Neg Bouyant fins vs ankle weights

[underwaterangel]

I have a real prob with floaty feet. My OW instrutor said she had the same prob & ankle weights helpped until she gained the experience to compensate. Others have mentions negatively bouyant fins. Does anyone have an opinion having used either or both?

I looked into ankle weights at my LDS, then someone suggested I just use the regular exercise weights I need for my physical therapy rather than spend alot for weights I could only use in the water. Can I do that? :06:

Also, which fins would I look for?

 

[Doc]

Also, which fins would I look for?

I haven't noticed any fin that didn't sink, most certainly at the least opportune moment. There are some clunky ones that may be an ounce or three heavier than the others, but that's about it.

Zeagle, a few years back, made some nice fins that had hydrodynamic wing shapes at the bottom that could hold styrofoam blocks or be replaced with lead shot. Either would increase muscle effort in a muscle group that is seldom well developed.

Get the dive weights, the ankle units. If for nothing else, the possible familiarity any rescuer might have with the removal thereof. (vs. a make-do exercise weight substitute)

 

[BabyDuck]

i'm sure you'll get better answers, but this is from my personal experience. i used ankle weights until i got a bit better. the ones from walmart or wherever would be fine provided they have a good latching system, are sewn securely, and are ok in water (mine are neoprene covered). then i did ok for a while without the weights in positive fins, then i went to jet fins. does this help?

 

[Ron Brandt]

I use Turtle fins and Frog Fins. Work great and I recommend to my students.

Ron

 

[annie]

I would advise you to use ankle weights rather than negatively bouyant fins for 2 reasons

1. You can remove the ankle weights later if you want
2. If a fin falls off, you don't want it sinking down to bottom, especially if it comes off as you enter the water

I have a pair of Aqualung fins which are neutrally bouyant! If one comes off (happened recently) it just hangs exactly where it came off. Most convenient.

 

[ScubaSarus]

When I first started drysuit diving I got 1 lb weights and used rubber knife straps thru them for ankle weights and they worked OK