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Flippers and Swim Fins for Waveriding

Are they called fins or flippers? Fins or skegs? Back when I started riding the waves (1960s) life was simple: swim fins were called flippers and board fins were called skegs. These days both are called fins. Well... this page is about flippers. Information on skegs is here.

For starters, which swim fins are for you or me? No correct answer! To paraphrase Paul Gross, "What kind of swim fins should I use with a mat (or paipo)? Everyone has a unique set of needs, so no one size or design fits everyone." (See more relevant swim fin information at p. 30 of the 4th Gear Flyer Riders Guide, as of Nov 5, 2021.)

A good overview on swim fins is provided courtesy of eBodyboarding.com. Read another useful review by The Little Pink Shop at Croyde Bay [my link to the PDF version here]. Flexspoon has some information on Deet's reformulated UDTs and the modifications made by George Greenough. More on the UDTs [PDF version, 500k]. Another water enthusiast passed along his suggestions for trimming down UDTs for increasing power & flex and decreasing discomfort.
For more information on swim fins see the Wikipedia article. UDTs are now being distributed by Voit (for more info call Ph:714-232-7227 Ext 2, or see the surfmatters.blogspot).

An interesting article on the history of swim fins (and paddling gloves) appeared in the on-line bodysurfing magazine, Swell Lines: Swimming Propellers: History of the Swim Fin.
Stock, Kyle. (2014, April). Swimming Propellers: History of the Swim Fin. Swell Lines: The Bodysurfing Magazine, 1(2). Retrieved April 21, 2014, from swelllinesmag.com/2014/04/18/455/ (and a PDF when the link swerves away).


Table of Contents/Shortcuts



Did you know that Benjamin Franklin is credited with inventing the flippers and paddling gloves? Even earlier, in the 15th century, Leonardo Da Vinci experimented with various devices to improve the human physical condition: wings, vehicles and swim fins.

Read the interesting table of analysis on the relative thrust performance of various surf/swim fins (and web gloves).  The methodology, as posted to AS, is posted here.  By Alt.Surfing's "sdbchguy."

Project Swin Fin Metrics: How long are your swim fins, how wide, and how much do they weigh? Can you slip your foot into the pocket? This project is just starting up... measurements are welcome (to the 1/8th of an inch). See a very basic table of data here. Complete the Swim Fin Metrics Form.

Here are links for some "flippers" or swim fins

My Jouney Through Flippers. I was a long time user of Churchill's (when they were still made of rubber and had a more flexible blade). For years I searched the used fins racks for old Churchills, often buying off the rental bins. Eventually these venerable Churchills were no longer to be found and my collection was cracking and dry rotting from use and old age despite fresh water rinses after every session. After buying, borrowing and testing many, many different fins I have settled on three models: the Viper V-5 Flex (Orange Dot) and V-5 (Yellow Dot) stiff  blade models for warm water and Hydro Techs for cold water (to accommodate 4mm-7mm of fin socks). Ultimately, the "best fins" for any user depends upon many factors, including but not limited to foot size and shape, surf style (bodysurfing, prone boarding, drop knee or kneeboarding), blade flexibility, blade design, floating/non-floating, weight, and surge thrust. Also, feel free to visit my "rant page" on trying to find a pair of fins that didn't wreck my ankles or squeeze my feet. Hopefully by sharing my experiences others will have a better idea on what is best for them.

Update #1 for November 2013: A new swim fin is in my quiver, the DaFin. I had been waiting awhile to actually give this fin a test drive in the water rather than spending another bunch of dollars on an unsatisfying fit or function. Although the Vipers will be my go-to swim fin the DaFin is a nice addition and because of its wide foot pocket will better satisfy my need for a cool-cold water swim fin (relative to the heavy and wide bladed Hydro Techs). [Notice: I have worked out a distribution deal to supply DaFin swim fins -- proceeds will defray the costs for opeating the MyPaipoBoards.org site -- I will only endorse & sell swim fins that I actually use. Contact me at: paipodude@mypaipoboards.org]

Update #2 for November 2013: Another new formulation swim fin will NOT be in my quiver -- the Vektor Viper. I recently attempted to try on a pair of large yellow Vektor Vipers but could not come close to putting my foot into the foot pocket. Apparently the space between the foot pocket and ankle strap has been narrowed. I was also quite amazed at the flexibility in the stiff blade yellow model's blade relative to the regular Viper Yellow Dots -- the outer blade ridge stiffeners actually bend very easily. How this translates into use in the water remains to be seen... especially for somebody who can not even place a foot into the pocket. I also noticed that the ankle strap is much more stiff and rigid than the longtime Yellow and Orange Dot models.

