cuting down fins

[Stu S.]

Looks real good AWAP. You recycled something you didn't like into something you do.

 

[11x]

well my "new" fins are zegal talons. came with my starter kit. seem to give me a cramp in the bottem of my left foot. maby i will cut them down instead? i will try the u.s. divers fins before i do anything.

 

[RJP]

Can I glue my splits together?

I fixed this guy's fins on the Truk Odyssey. He seems pleased with the results...

 

[Nemrod]

I cut old full foot fins down for lap swimming. N

 

[skynscuba]

I cut my blades down and split them about 10 years ago. Absolutely no regrets. Good performance and no more cramps. Pictures are in my gallery: ScubaBoard Gallery - homemade split fins

I have since shortened them another inch or so down to the solid blue rib. The cutting was done with a pair of heavy shears. I drilled a small hole at the base of the split before I cut.

Thanks, awap. I may do that to my Blades2 fins. They are a bit cramp inducing, and a bit long for travel. How much did you cut off the first time?

 

[redacted]

Thanks, awap. I may do that to my Blades2 fins. They are a bit cramp inducing, and a bit long for travel. How much did you cut off the first time?

As I recall, the blade2 is a very different design so it could be a problem if it is not a homogeneous material. Each length cut took off about an inch.

 

[11x]

i split my blades tonight. it went wonderfully. thank you awap. i wont cut the length down till i try them. easier to trim more off then put some back on.lol

 

[BWDubbs]

I am not much of a diver but I use swim fins in the pool. I got a pair of FINIS Floating Long blade fins which I think are all rubber. I can't find short bladed swim fins in my size. I'd just cut a V across them like you see in training fins. What would I use to cut it and is it okay to cut it? (I honestly have no idea if fin blades are hollow anywhere or if they'd be sharp after cutting.) As far as the cut leaving it sharp and rough, what would I use to smooth it out? Thanks, this would solve a big problem if anyone had a solution!

 

[David Wilson]

I am not much of a diver but I use swim fins in the pool. I got a pair of FINIS Floating Long blade fins which I think are all rubber. I can't find short bladed swim fins in my size. I'd just cut a V across them like you see in training fins. What would I use to cut it and is it okay to cut it? (I honestly have no idea if fin blades are hollow anywhere or if they'd be sharp after cutting.) As far as the cut leaving it sharp and rough, what would I use to smooth it out? Thanks, this would solve a big problem if anyone had a solution!

Your FINIS Floating Long Blade fins are likely to be all-rubber.

Here's an image of a Japanese-made all-rubber Gull Dolphin full-foot fin being cut down with shears:

It might also be possible to cut down the fins with a saw blade. The fin blades aren't hollow inside, but as you have anticipated, the edges may well be rough after the process of truncating the fin blades. You might smooth the edges with sandpaper or something similar.

Cutting down fin blades yourself will bring a rougher result than you will get with fins that have been cut down in the factory. If your problem is that you can't find short-bladed fins with big enough foot pockets, have you tried Vertex II fins from Sprint Aquatics:

They go up to sizes 13-15.