Question about interchangeable fin blades...

[owhiso26]

Hi,

I'm heading to the Caribbean in about six weeks, and plan on bringing gear and doing some diving while there.

I am fairly experienced with Scuba (AOW +100 dives), but new to freediving, and want to do as much of that as possible on this trip. I'm ordering and taking a freedive westsuit, which should be just fine for any Scuba activity as well, but so far, I'm stumped on the fins.

Since I don't want to bring two pair, it looks as though the best bet would be to take freedive fins, and also use those for any scuba. Not ideal, but probably better than freediving in my Jetfins or Plana Avantis.

I have seen several freediving fin kits that consist of foot pockets and interchangeable blades of varying stiffness/strength. Is there not a kit somewhere with blades that also vary in length? Any other suggestions? Would appreciate any information you have. Thanks!

 

[Aber]

Personally, I would go for Cressi Gara 3000 LD. They are ok for scuba, unless you depend on doing a lot of sophisticated manoeuvring. They are great for freediving, not very expensive, and very durable.

 

[cdavis]

Don't know of a kit, but Sporosub used to make some short blades for their freediving footpockets. I have a set and they work quite well. Increase the stroke tempo and there is very little difference from normal longfins. Very easy on the knees and ankles. You might look and see if they still make those.

Where in the Caribbean are you going and what depth are you planning?

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

Hi,

I'm heading to the Caribbean in about six weeks, and plan on bringing gear and doing some diving while there.

I am fairly experienced with Scuba (AOW +100 dives), but new to freediving, and want to do as much of that as possible on this trip. I'm ordering and taking a freedive westsuit, which should be just fine for any Scuba activity as well, but so far, I'm stumped on the fins.

Since I don't want to bring two pair, it looks as though the best bet would be to take freedive fins, and also use those for any scuba. Not ideal, but probably better than freediving in my Jetfins or Plana Avantis.

I have seen several freediving fin kits that consist of foot pockets and interchangeable blades of varying stiffness/strength. Is there not a kit somewhere with blades that also vary in length? Any other suggestions? Would appreciate any information you have. Thanks!

Scuba diving with long freedive fins will be no problem. They do present more of a challenge on a dive boat, but many divemasters and experienced divers chose freedive fins.

You make be interested in these freedive fins that do have removable blades. Blades can be replaced if you want to upgrade to fiberglass or replace a broken blade, however it is not something you want to do frequently, because eventually the pockets will become weakened.

http://www.makospearguns.com/product-p/mcff.htm

 

[owhiso26]

Thank you for the knowledgeable responses. I looked into all the suggestions.

I previously heard good things about and considered the Cressi fins, but then was warned that they tend to run small. My feet are wide 13, and I've had chafed toes from narrow fins before. No fun, especially with the addition of sand and seawater . According to Sporasub in the US, they no longer make the shorter blades, and their foot pockets in my size are out of stock anyway. Looks like the Mako fins are going to be my best bet!

I'm heading to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica in early November. I know several good dive sites between Cahuita and Manzanillo, and some good places for snorkeling and freediving the reef. Depth maxes out at around 20m.

From there, I have the opportunity to spend a few weeks in Cuba. First time, very much looking forward to it, many sites to explore. Will definitely spend a few days on Isla de la Juventud. Also of great interest: Jardines de la Reina!

Not sure on the depths at the Cuba sites, but on Scuba, my comfort level with a single tank of regular air goes to about 45m. Not sure yet how far down I'll get on free-dives, total newbie!

Thanks again, -oliver

 

[cdavis]

If you get to Gardens of the Queen, you are required, on pain of death, to post a detailed trip report.

Connor

 

[owhiso26]

roflrofl... Got it!

Chances are good that I'll make it there, may just book the trip from here before I leave. I'll be diving with the GoPro camera for the first time, so I may actually have some vids to post!