Update #3 for 2014/2015: Some time during the past 12 to 18 months the DaFin has become my fin of choice. The transition really took off during my trip to Puerto Rico in January 2014, after switching out my "underperforming" Vipers for my pair of DaFin swim fins. After using them at a couple of different surf breaks in the PRNW the transition had become complete. I probably used my Vipers a couple of times in Costa Rica during March and June 2014, but it became obvious to me that the DaFin was my preferred fin. A big plus is being able to use the same size in warm tropical and cool/cold waters of summertime N. Oregon. I would probably step up one size if planning to use DaFins in cold water where 5 to 7mm of fin socks would be needed. Another advantage of the DaFin over the Vipers is weight -- DaFins weigh nearly have as much! Both DaFin and Vipers are floaters.

Vipers V5 Yellow Dots vs. DaFins Swim Off: Some Random Comments
DaFins
Vipers V5 Yellow Dot
Wide foot pocket, more power for catching a wave, more drag when extending legs to conform to wave. The DaFins blades tend to be depressed by the wave causing drag--this is not a factor on a open-faced, more powerful wave.

Hands down the cool/cold water swim fin due to larger, flexible foot pocket (think 3+mm wet socks).
Narrow foot pocket, longer paddles less stressful, captures energy from the wave when extending legs to conform to the wave. The Vipers remain neutral to the wave and capture the wave's energy--this is beneficial when in a flat section of the wave or when the planning surface benefits from being elongnated. Stiff and narrow foot pocket negates cool/cold water use unless you have a narrow foot.


Note: Fins are approximately the same length (but were photographed in a non-controlled environment!).


Notes on Other Items of Interest:  Fin Socks, Fin Tethers and Fin Care
A good selection of surf fin accessories and discussion can be found on eBodyboarding.com's site that I have reproduced here. Here are my
"a-b-c's" of fin accessories:

Use fin socks for protection!
For warm water wave riding, lycra fin socks should provide sufficient protection to keep your toes, feet and ankles from blistering. Sometimes you will need to move up to a heavier fin sock in warm water use that have open heals and are about .3mm to .5mm in thickness (thicker 1mm to 2mm models are also available but might make the fin too tight). Cool and cold water socks are made of the same materials you find in a wetsuit and are similar to ankle high socks. These wetsuit socks can be found in thicknesses ranging from 1mm to 5mm. Do NOT confuse wetsuit socks with booties. The booties' stiff soles will usually cause fitting problems with your fins (there are some exceptions, e.g., the strap over the foot fins made by Force Fins).

I swear by fin tethers! When I first started bodysurfing and paipo boarding in the overhead, crunching surf of Puerto Rico's west coast in the late 1960s there were not many options other than using tennis shoe laces (that and my girl friend's old nylons as a "lycra sock"), or losing fins. The last time I neglected to use fin tethers was early one Sunday morning at San Diego's Big Rock, a sucking left breaking on a shallow ledge reef. I took off on a fun 4-footer, lined up in the tube very nicely, but the furball in back ripped by flipper right off. With no extras in my surf bag and a late morning flight to catch I was without option! Never again! Fin tethers come in a wide variety of string and nylon loops, narrow and wide ankle wraps, and velcro and plastic snap closures. I prefer the nylon loop (less ankle rubbing), wide strap velcros. Preference will vary, but if you find yourself riding cold water waves in cold air temps then I highly recommend acquiring tethers with long ankle wraps and pull tabs. Why? In cold water you need to wrap the straps around many millimeters of wetsuit/socks and the tabs are for easy removal when your fingers are freezing.

O&E Fin Tethers (Fin Savers)
What I like about these fin tethers
  • strap width is ideal at 1-3/4 inches wide (the velcro portion is 1 inch wide),
  • strap features nice soft padding for the ankle,
  • a pull tab for easy removal,
  • strap is 17 inches long so it should fit easily around your ankle (plus fin socks and wetsuit), and
  • swin fin leash strap is a durable nylon material.

The secret to long lasting fins is proper fin care. First and foremost, do not leave the fins exposed to the direct sun for extended periods of time as the heat and rays degrade the rubber and plastic fin material. Second, rinse the fins in fresh water after each salt water or chlorinated water use.

