only fins
that you don't feel when you're using them, because they're the only
ones moving the force vectors off your legs and onto the blade of the
fin. So the paradox is that you have to use other cues to feel your
momentum instead of the resistance points on your feet."

The best way to short cut this learning curve is to start out by kicking
while on your back. Then your eyes will tell you what your feet and legs
are missing. Seeing the boil of water following the Force Fin as it
moves you forward should help the diver who is conditioned to using
other fins relax on their first dive. It still might take a few dives,
especially for the most experienced to enjoy the freedom of diving with
Force Fins, but, after that, they'll never go back.

Just another reason why I say that Force Fins are a Smart Fin.
The Truth About Dive Fins

Design and Materials

2009-07-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

Design and Materials
I chose to use polyurethane over any other material and use a special manufacturing process for Force Fins for one main reason -- rebound, snap and recovery. When you are ready to investigate the design and materials used in Force Fin products, you are ready to understand how and why Force Fins are the most efficient fins on the market.Here I am perform a snap test where I snap the fin off of my knee with an Excellerating Force Fin made out of the Tan delta material .

Polyurethane is an elastomer, a class of plastics designed to mimic the characteristics of rubber…. And then some. The special polyurethane formula used in Force Fins has been designed to maximize its SNAP. Some of us might remember it as a “super ball” effect. The energy that is put into flexing the material (as in kicking on the power or downward stoke) is stored then released as rebound energy. A kick with power and recovery is the most efficient, but Force Fin gives you even more. When the fin snaps back on the recovery or upstroke, water is thrown behind at a faster rate than you can kick any other fin through the water. Propulsion during the recovery is unique to Force Fin

Force Fins are one solid material so the energy applied and extracted are not loss or filtered out by having to go through different materials that are glued, fused, bonded, bolted or tied together. This is one reason that makes kicking Force Fins so naturally efficient.

We have received countless comments from customers explaining how natural the fins feel when kicking them. Their first impression is that the fins are not even on their feet. I talked to a research diver last week and he told me he uses Force Fins. His first impression was he jumped in the water and thought he was not going anywhere and almost started to panic when he looked to his side and saw that he was fast approaching the oil rig and understood his energy input to energy output in his new fins doubled.

Some of this is due to the patented open toe design and the upturned trailing edges, but it is the rebound or snap of the fin that releases a force of propulsive energy. It happens automatically on the recovery phase of a kick cycle in response to compression of the structure of material within the Force Fin blade. The structure is most apparent with the backside ribbing of the Excellerating Force Fin. During the recovery phase of your kick the recoil gives propulsion without any real energy input from the diver or swimmer.

To free your body, you must first free your mind. If you have been using other fins for sometime, then you should commit to dive Force Fins 3 or 4 times to allow any mental and physical conditioning your mind and body have built up over the years to fade away. Then you will be ready to welcome the freedom in using Force Fins.
Materials - Poly Who?

A Kinematic Comparison of Dive Fins

2009-06-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

Ryan Lindsey is a master of kinetics and biomechanics.

In 1996, Ryan finished his Academic Masters at San Diego State University in this discipline. He has been working in the field ever since, but it is his work and the results of his Master’s Thesis Kinematic Comparison of Swimming With Two Different Dive Fin Designs
that I would like to share with the you today.

There are fin studies out there that use air consumption, thrust and distance as units of measure to determine how a particular fin compares with other fins. These studies have their limitation since it is difficult to get a large enough sample and control for the individual subjects’ predispositions, with respect to fin use and overall physical condition. Ryan Lindsey’s Thesis is different. It uses a tool of analysis that quantifies fin use and really gets to the guts of a fundamental reason as to why Force Fins are different and how those differences make Force Fins better.

The purpose of his study was to determine the difference, if any, in the mechanics of legs only swimming while utilizing two different designs of dive fins. The two designs were conventional fins and Force Fins.

Conventional fins utilize a flat blade shaped surface to provide propulsion, as well as an enclosed toe foot hold. Force Fin® incorporates a blade surface that is shaped like a whale tail, with a patented up-curved shape and open toe foot hold that rests across the instep of the foot. The toes are free to move independent of the Force Fin blade. It is these two differences that dictates the way the human leg responds as it moves the fin blade through the water.

Ryan told me, “The body is a perfect machine, but it has design limitations.” The leg can bend, lift and push in many different positions, but the joints are designed to lock when moving forward and bend when pulling back.

Ryan used a biomechanical analysis software program called Peak5® to digitize video footage of a swimmer moving past a viewing window in a pool kicking conventional fins and when kicking Force Fins. The software translated the range of motion, acceleration and velocity the hip, knee and ankle joints into data points that show the differences in that range of motion to reveal the strain put on those joints of the leg when kicking the fins.

Ryan was getting real information on the different effects of using different fin designs in the water, a comparison with no room for human interpretation. With the Peak5® software he could translate video footage of a diver’s leg in motion into percentages of range of motions on joints of the body, interpret forces acting on legs using known bio-mechanic norms and limitations of the human leg.

In 1971 I painted a picture of a leg “kicking motion”. This painting is the first thing I did, when I decided that I wanted to make a better pair of dive fins. The painting shows a human leg going through the range of kicking motion.

