50th Annual NOGI Awards Gala

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

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

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

Pro Force Fins

Tan Delta Flying Force Fin

The Tan Delta Flying Force Fin

Captain Jack Guidry Loves Flying

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

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

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.