[Walrus]

Hi Dave,
I was thinking about the v-bend when you are gliding and I can think of one cause. I think even when the reinforcement between the footpockets are working properly these newer style fins are much more prone to movement between the footpockets at many angles, including "roll" for want of a better word.

For example you put your feet in the footpocket, then bends your knees out apart from each other, compared to bringing them in touching. That will be putting a stress on the fin and forming a v shape. Would imagine this action would be worst when the blade is flat, ie gliding. Maybe try next time at the pool get someone to watch you glide with your legs straight and roll your knees inwards, then roll them outwards and see if there is a difference. If it does make any difference and provided there was room in the footpocket you could put material in to change the angle, perhaps build up the arch ?

Perhaps the footpockets are at the wrong "roll" angle for your feet/legs hips. They could just be at the wrong angle full stop, not just for you. I think when I glide I do tense certain muscles, arch my back, no idea what I'm doing with my legs. Everyone's feet, legs hips are different, theoretically should be the same but maybe this slight difference combined with swimming/gliding style can put a bit of an V angle in the blade. Just the shape of your foot, if you have a high or low arch for example would effect the angle your feet sit in the footpocket. More and more I'm thinking they need to really beef up the fibreglass at the base of the blade, and come up with a very secure way to attach the footpockets.


Cheers,
Wal