new to scuba, looking for fins

[carmencita0117]

I am new to scuba and need some fins. I dive in Ecuador (strong currents, cold water) and use a 5ml suit. I wear size 4Men boots and am afraid of buying fins with a foot that is too wide or long. I have also read that some fins float more than others.
Which ones do you recommend? I have no clue about fining styles...please help!

 

[Kahu]

Welcome aboard Carmencita!

Fins... this is like asking what's the best car, or best anything. Different strokes for different folks is the rule here. If at all possible, find others in your area where you can try out various fins/styles. Most of the dive shops I've used that have rental gear are more than happy to loan you fins to try out (in hopes you'll buy from them)...

For me, split fins is my fav (Twin Jets)... others feel they can't maneuver, or go fast enough or they feel odd in these so they like conventional fins. Length, color, style, material... not to mention cost, are all a factor to consider.

Shop around at whatever locations you have that sell fins and try some out for fit. Ultimately that's the only way you can be sure something will fit, kind of like shopping for shoes.

Also, you'll want to decide something else before the fins... if you're wearing booties or not, that will definitely have an impact on what fin size/fit to get.

Hope that helps some.. 8^)

 

[muddiver]

Most cold water divers end up going to the large, black rubber fins that have a strap across the back of the heel. ScubaPro makes the Jet Fin (I think), Aqualung makes the Rocket Fin and the is a fin called the Frog Fin by IDI. You wear these with wet suit boots. And they don't float.

Warm water divers will lean toward plastic, colorful, floating fins that might have a full foot pocket. If there is a full foot pocket yuo don't wear boot in them. If they have a strap across the back you will need neoprene wet suit boots.

Split finas as mentiond above cost a little more than triditional fins and they are much eaiser to kick with. I feel I get more force from regular fins, but I have really strong legs.