Sports

Speedo's Nemesis Fins inspired by the humpback whale

Speedo's Nemesis Fins inspired by the humpback whale
Nemesis Fins are designed to let you swim like a whale ... sort of
Nemesis Fins are designed to let you swim like a whale ... sort of
View 3 Images
Nemesis Fins are designed to let you swim like a whale ... sort of
1/3
Nemesis Fins are designed to let you swim like a whale ... sort of
According to Speedo, this design creates more surface area for the water to pass over (as opposed to a straight edge), thus allowing the swimmer to go faster by pushing more water with every kick
2/3
According to Speedo, this design creates more surface area for the water to pass over (as opposed to a straight edge), thus allowing the swimmer to go faster by pushing more water with every kick
Humpback whales use stealth to sneak up on schools of fish
3/3
Humpback whales use stealth to sneak up on schools of fish
View gallery - 3 images

If you've ever seen a humpback whale's fins, you might have noticed that they have knobby bits along the front edge. These are known as tubercles, and they cause the water to flow over the fins in such a way that extra lift is created. They've been copied in efforts to produce better wind turbines, undersea turbines, helicopter rotor blades ... and now, Speedo swim fins.

Known as Nemesis Fins, the whale-inspired footwear features a series of man-made tubercles along the outside edge of each fin. According to Speedo, this design creates more surface area for the water to pass over (as opposed to a straight edge), thus allowing the swimmer to go faster by pushing more water with every kick.

Humpback whales use stealth to sneak up on schools of fish
Humpback whales use stealth to sneak up on schools of fish

The square openings along their inside edges are called blow valves, and they're larger on the underside of the fin than they are on the top. Reportedly, this means that water gets trapped on the underside and squeezed through the openings, resulting in increased propulsion via more resistance on down-kicks.

Flow channels along the surface of the fins help guide the water toward those blow valves.

Finally, the use of EVA foam in their construction makes the fins positively buoyant. This feature is said to help the swimmer maintain an elevated, more streamlined body position.

A Speedo representative tells us that the Nemesis Fins are available now in limited quantities at select shops, priced at US$39.99. They can also be pre-ordered via the first link below.

Source: SpeedoUSA via Outside

View gallery - 3 images
6 comments
6 comments
Ozuzi
So you can swim across the Pacific Ocean with less effort?
BigGoofyGuy
I think they did a whale of a job on the design.
Stuart Wilshaw
These would appear to be a triumph of advertising over intelligence.
Arnold Stonehouse
"Humpbacks" have evolved for a several of hundred thousand years now. Maybe more. It may be that they know more about swimming and "fins" than we will ever know. I'm going to give these puppies a try ASAP. What's to lose" $39.99 +s/h? Big deal.....
Evan Comer
I inquired about these fins this past Tuesday (learned of via Outside); this is the reply that I received from Speedo:
"Dear Evan, Thank you for contacting SpeedoUSA.com and your interest in the Nemesis Fins. We regret to inform you that the item is not available. Most Speedo styles sold on our website are unique to the season and year in which they are offered. Once the availability of a particular item has sold out, it may not be replenished in that same size and color. Visit the below link to view new arrivals every month and entirely new collections each season: www.SpeedoUSA.com Based on your inquiry, we have listed items that may be of interest to you. Hydroflight Fin Adjustable Dive Fins Please let us know if you have any additional inquiries. Be sure to visit our "Newest Arrivals" category online and shop the latest swimwear trends for men, women, girls, and boys at www.SpeedoUSA.com. We appreciate your patronage. Sincerely, Jennifer Carlton Service@SpeedoUSA.com 1-888-477-3336"
While I appreciated the quick reply (next day), I was perplexed by, well, you know. Looks like the fins would be fun while surfing with a Handboard (Go Slyde!) or boogie board!
Evan Comer
UPDATE!
Speedo's site had added a banner for the fins and they now are taking pre-orders. I ordered a pair.