The Most Fun Surfboard Fin Ever?

Originally posted on SURFER | By August Howell | Last updated Jan 16, 2025 7:38 PM ET

“When FCS mentioned to me there’s a possibility that we could do a signature fin, I think as a surfer that’s one of the things you dream of,” said Mason Ho, who soaks up surf lore and knowledge like a salty sponge. “I’m so lucky to have my dad being who he is, and my uncle. They’ve been so into fin design, just surf design, all together. They’ve always drilled it into me — you just want to be peak performance all the times. You don’t even want to mess around.”

After almost two years of tinkering and performing everywhere from Oahu to Waco to Scotland, the inimitable Hawaiian surfer just released his first-ever signature fin with FCS. Described as a great all-rounder, it's tough to refute otherwise As Mason demonstrates below, they can handle rock hopping on a groveler to Pipeline barrels and everything in between.

It turns out that versatility was a key driving force in Mason’s decision-making. “When I made this fin, that was my ultimate goal,” he said. “What do the people want? What would I want as a kid? And as an adult and as a pro and as a customer? I was thinking, how can we hit it all the way out of the park? I feel like we got to because we didn’t rush it.”

Mason’s fin has similar traits based on past FCS models, including Kelly Slater's original K-3 and Mick Fanning's signature templates. But the flex, foil and tip are the product of original scheming between Mason and FCS. “It feels like I’m moving faster,” Mason said. “I’m releasing a little more tail there. How do I feel more locked in on my roundhouse and more busting loose?”

Fast, loose and fun are overused adjectives in the surf industry. But when it comes to Mason and these fins, it fits to a tee. But be warned: rock protection is not included.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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