Fins...

Post by **HereMyGo** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 9:30 am

Rather than take over JeanDorais post (sorry), I figured that since I'm the one with all the questions and most of you own tubes and know what you are talking about i'd start a new thread to get some input.

The story is this, right now I have my tube, i have my stocking foot waders, and a pair of wading boots.

I need to get a pair of fins.

Originally I was going to get some closed foot diving fins, rather than open heel fins, or step in fins. This apparently sounds like a bad idea due to propulsion of dive fins vs the stiffer fins.

So my question is this, obviously stiff open heel fins are better at propulsion than step in's of the same stiffness. But will I get better propulsion out of a flexible closed foot dive fin than I would with a stiff step in?

Any input above what I already received (which is great!) I'd just like to hear what you experienced folks recommend! Maybe someone who's tried a mix.

Regards,

Sean.

Post by **Billy Bones** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 11:09 am

Hey HereMyGo

how strong are your legs? Being a scuba diver and 60 years old I prefer a more flexible set of fins. Legs aren't as strong as they once were. You can go to a dive store and talk to the people there. You might even be able to rent a set of fins and try different flex to suit your needs.

Regards
Billy Bones

Post by **HereMyGo** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 11:16 am

Billy Bones,

I guess that was something I should have included..

I'm 26, used to Run quite a bit...now I just workout (including a day for legs) and play hockey 2 nights a week...

So I'd say I have some strength in them...at the same time though, I'm only about 150lbs...which might come into play with wind..

Post by **Fishboy** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 6:56 am

HMG,

I've been tubing for over a decade now and my recommendation is to get very stiff fins made for stocking foot waders. They provide better propulsion than do over the boot fins or more flexible diver-style fins. Make sure that you cinch the straps snugly. Although it has never happened to me, some people say their fins have slipped off.

I would also recommend a pair of MEC kayaker booties to slip over your wader stockings. These will protect the neoprene from wearing out prematurely.

Post by **Paya** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:25 am

HMG, I have a closed fins size 12 or XL if that would fit you. They are to small for me.
I'm looking for a new pair but they need to be at least size 134/14..would you guys know where to get them in Ottawa?