Monofins

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 16:30:06 GMT

I use fin socks with blue zoomers, no problem. I'm interested in monofins but a key factor for me would be getting something that won't hurt my lanemates or people in adjacent lanes if I smack them accidentally. Are there all-rubber ones or is that not practical?

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 05:20:19 GMT

I'm interested in monofins but a key factor for me would be getting something that won't hurt my lanemates or people in adjacent lanes if I smack them accidentally. Are there all-rubber ones or is that not practical? Monofins can be a dangerous weapon as Fortress will testify to! Quite frankly, I think the only way you can use them, is in a lane by yourself, or stick to the bottom of the pool so as to avoid the other swimmers entirely. Here is a link to the ultimate monofin - it cost US$95 000! www.kaiyouhaku.com/.../05041801_01_report.html Syd

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 15:55:31 GMT

Does anyone have problems with blisters when using their monofin or other fins? I started using Blue Zoomers and haven't had any problem at all with blisters yet. I've only used them for up to about a half hour of light drill work though, not swimming non-stop.

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 14:31:22 GMT

I was watching a sports program on TV just now and they had a segment on our prize butterfly swimmer Kaio Márcio. I think he had the 100 meter short pool record or something like that. Maybe it was the 50 meter. Anyway, they showed him swimming at his club up north (Brazil) and he was wearing monofins! I haven't seen any of those in any sports shop, but I am away from the big centers. That is on my list of to buy stuff. I'll check it out on the internet and see how much it costs plus shipping here. My first butterfly competiton will be in about two months. So far I've only been doing drills and freestyle, just building some endurance. I will soon begin to do some fly drills or swims. billy fanstone

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 17:53:57 GMT

Does anyone have problems with blisters when using their monofin or other fins? How long does it take for the feet to toughen up? It was suggested to me by an ultra-marathon runner that duct tape was the best thing for protecting "hot spots" from becoming blisters. Anyone ever try this? After getting blisters from my first monofin session, I went out and bought a pair of TYR neoprene fin booties. Problem solved. (I use them with my Zoomers now too on any set over 500 yds.) I do about 2000M or so a week with my Shooter and I credit it with helping to whittle down my lower abs these past few months. It's a nice alternative to doing crunches every day and definitely more fun.

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 17:31:51 GMT

I used the mono fin in open water and yes had lots of foot problems, Bodyglide applied heavily to the feet will prevent blisters for distances under 2 miles (for me) don't use vaseline as it may not be compatable with the rubber used in the fin. Once a blister forms or for hot spots, I used 2 layers of tape an inner layer against the skin of "athletic" tape (the cloth white stuff) with duct tape over it.

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 17:25:52 GMT

RE: Monofins

poolraat — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 12:18:37 GMT

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:37:54 GMT

I see two different looking monofins that claim to be the Finis shooter. One has a solid top on the feet, the other is open. Is one an older model or something? I was so excited when I found one for $88 with free shipping, then I began to wonder about the style change.

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:33:02 GMT

let us know what u think of the snorkel...

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 09:30:20 GMT

I got mine yesterday and tried it out this morning. Which monofin did you get?

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 09:22:49 GMT

Lindsay, Did you order than monofin yet? If so, keep us posted on what you ordered and how you like it. I am thinking of buying one.

RE: Monofins

poolraat — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 04:31:40 GMT

Which monofin did you get? This one. The Shooter Monofin $99.99 The Shooter Monofin allows for quick kicking action. Designed to simulate race pace kick tempo. Makes it easier to swim butterfly correctly for longer periods of time without suffering from the usual stroke decay. Ideal for butterfly, breaststroke arm recovery drills, backstroke underwater work, starts, and turns.

RE: Monofins

poolraat — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 04:27:33 GMT

I got mine yesterday and tried it out this morning. Immediately found out some interesting things. My streamline isn't very streamlined. At that speed it showed there are all kinds of adjustments I need to make. I can go faster face down than face up. And I'll need to go easy at first to let my feet toughen up so they don't blister. The tops of my feet are real tender now. I also got a center snorkel. Haven't had a chance to test it yet. Maybe tonight.

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 15:00:59 GMT

Here is the list of monofins for sale through amazon.com with prices and the descriptions given on their site. monofins at amazon.com Competitor Monofin $302.99/$257.54 The Competitor Monofin is designed for Monofin Racing. It is the fastest of all FINIS monofins. Trainer monofin $148.99/$126.64 The Trainer Monofin has a longer fiberglass blade for development of proper streamlining and dolphin kick motion. Ideal for lengthening of stroke, improving body balance, and core muscle conditioning. The Trainer 1 is the classic model for use by all abilities. The Trainer 2's fiberglass blade is 25% stiffer than the Trainer 1 - for serious training. Rapid Monofin $105.99/$100.69 The Rapid Monofin is the ultimate Extreme Swimming accessory. Achieve speeds up to 6 mph! The Shooter Monofin $99.99 The Shooter Monofin allows for quick kicking action. Designed to simulate race pace kick tempo. Makes it easier to swim butterfly correctly for longer periods of time without suffering from the usual stroke decay. Ideal for butterfly, breaststroke arm recovery drills, backstroke underwater work, starts, and turns. Tempo Monofin $54.99 For women's fitness. Tone your abs, buttocks and thighs with power swimming. Wave Monofin $36.95 For children.

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 13:30:33 GMT

How long does it take to become decent at flip turns with a center mount snorkle? I don't seem to have much success blowing all the water out. Is it a learned art?

