DaFiN was developed by Andy Cochran, an Aussie who has made Hawaii his home since the 1970s. Cochran was a lifeguard at Australia’s famous Bondi Beach and was one of Oz’s early surfing pioneers.  In the mid-1990’s, he created the initial design for DaFiN out of a wooden block.  Fins were produced in Australia and then put to the test in Hawaiʻi with world renowned Hawaiian watermen Mark Cunningham and Brian Keaulana.  

Mark and Brian shared a passion with Andy to develop a high-quality swim fin for ocean lifeguards that was powerful, yet comfortable, and versatile enough to provide any user a level of safety in the ocean.  Their invaluable input helped guide Cochran as he refined and retooled DaFiN from initial prototype to final product. His son, Kenui Cochran, has worked with him to build the brand that you see today.