Glide in the waves this summer

GLIDE Fins is a classic story of the essence of surf culture and what being a surfer still means to many people today.

For owner John Ayton and his team, the business has never been about big signs and big profits, and he says it never will be.

It is a brand fueled by passion, knowledge and a true respect for the ocean and craft making.

Founded in 1991, Glide Fins specialise in handcrafted fibreglass fins of the highest quality with no moulds and no plastic.

All Glide Fins, customs and new fin templates are made in Torquay and tested by the surfers and shapers who design them before production.

Mr Ayton’s love and connection with the ocean was formed from a very young age, which led him on a lifetime journey of surfing.

His extensive knowledge of fins and fin dynamics was ingrained early on from his work and experience of building ocean-going yachts.

He applied this knowledge in the mid-1970s and began crafting fins for himself and friends, when the need for more sophisticated designs became a necessity with the evolution of the shortboard.

Local surf icon Wayne Lynch said fins were one of the most important elements of surfing.

“It’s hard to be specific, but I would say it’s 30-40 per cent of how the board goes; it’s that important.

“It’s huge, it can make what feels a bad board feel like a great board and vice versa.

“That’s why I’m almost pedantic about fins, always have been. It’s integral to how the board goes.”’

This summer, Glide Fins can be found under the roof of the U&I Label Pop-up with Friends next to Swell Café in Jan Juc.

Mr Ayton and his team will be running a huge fin sale on December 29 and 30, with plenty of bargains and knowledge to dig into.

The store will be open from 10am daily.

For more, visit www.glidefins.com/