Fin problem

[JessSu]

I just bought a set of full-foot fins and they are too big. Is there anything I can do to "rig" them, so that I can wear them? I absolutely love the fins, however, they are just too big (and I have the smallest size they make!).

 

[ronrosa]

neoprene socks

 

[JessSu]

Haha! Yeah, I thought of that... is that pretty much my only option? I have a set of fins that I wear with boots, so I was hoping for something that wouldn't require "extra" gear.

 

[David Wilson]

Have you tried Fin Grips:

http://www.piratescuba.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=FG924&Category_Code=FS2

These inexpensive triangular rubber straps have been around since the early 1960s. They come in three sizes and go round the heel and over the instep when wearing full-foot fins. Brightly coloured models are popular with underwater hockey players:

http://www.hockeysub.com/Hockey_Subaquatique/images/fixe-palmes/indexvente.asp

 

[wilkie]

Underwater Hockey

 

[Damselfish]

I second the neoprene sock idea, if that is enough to make the fins fit. I know it's nice to have less stuff but I'd rather be comfortable and not getting blisters from fins flopping around. If you really don't want something separate, maybe you could try and glue in some neoprene at strategic locations.

 

[David Wilson]

>Underwater Hockey <

It's a European activity first devised, I believe, to liven up basic pool training. The British version is called "octopush"

http://www.britishoctopush.org/

Traditionally, soft rubber full-foot fins are worn during the game to avoid injury. Technisub Alas are the fins of choice but they're very expensive nowadays and very hard to find.

As for the full-foot fitting problem, fin grips are certainly worth a try as they effectively equip full-foot fins with ankle straps.

Wearing neoprene boots is certainly another option. In the 1960s, when I began diving in England, people would purchase two pairs of full-foot fins, one normal size to wear in the pool over bare feet and one a size bigger to wear with neoprene socks in open water. Fins with heel straps were for divers who couldn't afford the luxury of full-foot fins. I still go snorkelling in the North Sea most mornings and the fins I use are full-foot because they're so comfortable.

 

[JessSu]

I hadn't heard of the fin grips before....I may check them out! Thanks a lot! I had thought about using some extra neoprene in them, but I'm not really sure how to keep it secured. I really appreciate all the advice!

 

[wunat]

I second the neoprene sock idea, if that is enough to make the fins fit. I know it's nice to have less stuff but I'd rather be comfortable and not getting blisters from fins flopping around. If you really don't want something separate, maybe you could try and glue in some neoprene at strategic locations.

I would second the idea of neoprene socks as well. As said, it also helps prevent getting blisters.

 

[CompuDude]

Underwater Hockey

You better believe it!

http://www.geocities.com/glacd/uwhockey/lauhssa.htm