Which monofin?

[emerja]

Hi there,

does anyone use monofins?
I have searched the majority of freediving websites for the past two and a half hours, but I haven't come any closer to deciding which monofin to go for?

What I'm looking for: a fin for intermediate divers, neither too soft or too hard, to be used for fun and practice. I will be doing some surface swimming, but that's not my main concern. I wish to be able to use the fin as all-round. The cost is not the main issue, I see it as an investment, but I haven't planned on spending more than $400.

Can anyone help me with advice/personal experience?
Thank you very much,

Emil

 

[BDAfreediver]

Are you sure you want to go for a Monofin? You do have to change your swimming style to adjust to these...

Try this it has a video of benefits etc as well...

Monofins

hope it helps

 

[David Wilson]

Consider posting your question on

Monofins - DeeperBlue Forums

Deeper Blue has several forums dedicated to freediving and one subforum (above) dedicated to monofins.

 

[emerja]

Thank you BDAfreediver!
And sorry for the posting in the wrong place, David. As a matter of fact I thought I did it right. In the future I will be aware of this

 

[David Wilson]

Thank you BDAfreediver! And sorry for the posting in the wrong place, David. As a matter of fact I thought I did it right. In the future I will be aware of this

You have posted in the right place, Emerja . This is the Scubaboard forum dedicated to snorkelling and freediving. I just thought you might get more answers by going to the forums on the Deeper Blue site where more freedivers congregate and there is a specialist subforum dedicated to monofins.

Hope you get more replies to your enquiry!

David

 

[holdingmybreath]

You mentioned you wish to use the fin for "all around", but that isn't the niche that the monofin fits. I have had 2 monofins.. and like my "special fins" mono that I use now. But, it doesn't really work well for spearfishing, doesn't work well for general snorkeling/sight seeing, and so doesn't work the best for surface swimming. The monofins forte is going deep efficiently and quickly.. and it is tops if you are into speed swimming.. but to use as an "all around" fin would be a mistake.

 

[Gail_Berke]

I love my monofin. I'm not into spearfishing so I wouldn't know how well monofins work for that, but anytime I want to have FUN in the water, I put on my monofin. In fact, I rarely wear my bifins anymore.

 

[oliputz]

The best monofins in the world still are being made in the Ukraine, Russia, and China. After all, they are the leaders in fin swimming. Unfortunately, that also makes it a bit difficult to get their fins.

Some of the leading companies that also have net representations would be Water Way, Hyperfins, Breier, Guidone etc. Prices vary depending on fin type and for what purpose you want to use them. The range can be from about $150 - $500. There are cheaper choices out there, like the American fin maker Finis. Their fins are not quite as good though, unless you buy the "Competitor," which actually uses a Water Way blade and costs $ 300.

I just ordered monofins (Model 1, medium blade) from Water Ways in the Ukraine (ScubaBoard doesn't allow me to post URL's before I have made five posts or more, but google the name of the company and you will get to their website). Bogdan's fins are one of the main fins used in international competitions in fin swimming and in apnoe diving. The Model 1 is apparently a very good training fin and versatile in use. If you are situated in the US you can order through Performance Freediving (google and you shall find) in Canada. If you have more questions about the fins, contact Bogdan via e-mail (see website). He is great in replying promptly and helping you with finding the right fin for your needs.

Hope this helps!

 

[nbrpps1]

Hi,
Glad to see more people interested in finswimming and monofin. My first monofin was a specialfin (sebanek) dolphin. I have enjoyed it and still use it. My second fin is a waterway classic. I also tried a Glide. I was told from Martin Stepanek (whom I took a monfin class from) that it is best to start with a classic style monofin and work on technique. It is easier to swim with an angled (Hyper Baloid) without using good technique. It can build bad habits. He said once you learn great technique with a classic then go to a Hyper the results can be amazing.

I surface swim in a pool using a center snorkel around 6 days a week. I am still learning and getting more fit. Take a class if you can find one. I got a hold of a great video from finis (vhs). Made by Pablo Morales and Konstantin Koudriaev. I would recommend a Waterway Classic Medium stiffness as a great first mono.

 

[snorkelcorey]

"I just wrote a private meesage to BDA Free Diver, asking her about her work as an animal Behavoriorst. I don't know if she know if she answer my pm. As for the Monofins, I'm not sure what they are, but I'm sure they're fun and interesting to use. I'm interested in befriending BDA FreeDiver, if she 's interested in being my Friend. But, I'm not sure if she'll respond to my pm to her. I hope she'll respond to it". Snorkelcorey.