Fin problem

[mred]

You could try bigger form factor booties also ...

 

[BLD_THRST]

Are neoprene socks durable enough to walk around on the beach for shore dives especially since its neoprene on the sole instead of rubber? I am looking at a 3mm neoprene sock for a full foot fin.... tried the thinnest boot i could find but it wont fit into the foot pocket....

 

[Damselfish]

If it's really a sandy beach they will last awhile. If you are walking on rocks or especially ironshore they won't provide much protection and will get ripped up pretty quickly.

Boots don't tend to fit or work well with full foot fins. Unfortunately (for you, since I'm assuming you already have the full foot fins) open heel fins with boots work better for shore diving.

 

[pescador775]

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!).

Here is the solution which I use. It might work on FF fins. Cut a piece of 1/4 inch neoprene in the shape of a factory made plastic shape (boot last). Lay out the plastic last flat on a sheet of neoprene and make an outline, then cut. It doesn't need to be glued in place although that could probably be done. The overall shape looks somewhat like a Clovis arrow head. Sorry, pic won't load.

 

[60feet]

Agree with everyone on neoprene socks. After using full-foot fins (a little too large for my feet too) in cold water with bare feet for the last couple of years, I finally wised up and bought a pair of 2mm Deep Sea neoprene socks at Sport Chalet this past weekend. Now my fins fit much better, and my feet much warmer and happier! If your fins are still a little large even with neoprene socks, you might try "wedging" something soft inside the fins in the toe section (cut foam, small covered gel pads, even a cotton sock, etc.). This should push your foot back for a more snug fit against the upper heal section of your fins. Depending on what you use and how well it fits, it may also reduce the water flow through the toe opening, making your feet even warmer. Of course, this is theoretical because what do I know... I've never tried it myself

 

[Midnight Star]

You better believe it!

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

Throw some cheerleaders on the bottom both sides and you can count me in!

-----

Mike.

 

[pescador775]

Sue, re my earlier post--
I've been working to find someway to load this pic. I understand you don't wish to use booties so this may be helpful. Hopefully, you have a plastic last which came with your fins. It can be used to copy onto foam rubber and make a comfortable insert. Below you see a last and the copy made of 1/4 wetsuit foam.

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/dennisv01

Click on "dennisv" photos and double click on image.

 

[JessSu]

I've been trying to figure out the best way to make some inserts for the fins. The fin stay is a great idea! I"ll probably try it as soon as I get back from diving this weekend. Thanks a lot!

 

[pescador775]

You are welcome, young lady. It may be that a small amount of cornstarch or soap will be needed to insert the foot into a FF fin which contains a foam insert. Alternately, the insert could be glued in place. The glue coated foam rubber could be held in place temporarily by inserting the stay inside under the foam insert. This two part procedure would of necessity be done immediately after applying the glue lest the glue become tacky making it impossible. However, one step at a time. Good luck.