[ukfinswimmer]

With the GB finswimming team carrying about 10 to 20 fins per trip, we have learnt a whole series of methods for carrying monos. Here are the basic tricks:

1. Try to carry fins in bags that hold between three and four fins.
2. Always get them in the hold as outsized luguage. (They rarely weigh them!)
3. Use the bags as excess weight carrying as they rarely weigh them - wrap the blades in towels and t-shirts, some on each fin, then, using the biggest towels, around the whole lot. The more layers the merrier as it is usually the temperature that does the most damage. Monofins do not like freezing temperatures and will crack.
4. Explain at the check in desk that they are sports equipment and that they must be marked with the airplane company's own fragile stickers/tape.
5. Always have photographs of the fin ready should you find that they have got cracked in the process. The flight company will give you a form to claim with.

Since carrying out these procedures, we have never had any problems. We have never been allowed our fins in the cabin and you are unlikely to as well, given the current security concious climate. Remeber - it is the temperature difference that is most likely to damage your fin not manhandling. Wrapping them prevents damage from both. Boxes are heavy and may not stop them from cracking.

All the best.

UK Finswimmer.