fins in cayman

[phinnymoose]

Thank you for the replies about where to get suits.
Would it be better to take our full foot fins or boots and open fins?
I have heard people like the boots for walking on the beach during shore dives, but most pix seems to show people with full foot fins.

 

[JKPAO]

how tough are your feet?
See you topside! John

 

[Becca_007]

I hate full foot fins so I'm probably biased but I would always choose boots and open heel. In fact, I still have a cut on my heel from the full foot fins I had to use when my own gear didn't make the plane for Little Cayman. Aside from the heel issue, the full foot fins just don't provide the momentum, or the maneuverability of my open heel splits. Hate might be even too light for the disdain I feel for those rental fins I had to use.

 

[Damselfish]

well, it depends if you plan to shore dive, and where. Unlike some places, shore dives in Cayman tend to be at developed sites, where you will be walking mostly on walkways and docks. Not off a beach. Booties and open heel fins are still better for this, but you could get away with full foot fins better than someplace like Bonaire.

(Forget what you see in pictures, usually has more to do with what a photographer or marketing person thought would look nice, may have nothing to do with reality.)

 

[bracscued]

booties and open heel for me-like having my feet protected and it is more comfortable esp if you have to swim against current

 

[keyshunter]

I hate full foot fins so I'm probably biased but I would always choose boots and open heel. In fact, I still have a cut on my heel from the full foot fins I had to use when my own gear didn't make the plane for Little Cayman. Aside from the heel issue, the full foot fins just don't provide the momentum, or the maneuverability of my open heel splits. Hate might be even too light for the disdain I feel for those rental fins I had to use.

Since Little Cayman has very little shore diving, and most diving is from a boat, how did you manage to cut your foot? How is it the fault of the fins? Other than the cut, how was your trip?

 

[scubadada]

I hate full foot fins so I'm probably biased but I would always choose boots and open heel. In fact, I still have a cut on my heel from the full foot fins I had to use when my own gear didn't make the plane for Little Cayman. Aside from the heel issue, the full foot fins just don't provide the momentum, or the maneuverability of my open heel splits. Hate might be even too light for the disdain I feel for those rental fins I had to use.

I had a pair of full foot fins that rubbed a sore on my medial ankles because of the way they fit me, perhaps that's what the poster means. I got rid of those fins, I have a pair of full foot fins now that fit me perfectly and are very comfortable. That being said, I have used booties and open heel fins exclusively for the last 5 years or so. For me, they are more flexible for a variety of situations

All else being equal (design, size, etc), full foot fins are generally as or more powerful than open heels because of the very good coupling with the foot.

Good diving, Craig

 

[Becca_007]

Scubadad nailed it. The full foot fins rubbed the skin off the back of both my heels. I remember this happening many years ago, too, when I used to snorkel will full foot fins. I was so grateful when I got my first pair of boots and open heeled fins.

I will concede about the power issue not having used full foot fins in several years (other than those rentals). I just don't have enough current knowledge to press the issue.

The trip was amazing! We are currently trying to put together some videos and slideshows with the media we brought back .

 

[scubafanatic]

Boy, I wouldn't even know what to do with full foot fins...Ok I guess when I was 5 yrs old snorkeling they'll do.....I've never, ever used them for scuba though...nothing more fun than having a few raw, exposed blisters constantly rubbing and exposed to constant salt water.....or walking on hot pavement/rocks/cement in bare feet...or constantly switching back and forth between fins/shoes-flip flops.

 

[keyshunter]

Becca,
I thought it was an actual cut. I agree that ill fitting full foot fins can be a pain (literally). That said, I have used Cressi Gara 2000's, the long freediving fins, for years. Actually I still use them for Keys trips, but not for air travel, since they are a PITA to pack. I'm glad you had a good trip to LC.