Fins for New "Young" Divers

[got4boyz]

I am looking for diving fins for my two sons (12 and 13) who are fairly new at diving. They weigh around 100 pounds (one a bit more, one a bit less). I have no idea what type of fin would be best for them. Lighter weight and shorter I'd think given their size. And since I have to buy two sets, I'd like ones that are less expensive, but still very good (if that's possible).

I'd appreciate any advise anyone can give me.

 

[Arnaud]

Jet Fins are cheap and they'll help build the good muscles from the get go...

 

[SubMariner]

I am looking for diving fins for my two sons (12 and 13) who are fairly new at diving. They weigh around 100 pounds (one a bit more, one a bit less). I have no idea what type of fin would be best for them. Lighter weight and shorter I'd think given their size. And since I have to buy two sets, I'd like ones that are less expensive, but still very good (if that's possible).

I'd appreciate any advise anyone can give me.

I guess I'd have to ask some questions first:

Where will you be diving?
What conditions?
What type of exposure protection?
How often?

Frankly, I don't agree that you should have them use Jets. They may be ok for more experienced divers, but for youngsters starting out they will be too heavy/hard to use resulting in a couple of tired & cranky young divers. NOT a fun experience and a sure fire way to make them quit.

 

[got4boyz]

I guess I'd have to ask some questions first:

Where will you be diving?
What conditions?
What type of exposure protection?
How often?

Boat diving in Florida and Cozumel, or lake/pond/(bayou LOL) here in Texas and Idaho/Utah area.

Florida and Cozumel 1 or twice a year, Texas 5-6 times a year, Idaho-Utah every summer.

Usually we dive in very easy conditions, little current, not far to swim to dive sites. Most dives will be done in 3mm shorties. (Once a year dive in colder waters of Idaho/Utah in a 5mm full suit.)

Thanks

 

[SubMariner]

I guess I'd have to ask some questions first:

Where will you be diving?
What conditions?
What type of exposure protection?
How often?

Boat diving in Florida and Cozumel, or lake/pond/(bayou LOL) here in Texas and Idaho/Utah area.

Florida and Cozumel 1 or twice a year, Texas 5-6 times a year, Idaho-Utah every summer.

Usually we dive in very easy conditions, little current, not far to swim to dive sites. Most dives will be done in 3mm shorties. (Once a year dive in colder waters of Idaho/Utah in a 5mm full suit.)

Thanks

So it seems that you will be wanting open heeled (adjustable) fins. That are not too expensive because these fellows are growing.

You might want to consider something like the Aeris Velocity fins. Recently, they received a decent rating from Rodales and seem very competitively priced online: http://www.scubadiving.com/article/0,7424,0-2-0-361-8-2X5X7X9X12X14X16X17-9,00.html

Take a look at the entire Rodales article. There are fins that ARE higher rated than the Aeris, but either they are expensive or can be a bit heavy for younger legs. You may want to see if the side by side comparison chart offers you the kind of info that will help you make an informed decision.

Bonne chance,

 

[DivesWithTurtles]

Yep, stay away from stiff and heavy (like Jets) and long and strong (like Quatros) for the young legs. They're fine for developed legs, but stick with light and flexible fins for the light and flexible young people.

 

[Hallmac]

Look for Aqualung Blades. My little one's use them with no complaints. The early version are selling cheap now.
Hall

 

[got4boyz]

I appreciate all your suggestions. I will check out both Aeris and Agua Lung. Thanks for the article Submariner, both are mentioned in it and pretty much are rated neck to neck. Aeris is a fair amount less expensive though. I'll check out Ebay and hopefully find some less expensive there.

If I do have to buy them new though I have one redeeming factor. I have twins who will be certifying next year and when the older boys grow out of things we can pass them on down to the twins!

Thanks again.

 

[5615mike]

I second the blades suggestion. Good fin and can be had quite inexpensively

 

[SubMariner]

I appreciate all your suggestions. I will check out both Aeris and Agua Lung. Thanks for the article Submariner, both are mentioned in it and pretty much are rated neck to neck. Aeris is a fair amount less expensive though. I'll check out Ebay and hopefully find some less expensive there.

Pearce used to dive with Blades until he switched to Mares Quattros (which are really kind of long & heavy for small people.. or so I presonally found). I tried the Blades & didn't like the way they stressed my Achilles tendons. So I went with Mares Plana Avantis. Those & the Triple Mares fins are pretty decent starter fins as well. AAMOF, I still use my Avantis in the pool.

Bonne chance,