Extreme surfcasters have been swimming to remote rocks before neoprene wet suits were available. In 1993, Paul Melnyk took extreme surfcasting to a new extreme and invited skishing. Extreme surfcasting requires specialized gear. In the early days, commercial products were modified for extreme surfcasting. Eventually new products emerged from extreme surfcasting: Van Staal, Korkers, AquaSkinz, and ZeeBass. Although we now have many great commercial products for the different extremes of extreme sufcasting, there is still room for innovation and improvement! One great new product that I recently field tested is the DarkFin gloves.

The first thing that I experienced was DarkFin‘s dexterity. I slipped in and out of my Tusa split fins with ease. While floating in the water, I changed plugs without much ado. I nearly forgot that I was wearing a DarkFin. But, when I needed DarkFin‘s propulsion ability, I remembered.

While back peddling against the incoming tide with the maximum propulsion generated by my Tusa split fins, I reached a point where I was not advancing. OMG!  I was literally back peddling in place. It was only when I stated to use my left arm and DarkFin that I stated moving forward! I was absolutely amazed at the volume of water that the DarkFin glove moved with minimal effort.

While floating in the current, the DarkFin glove allowed me to make a 180 degree turn in seconds. When you are at the current’s mercy, seconds are can be the difference between safety and danger.

I use a DarkFin glove on my left hand and an AquaSkinz glove on my right hand. This combination has transformed my Surfcasting. I can propel my self through the surf; make 180 degree turns; cast; change presentations; and handle fish without compromising dexterity. If you are an extreme surfcaster, the DarkFin gloves are the new standard equipment! 😉