Owen Churchill Fin – 1937 to present
The Churchill fin was the first commercially manufactured diving fin. Conceived and developed around 1937, the design was applied for U.S. patent in 1940 and was granted patent in 1943. In the early 50’s Voit-Swimaster began marketing the Churchill fin design via licensing agreement, both entities had their brand name embossed in relief on the fins as a result.
Only minor changes have been made to the original design since its inception, mainly in synthetic rubber compounds used in its modern manufacture. Oddly, the Churchill fin style regained popularity in the early 80’s as a boogie board and sky diving accessory due to its relatively short, yet effective blade design, and remains a staple in those sports today.