Monofin edge protection

[nyspear]

Hello all. I did a search and found an old thread that offered some suggestions that didn't seem to work, and a link to a site that's in Italian, that I couldn't understand.

In any event, I just received my new Leaderfins Flyer, and tried it for the first time in the pool last night. Let's just say that my first attempt at monofin swimming was not the prettiest sight. I'll have to work on it, but there was another issue that I encountered immediately. The pool that I use is not lined (concrete). During my breathe-up, while standing in the pool the bottom of the fin would get scratched up, and when turning, at the shallower end of the pool the corner of the trailing edge of the fin would scrape against the bottom of the pool. By the end of the session there was a bit worn away from one of the edges, and a fair amount of scratching on the bottom surface.

I realize my technique is probably terrible and contributing to the damage, but has anybody come up with something that can be applied to the edges/corners that offers some protection without significantly impacting performance/hydrodynamics? For the bottom surface I'll look for some kind of thin adhesive film that I can apply. Any advice would be appreciated.

As for technique, I'll study the tutorials online and come back later for specific advice. Thanks.

 

[monkeyhatfork]

look into rubber weather stirps for windows for the edges, not much you can do about the surface wear other than avoiding the wall on turns

 

[Fondueset]

My fins all have many many scratches - from rocks, zebra mussles, pool etc.
You do have to be careful in the pool and not kick off the bottom when standing - and watch your turns - but scratches are just part of the life of a monofin

 

[nyspear]

That's what I was afraid of, but that does make me feel better about scratching up my brand new monofin . Thank you both for your replies. Maybe I'll post up a video of my technique at some point for critique when it's not so embarrassing.

 

[Fondueset]

No problem.

Let me know if you want pictures to help you feel better

 

[pavlito]

Hello to you.first i can understand why you took flyer and not a hyper.
If you took the hard blade you will not able to move it if you vont have a bodybilder leg.i know this because i had a speed pro last year and couldnt make 15m.if someone is interesteed i shell it half price,250e new.
I have some videos with technik but is for hyper not flyer.you have to search in old techniks when they used flyers.my propose is shell it and buy an hyper.thhenh you will swim easier and will learn te new technik

 

[Pursuit]

nyspear, see these rails Fin Blade Tendon Rails - Pursuit Freediving & Spearfishing Gear they're meant for footpocket tendons but may do the trick. They glue on with Cyanoacrylate (instant) glue. If you don't want the slight water channeling effect, I'm not sure whether you want them to go on the side edges of the monofin or the front edge, you can easily reduce the rail edges with a belt sander.

 

[nyspear]

Hey Dan - it sounds like I'll just have to deal with the scratches and just be careful, but I guess that's worth a try. I was going to order a couple of minor items anyway so I'll add a foot or so of that and see what happens. Thanks.

 

[pullbouy]

Hi,

I was thinking of trying these: http://www.zagg.com They're for cellphones and electronics, but if you read their history, they got their start from protecting the leading edges of helicopter blades. So I assume they will do fine with monofin blades. I have one on my phone and they're pretty tough.

Regards.