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 12:32:20 GMT

How long does it take to become decent at flip turns with a center mount snorkle? I don't seem to have much success blowing all the water out. Is it a learned art? well #1. DEFINATLY get yourself a nice comfy nose plug...that helped me a ton! I have really bad lungs-in fact, I'm allergic to chlorine so I tend to have a lot of allergic asthmatic problems....so I thought I would never get the whole flip turn with snorkel situation under control...but really its just about going for it, and practicing it...and eventually you just aquire it I guess. I still every once in a while will come up with a mouthful of water and no air and have to fix things up in the middle of the pool, but if you really concentrate on either 1. holding your breath through the flip turn so you can have a big strong exhalation once you've flipped, or 2. blowing air out throughout the turn (prevents water from going in to begin with) it will come.

RE: Monofins

Allen Stark — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 12:22:35 GMT

I use my center mount snorkle alot: warmup,cooldown,drills etc. I have never felt a "deadspace" problem. I breath just like regular swimming I just don't have to move my head to breath. Donna,I am not sure why you had a problem,I have no trouble breathing with my chest with the snorkle. I use the regular Finis snorkle.I have tried their"freestyle"snorkle and REALLY did not like it.

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 14:50:50 GMT

I use the center mounted snorkel that Kiefer sells in their magazine--i think its a Finis though. I use it at least 3 practices a week, sometimes just in warmup, sometimes as a work-in in the middle of a set. I tend to just use it for longer swims on moderate intervals (3x200free, 400, no 10x100s) I have found it especially nice for pulling, and I also will throw fins on sometimes as well. I found for my shoulders--which are no where near perfection, it has helped a lot. With the snorkel on I tend to have much better body roll and concentration because you eliminate one of the most distracting parts of swimming-breathing. In addition, the benefits I notice in my lung capacity once I have been using the snorkel consistently for a few weeks is remarkable. I also have a monofin but rarely use it just because most of my sets have not lent an opportunity. I find it VERY hard to turn with the monofin, so really 25s are the most ideal set for use...at least in my experience. I use it for underwater sdk and dk on my back and occasionally full stroke fly.

RE: Monofins

Muppet — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 11:06:13 GMT

Are monofins good for anything besides fly and sdking? Breaststroke pull w/ dolphin kick.... works on body position and focusing on the *** armstroke.

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 10:57:56 GMT

Are monofins good for anything besides fly and sdking?

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 09:39:42 GMT

I don't have one but they look interesting and people swear they are a great tool to use. Fort mentions a lot about what they provide for your body; core work and also because you will travel faster, a swimmer gets to experience the "speed" they normally don't get to encounter. I use Zoomer red fins everyday, and twice a week use these HUGE fins for swimmers only; they have holes in them, but no Monofin. I am still not comfortable with the use of a swimmer's snorkel because of the CO2 issue (dead space--see another post), and my primary concern is I can never get a good breath of air because I normally breathe using my lungs; a snorkel I can only use my mouth and not gulp air in like I am accustomed to. And I prefer to swim with as much oxygen as my lungs will take in; the snorkel prevents this. Oh, unless you are just snorkeling and your heartrate stays low. Donna

RE: Monofins

Former Member — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 08:24:02 GMT

I looked too Lindsay to try getting my steel girder spine to undulate. I guess $36 isn't THAT much to spend but if that turns out to be a garbage fin it is. I see some for $244! I hope at that price it kicks for you!

RE: Monofins

The Fortress — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 03:48:12 GMT

I have seen a lot of references to monofins lately and have been wondering about them. They seem a little on the expensive side for an impulse-purchase. What are the differences between the different models? What are the advantages of a monofin over a regular pair of fins? Are there things took for or to avoid? Are they a pain to lug to and from workout? Do people look at you funny like when you wear the center-mount snorkels? :eek: Any other consumer advice? Poolraat is right. I love my monofin. Many are for rec use. I have the finis shooter monofin for competitive swimming, which I highly recommend and is $98. I sincerely think they have helped me improve my SDK-ing. They are not that big of a pain, although they are very sharp. I got a boo boo right outta the box with it. I carry it by the fin heel. People have never looked at me too oddly, although as you know I wouldn't care if they did. Some people say, "cool equipment," "what is that thing," "that looks dangerous." When I am swimming underwater with it, they usually say, "you're zooming," "you look like a fish" or "I wish I could do that." I swim with a lot of very nice rec swimmers at my rec center! When I brought it to my team practice all the guys with big feet insisted on using it. It does feel different to me than regular fins. Forces you to use the core more. I can feel it more in the core after using monofins than regular fins. I have been told by my coach that it is good for the glutes too. :) On the Ask Ande thread, I asked him for ideas of sets to do with it. He gave me advice there. I swim on my stomach, back, and both sides with it. I do one arm drills with it. I don't swim fly with it yet though, although Misty Hyman does on her video. Now, if only I could learn to use my dorkle ... Fins and monofins were also discussed at: forums.usms.org/showthread.php forums.usms.org/showthread.php

RE: Monofins

poolraat — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 02:50:45 GMT

I'm about to find out about both the monofin and the center mount snorkel. I think Fort is the resident expert on the monofin. I asked for both for my birthday. They're late! :( And I don't know whether to blame the UPS guy or my wife for not ordering soon enough. :dunno: I have seen a lot of references to monofins lately and have been wondering about them. They seem a little on the expensive side for an impulse-purchase. What are the differences between the different models? What are the advantages of a monofin over a regular pair of fins? Are there things took for or to avoid? Are they a pain to lug to and from workout? Do people look at you funny like when you wear the center-mount snorkels? :eek: Any other consumer advice?