The Speedo Nemesis fin is a result of great timing. I happened to be in my last year of ID School and taking a biomechanics class while also interning at ID Workshop in Portland, OR. When the project came up I immediately thought of looking to nature for possible answers and remembered discussion from class relating to how mammals and fish move through water. The way in which the humback whale is able to move it’s large body with such ease through water and without over exertion was the impetus behind this design. The tubercles or bumps on the leading edge of the whale’s pectoral fin create a larger surface area and aid in increasing lift while minimizing drag resulting in a more efficient displacement of water. The Nemesis also includes openings, or ‘blow valves’ to increase drag by forcing water through on the downward kick. Overall, the Nemesis has been well received and after my initial involvement, the final aesthetic design was completed by Chris Hill at iD Workshop.
