Hi,
I need to widen my swim gear inventory. A waterski is about the closest thing to fins I have experience with (id est - never used fins). I feel I can really make use of a pair of them but I haven't a clue as to what type to try first. :help:
If it's possible to point me in the right direction, would anyone know what fins to try first?
If it helps:
Short distance swimmer (order of ability level: free, fly, back, ***)
Foot size: 10.5 (very wide)
moderate ankle/foot flexibility
average flutter kick speed
below average SDK speed (but moderate efficiency)
Primary uses: to augment fly, various drills, and to spend more time feeling hydrodynamic forces at race pace and faster.
Not sure I know what I exactly need but I was thinking of something that will allow me to swim 2 x 50 (at 1 sec faster than race pace) @ 0:90, yet be forgiving enough to assist other uses (i.e. fly sets, drills).
:notworthy: Merci Obrigado!
My husband got me yellow Zoomers for Christmas and I really like them. They're short so I can wear them for pretty much every stroke and I also like how soft the rubber is. No blisters - yay!
Former Member
I have the Tyr Burner model and like it a lot. It's similar in design to the blue Zoomer but made of softer silicone. A bit lighter and easier on the feet.
Former Member
I would use a shorter fin if your trying to simulate race pace. These allow you to get a higher kick rate compared to the long fins. Zoomers are a brand that everyone has heard of, but I just use the Sporti training fin. They are cheaper and fit me well.
Former Member
Here is the USMS swimmer magazine video review of fins:
www.youtube.com/watch
I would get a medium sized fin like the speedo optimus or tyr crossblade.
Former Member
Here is the USMS swimmer magazine video review of fins:
www.youtube.com/watch
I would get a medium sized fin like the speedo optimus or tyr crossblade.
If you go with the Tyr Crossblade - the sizing is really weird. The Tyr size chart says the sizing is done in men's sizes but this is not true. Based on reviews, I ordered the size 7-9 fin and it fits my women's size 8 foot perfectly. It also runs narrow.
If you have pool mates with similar sized feet, try their fins out. Soft, and a good fit are most important. I've even cut some fins down (length) to make them more useful for high cadence work. I agree with The Flyer, short fins are what you need. But you don't want to cause blisters. Thus soft rubber (silicone or other), and a good fit. Are there dealers in your area? Other Masters teams with selections?
Are there dealers in your area? Other Masters teams with selections?Not really. I train solo and seldom have the opportunity to try someone's fins. Crossblades are automatically off the list since they fit narrow. I'll have to review Sep/Oct 2010 Swimmer's issue (online:)). But it looks like I may have to have 2 different pairs;) - short for speed, and medium to long to help my underwater kicking.
With a wider foot, I would try the Hydro fins. They run big/wide and are short fins so they are different on the legs than traditional fins. I got mine from Amazon but here they are at Swim Outlet www.swimoutlet.com/ProductDetails.asp
I have a wider foot and am looking for a longer fin. Any suggestions out there? I've tried several brands ... Just can't find a wide size.
I agree that there are brands with wider feet but they are always short fins.
Thanks for anyone's help!
I have a wide foot and use the long blade Water Gear fins: www.watergear.com/.../.
Don't like zoomers.
