• Welcome to the DeeperBlue.com Forums, the largest online community dedicated to Freediving, Scuba Diving and Spearfishing. To gain full access to the DeeperBlue.com Forums you must register for a free account. As a registered member you will be able to:

    • Join over 44,280+ fellow diving enthusiasts from around the world on this forum
    • Participate in and browse from over 516,210+ posts.
    • Communicate privately with other divers from around the world.
    • Post your own photos or view from 7,441+ user submitted images.
    • All this and much more...

    You can gain access to all this absolutely free when you register for an account, so sign up today!

newbie fin question

Thread Status: Hello , There was no answer in this thread for more than 60 days.
It can take a long time to get an up-to-date response or contact with relevant users.
P

phlosar

New Member
Jul 28, 2004
1
0
0
I know there is no right fin for everyone, but I'm hoping for some suggestions based on the following specs:

1) experienced scuba diver, used to long surface swims
2) currently comfortable diving to 40 feet with scuba fins (abalone hunting)
3) regular strength training, including squats
3.5) regular running/cycling
4) diving in Monterey or North Coast California so no carbon fins (lots of rock entries, etc.)

I am taking a Performance Free Diving course in about a month. I would like to get a decent first pair of fins this coming weekend. That way I'll have two free diving weekends to get used to them before the class.

I want to avoid overly flexible footpockets. I have reasonably strong legs, so I thought maybe a standard flex fin (not the super flex for low fitness levels, but also not the stiffness of competition). After the class, I will be free diving for about 2-3 hours at a time, both from shore and from a boat, probably blue water hunting. I'll need to buy booties since it is cold here (around 6 mill).

When I try on the fins, do I need any extra room in the pocket, or should they be pretty snug?

A friend recommended the Riffe/Omer Silent Hunter.

I welcome any thoughts or advice.

Thanks,

Kim
 
Do a search on fins on this site and you'll find plety of information and suggestions. That having been said, I'd seriously consider the fiberplastic fins such as OMER BAT, Waterway, XXOne, or Matrix for the conditions you describe. If you want camo, go BAT. You can probably handle a stiffer fin, like the BAT 40 or Matrix #4, but the BAt 30 or Matrix 3 or equivalent will let you dive all day and be good for at least twice the depths you are currently hitting. I like the OMER footpockets. There are fiberplastic fins with an angled blade, now, too, if that is an issue with you.
Mark
 
Welcome philosar. Mark is right on, but there is almost more info than you can absorb. One thread in particular is very good, Fin Lineup under Hunting Equipment.

Connor
 
Sporasub Dessault ?

Work pretty good for me and seem good for surface / free / spearing

Ed
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…