I have been diving since 1961, all recreational until 1974 and used all types of fins. Farallon braced fins were without a doubt the best and most comfortable high thrust power I've have ever used. Boat access only, awkward off the beach unless you walk backwards.
I now use whatever works with a large foot pocket, required for 1/2 inch boots, required 1/2 inch suit too, and hot water from the on demand water heater; required for 4-6 hours working time. Your entire lower leg was important very effectively W/Farallon's braces (not exceptional W/O the brace, i.e. - springs backstrap option) ... All of your leg becomes a lever- thrust so exceptional when you 'lean on them' would allow the diver to 'pick up and swim' a 50-100 lb. bag of Urchins with amazing ease...and move out !
Awesome power !
19,000 hours commercial fishery diving work has been a exceptional job/avocation over the years as a 'hunter/gatherer'. Disaster from a few years of hot water in N. Calif.led to a Kelp die-off, and Purple urchins that moved off shore from 5' to 50', ate everything alive and killed off our Red Abalone fishery for now. Kelp is the real issue, and Purple Urchins by the BILLIONS the problem. We know removal works, but it must be by the millions. I built a fiberglass tube set and designed a gathering system to solve efficiency and time issues. The system requires a HUGE air compressor for two air lifts, 80 cfm, and the 'scooter' I just finished building (all hooka system- one hose to the diver, 75-90 p.s.i.) is capable of supporting 3 air lifts and 3 scooters, one each. Gast makes an air motor I use that cost 300.00, geared for 'mixers'. Build your own from the example I post next on you tube 'build video' this Spring.
You tube video's: Purple Urchin Removal W/proto-type air lift', parts 1,2 &3 are early, armature attempts for promote public interest and knowledge. All video were my hope of attention to this nightmare, but we now have results and proof we can do the work. California State O.P.C. offered to fund a pilot, but some in the fishery didn't want to 'remove Red urchins too', so that is now on hold.
For all video's related just google :Jon Holcomb' and you tube. Harry Barnard and I will continue @ North Casper alone as we have permits, will half-finish after 50 days work W/only one air lift between us, 5 hours total dive time each day, 35,000 lbs. removed in 2018. The Waterman's Alliance who paid us 500.00/ day total ( a bargain for 'proof of concept' work deserves our best and real results... and we intend to finish that agreement.
Side tracked, my apologies.
Farallon was so impressive I kept several parts to many pairs I purchased, final pairs called "Professional", or Navy Seal types were supposed to be stiffer (desirable)and made a swim-fin mold from one last fin in 1985, still have the mold, but never found a 'pore' type rubber, two part product to make these fins. The original back straps W/ rubber & plastic broke immediately, and after a few hundred hours use the rubber fins broke. I bought the last three pairs of fins only from the factory as they closed, ~~ 1984? or about the time Oceanic bought their name and joined the products. Too bad they didn't modify the back brace and Velcro strap set-up, we made use of the fiberglass reinforcement and solid S.S. rods to replace S.S. tubes which also snapped occasionally)
If anyone has a set of the rubber fins only, I'll pay 300.00 each for them, but the ULTIMATE would be ... THE ORIGIONAL METAL MOLDS ... always in metal, required for high heat vulcanization of 'original real rubber. I will modify that mold for a full foot fin as urchin spine protection if I ever find a suitable rubber two part compound, barrel hardness ~~ 70,- 75
Farallon made several REALLY neat products, their mouth piece still superior to any other I know of: boil water, drop it in, let it sit 3 min. and cool for just long enough to put into your mouth and 'set' for your teeth.
In most product development they rushed one thing: R&D 'testing over time'. It was HUGE mistake, and destroyed a very promising company. Senior management failed to did NOT do final R&D "testing over hours". That killed their face mask (leaked) - an excellent fit and view; really a shame. Same W/ their 'meter' for nitrogen ... back to understand oversight !
Constant 'come-backs' and repairs plaged the new company. I owned, still have the cases to two Farallon Mark 6 D.P.V's. # 1 was a lemon, # 2, $2,500.000 'used' in San Diego was nearly trouble free. I glassed on a control knob shield to both units to save the expensive, easily broken potentiometer knob from instant failure when bumped ... it stuck out the side of the rear case W/ zero concern for damage; a magnet for accidental impact - such a simple problem to solve..
Cheers,
jonholcomb007@hotmail.com