Ryan Lindsey points to a point where normal ankle range of motion stops in a kick cycle.

When Ryan was recently here at Force Fin Headquarters he explained to Blair that if a fin forces an ankle beyond its normal range of motion, it causes intense ballistic strain on the front of the lower leg. When you enclose the toes in a foot pocket and push a flat shape fin blade through the water the foot is forced into extreme plantar flexion. This over contraction on the muscles results in micro trauma, which causes muscle spasms that induce cramps over time. In his study the Peak5® software showed the ankle of the diver using conventional fins was forced beyond its normal 90 to 180 degree range of motion.

In contrast, when wearing Force Fins the toes are exposed. This is why when using Force Fins your ankle never goes past the normal range of motion and you will not experience the intense ballistic strain caused when wearing conventional fins. It is also one reason you do not feel the power of Force Fins.

Force Fins open out during the downward stroke to maximize the surface area pushing against the water. The shape of the Force Fin and its high quality material snaps back to its original shape on the up stroke allowing the diver to use less energy to create forward propulsion. This allows isolation of power output from the quadriceps, and limits strain on all other weaker muscles and the joints of the leg.

It was a true honor and very inspiring to work with Ryan Lindsay. He took the time to explain his work and I hope I have interpreted his study for you to have a better understanding of the kinetics and biomechanical differences of using two different types of fin designs. Ryan told me, “using fins underwater traditionally uses a lot of hip, knee and ankle and it hurts! ….. Why does it have to hurt?” Those who don’t like Force Fins might because they can not feel them. Hopefully, this will help some of them understand why, so that they too can free themselves from unnecessary strain!
It really is a Smart Fin!

The Earth is Round

2009-06-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

Do you have a global perspective? Or, do you perceive life looking down at your feet?

Flat fins are designed by engineers who think linerally. They design their world against a 2-dimensional backdrop of points and grids. Connect the dots and you have terrestris fins. Its no coincidence that these other fins look like train tracks. Flat fins are made by those who have not evolved beyond moving across flat land.

Straight lines and linear angles stall your movement through water. They produce turbulence and drag. This drag may feel secure, like you're marching across land, but when in water secure footing defeats the 3-dimensional freedom you're set to enjoy by fancy foot free kicking with Force Fins.

Water gracefully flows over, under and around curved objects. Force Fins are curved. Their curves are sculpted by artist's hands to enhance the speed of water. They extend from, and power using the natural strength of your body. Kick forward. The tapered leading edges on every Force Fin model draw water over, under and across the arcing blade. A recoil is set, that rebounds and snaps water behind, catapulting you forward at a faster rate than you can kick any other fin. It is the unimpeded movement of water across Force Fins' curved foils that naturally propels.

If your in-water journey is to be stalled as if on land, then your flat fin selection is vast. If you choose to be free to fly through a 3-dimensional world as an aquatic being, then there is only one choice, one fin that frees you from land - Force Fin

One bag at a time

2009-06-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

Starting yesterday 6.17.09 we are shipping all Force Fin orders out with the invoice inserted into the shipping box, bag, or envelope.

We are concerned about the amount of plastic used for affixing the invoice on the outside of the box. We hope you support our efforts in contributing to slow down the amount of trash and wasted resources used in the USA. International orders will have to have external packing slips and invoices per shipping requirements, but we beleive we can still make a difference by cutting back with our domestic orders.

At Force Fin we are also big fans and supporters of "A Day without a bag"
and we have reusable bags in our backpacks or cars. Have a great Thursday and have a day without a bag.

Watch for announcements about other steps Force Fin is taking to join the world in Cleanin up our act!

Paddle vs Propeller

2009-05-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

My good friend John Iwerks animator, inherited his talents from his grand father UB Iwerks of Walt Disney fame. I got to talking to him about Force Fins and shortly after he drew out
my concept that we had been talking about. This was back in 1981.
I was trying to simply point out how my Force Fin worked like a propeller instead of a Mississippi paddle wheel steamer.
Paddle Fins are Terrestic Fins. The mass merchant split fins are nothing more than double paddles.

Terrestris Fins

2009-05-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

I had an epiphany while caring for my father. Traditional fins are now Terrestris Fins! They are better suited for walking in water than gracefully and fluidly becoming an aquatic being. I have found the Achilles heel to all other fins. It's your foot. If you try to talk about fins, it's like talking about politics or religion. We can not agree and just get uptight and bent out of shape. As stated "He who is convinced against his will is of the same opinion still"

But if we focus on our feet then we can all relate. How our foot relates to the aquatic experience is everything and I will slowly peel the layers off the onion. Each layer will expose why you do not want to use Terrestris Fins.Common sense will be your guide leading you to Force Fins and having a true aquatic expereince!

In the Beginning.

2008-06-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

I remember my grandmother tossing me into the shallow pools formed at low tide in Hermosa Beach, California. In these sandy troughs I learned to float...... and dream......At school, I was always looking out the window. The teachers told my parents I was a day dreamer. At that time, a large aquarium sat next to the Hermosa Beach Pier. Water was pumped into the aquarium that splilled back out into the sea. I remember the smell of fish..... These are my early memories in the water. What are your first in water experiences?