Thanks Joe,
My oldest started at age 4 and the younger at 3. Both of them started before they could swim. This wasn’t a problem for the oldest as she, without any pushing, challenged herself to swim. We had to push my youngest to swim without her gear. She wasn’t able to swim the length of the pool, freestyle, until this year, although she could under water.
All their gear, mask fins and snorkel is/was H2O Odyssey for children. My oldest has graduated to adult equipment. I purchased the mask and snorkels from a local dive shop and the fins on the internet. I have seen the same fins with different brand names.
I have found the stuff from Wal-Mart and sporting good stores, even if it’s a name brand, like U.S. Diver, to be sub par. Even with the smallest H2O Odyssey fins, which were 11-13 Boys / 31-32, my youngest had to wear socks and then I would duck tape them if we were in the ocean. I have seen some nice looking, long swim fins that come in small foot sizes. I would check the swimming supply stores if I had to do it over.
Have fun with your family. My oldest got swimming pool certified through the scuba rangers program when she was 8. I think next year, her and my wife will get fully certified. Even though I would rather they become freedivers, I believe scuba is an excellent foundation.
don