Fins for females

[Jo1983]

Hi Guys,

I'm completely new to freediving and will be learning this summer in Bali. Iv been looking around for a while now trying to find good fins for beginners in my size 39/40 but im really struggling. Ideally I would like to try stuff on first as am looking for a mask also, but again am struggling to find a good store in the UK.
Does anybody have advice for me on best fins/mask or know any good stores/ makes that cater for womens sizes.

Thanks

 

[BennyB]

Hi Jo,

Where in the UK are you? There's a couple of stores around that have a stock of freedive fins so depending on where you are you might get lucky.

When I bought my first bifins I put them on with socks and sat on the floor in the store for about 10 minutes to check that nothing started hurting. If it hurt after 10 minutes sitting still then you could bet that it would hurt a fair bit in the water.

As far as type goes, don't fuss if you're a beginner. There's good and better ones at a beginner level but the crucial thing is the comfort of the footpocket, it's pointless getting a fin that everyone recommends if it doesn't fit properly. I ended up getting the cheapest fin in the store because the footpocket was a little wider which suited my feet. The fins got me past 30m no problems at all and over 100m dynamic so good value for money really! Plus I felt no guilt when scratching them on rocks or generally banging them around.

Cheers,
Ben

 

[Jo1983]

Thanks Ben,

I am in the midlands, Birmingham but could travel a bit to try stuff on. How you any ideas?

 

[BennyB]

Hmm, i'm London based so I know pretty much zero about that area. There's a couple of guys up Manchester way that could probably throw some ideas around for you. There's a few good internet stores but you actually want to try them first which rules them out initially.

Steve M - need your help mate!

Cheers,
Ben

ps. Bali? Sooo jealous!

 

[Jo1983]

What good stores are there in London then? I'm flying from Gatwick so will be London way a few days before I leave.

Bali- I know Im so excited!!

 

[BennyB]

There's this one just off The Strand - Mavericks Diving - Central London experts in diving equipment, diver training and diving trips and if you're a member of the British Freediving Association you get 10% off too, you can join here - British Freediving Association - BFA Membership: Membership

Some of the other guys should know some more, they should pipe up over the weekend.

Cheers,
Ben

 

[spaghetti]

Hi Jo,
Yes as benny said it's better to try the fit in a shop, better if with socks on.
However, Cressi fins have quite a narrow footpocket, so that should be good for an average female foot. I have a feeling that Cressi gara 3000 LD freediving fins might be a good choice for you, but it's much, much better if you can go to a shop and try them on your feet before buying.
Bali? Sooo jealous! :t

 

[apneaboy]

I'll get some info for you tomorrow, you can e-mail me now for advice. Busy busy busy at mo' sorry

Benny your geography needs work though matey