Swimming around the UK.

[Haydn]

In planning to swim around the UK. I really need to answer some serious questions. Particularly the best fin. I need to swim around 12 hours per day, so need a gentle fin, but one that will slow down the kicking cycle. Hard fins do that, but soft ones encourage a faster cycle. So do I choose a freedive fin or a fancy speed fin that maybe a scubie would choose. Or do I keep my cheap Russian fins that I can wear all day, without killing my muscles, but I get little thrust?

Of course, I want a fin that will give me as much thrust as possible, for as little energy expended, but one that can also go fast if I need to work hard to get out of trouble.

I suppose, I need to get all the manufactuerers to send me their best choice to test.

Who comes best recommended?

 

[trux]

You may want to post your question in a monofin swimming forum too. There are many long distance races in monofin swimming: in ocean, and also river descends, so you may find many more people there than here, who have experience with endurance monofin swimming, and can advise you the best choice of monofin for your project.

 

[Erik]

Wow, great stuff Haydn. I don't know about fins really, sorry, but I'm sure there'll be lots of response here.
I'm with you in spirit for this! Go man.

 

[Haydn]

Monofins dont work for real long distance. I have tried. They simply wear your whole body down. After a few days your muscles are so tired you give up. With bi fins you can use a lazy frontcrawl arm pull and share the load with your whole body. Also with bi fins you can push your raft, which is impossible with a mono.

I have not yet got my info pack together, but when I do I will try to get a load of free fins for a real test before choosing which to use. Hope they dont want me to pay for them. Anyway, start date is April next year and hope to finish by Christmas. Somehow have to reduce the 11,000 mile shore line to less than 2,500 by swimming in straight lines.

 

[fearthespear]

Crikey! If you're doing it for charity i'll shout you a few squid! What a challenge...

 

[podge]

Like Fearthespear said, and if you’re swimming past Portland on a weekend I’ll buy you some fish n chips and a pint to help you on your way.:friday
Good luck and keep us all posted on the build up to your attempt.

 

[foxfish]

Haydn what type or make of fins have you had the most success with so far?
There are plenty of fin threads on db & plenty of mention about how good they are for suface finning but we are mainly talking about a mile or two.
Omer ice fins are highly rated for ease of surface swimming but I have no idea if they would suit your needs.

 

[apneaboy]

Cool. Get a waterprrof internet connection and you can arrange DB member meet ups all the way round

 

[Jon]

I'd give the C4 Mustangs a shot. the footpocket has a better angle and is more comfortable than a traditional footpocket- in my opinion.

They have a left and right blade and can be laced as tight, or loose, as you want. You could even change the fit half way through the day if you wish.

I have some flap 30's, but would want a softer blade for something like that. I've heard that their plastic (amber) blades are quite soft and would help ease the strain on your legs for a multi-day event.

I used to use OMER Ice blades and find the Mustangs better for surface swimming due to the footpocket design.

YMMV

Jon

 

[Erik]

I'd be more worried about trying to get 10,000 calories or more in per day!
Good advice from Jon.

 

[podge]

Erik no problem there mate-
Fish and chips for the protein and full of calories, plus mushy peas for the standard green stuff that people keep on about.

And Special Brew, full of sugar and packed with lovely calories.

What more could a long distance swimmer need.

 

[fearthespear]

er...goose fat?!

 

[podge]

er...goose fat?!

I hope not or I’ll be down there taking bites out of him as he swims past.roflroflrofl

 

[fearthespear]

roflroflroflrofl

 

[Jon]

Al you can eat fish+chips plus GOOD beer? :inlove

I think I need to swim around Lake Michigan this summer.

 

[Haydn]

Thanks guys. Had to smile. As for the beer, well I dont drink the stuff I'm afraid. I am still trying to get a substantiated decision on where to start from, and so far I actually favour Portland or Swanage. The idea being to get towards Scotland during the longest daylight hours. So far though, I have no research back to help prove one way better than another. So I intend to choose clockwise unless proven otherwise.

Not too worried about the food, its easy to eat calories when you are hungry and I could do with losing a couple stone once and for all. So sea side chips every day or so.

 

[fearthespear]

Portland would be a good place to start - the Dorset (and Somerset) posse would give you a good send off and it would be a great opportunity for everyone else to drink beer!!:friday

 

[Erik]

Portland would be a good place to start - the Dorset (and Somerset) posse would give you a good send off and it would be a great opportunity for everyone else to drink beer!!:friday

Yes I'm sure you lot need an excuse to drink beer lol! rofl

 

[podge]

Yes I'm sure you lot need an excuse to drink beer lol! rofl

You’re right there Erik, I used to be “normal” before the Dorset lot corrupted me, and now its all beer, pies, wine, chips and Dorset apple Cake!!!!roflrofl

 

[azapa]

Good effort Haydn. Give us some background to your idea. For some reason I envisage a counter clockwise route. Absolutely no idea why.

You should definitely start in the south though, you'll be tired half way round and can save the speedy "down" bit for last...