The next recommendation I have never used before but it makes sense in the same way one cleans and treats an automobile's interior hardware to prevent cracking, color degradation, dry rot and to add softness and luster to the fins:
  • Vaseline cream you can buy at a dive shop or
  • 303 Aerospace Protectant found in automobile supply companies (and elsewhere) or
  • similar products for UV protectant and dressing for vinyl, leather, rubber and plastic surfaces.

It might be frustrating finding your supplies at local surf shops. One good option is eBodyboarding.com and another is the river/kayak oriented company, NRS. Also, be sure to search the internet for your specialized needs.


Need to Modify Your New Formulation DaFins?
Review by John Hughes

Last January at the Surf Expo I found out the DaFin had switched to making their fins with Maylaysian rubber. This is the same type of rubber used in the new UDTs and is supposed to be the best rubber in the world. I have been using DaFins for many years now and have been very happy with them. I have one pair of oversized fins which I use in the winter and another for wearing barefoot, which are the ones I use the most here in sunny Florida.

I finally ordered a pair and was excited to test them out and see the difference with the new material. The previous compound has always worked well with plenty of power in a compact fin and a very comfortable foot pocket that I can wear for hours without a problem, other the two small pukas that they would consistently rub on my right foot.

The new DaFins can be recognized by the "Made in Maylaysia" printed on the box. The fins themselves have no origin on them and the "Made in the USA" is no longer visible on the bottom of the foot pocket. The thing that is immediately noticeable is how soft and pliable the rubber is compared to the old DaFins. The foot pocket fits like a glove and when in use you can feel that the fin blade flexes more evenly across the length of the blade. The old fins would deflect sharply around the toe end of the pocket due to the blade being less pliable. It is not something that would be noticed if not compared to the new fins. Whether or not the new fins are more powerful is difficult to discern but they certainly feel as though they are. In that respect they are an improvement over the old ones.

But here is the rub (literally). After a session in some head high swell that required some serious kicking these fins tore my feet up, leaving some nice scabs on both feet at the opening of the foot pocket. Needless to say, I was disappointed with this and I examined the old and new versions to figure out why this was happening. It became apparent the the new fins were not finished as well after popping out of the mold. I could see that the USA fins had a rounded radius on both the inside and outside edge and had also been hand sanded to de-burr the mold seam.

On the new Maylaysian fin there is a sharp edge where the pocket contacts the foot, and the mold seam has been roughly cut away, leaving plenty of edges to wear my skin. Being the relentless tinkerer I am, I decided to come up with a fix for the problem. After some experimentation I decided to melt the sharp edges off using my propane torch and a metal spoon. I heated the spoon with the torch and when it was hot enough I ran the heated spoon over the edges until they melted into a smooth surface where they contact my foot. The plan worked well except for a sticky residue that was left behind. I was able to remove that with some isopropyl alchohol. I have to wait for the scabs to heal before I can know if this was a good fix. But I will give an update when that happens.


UDTs Revisited, 2014
A Random Comments Review on Facebook by John Hughes

I told myself I wasn't going to use Udt's again, but when I saw the latest and greatest version I couldn't resist. Me and the Voit guy, Mike Maslowski at the Surf Expo. (Jan 12, 2014)



(Jan 12, 2014)
The new ones are considerably more flexible than before. Hopefully this will mean more power w/o the foot torture. The UDT,s are a little loose w/o booties and a little snug with the 3 mils. fortunately I have D width feet or they would be too small. I suspect I will be customizing them before too long. (Jan 13, 2014)

I finally had a chance to try out my UDT's and I am happy to say that I was able to use them for over an hour w/o my feet screaming in agony. The new formulation is a major improvement. You can feel the increased flexability immediately and I noticed I was able to kick outside much more quickly than before. They are still a burly fin but more user friendly. I was riding my mat and the waves were about knee to waist high. I can't say conclusively whether I was getting into waves any better. I may need to try them in bigger waves to get a feel for that. The big difference to me is that I was able to use them right away w/o feeling that I need to make major mods to them. If I do customize them it will probably be to make them more maneverable in the shifty beachbreak that we have here. (Feb 2, 2014)

Length (tip to heal): 18.5 inches  Weight: 2.75 lbs each.

UDTs Revisited, Update March 2014 (@ Aquatic Apes on Facebook.com)
Review on Facebook by John Hughes.

I went mat surfing w/ the new, improved UDT's this morning. This time in better waves- waist+ high with some groundswell push behind it. I chose to try them barefoot, fully expecting to be out of the water in ten minutes with major foot pain. To my surprise the fins were very comfortable and I was able to get a 1 1/2 hour session in with no problems.

The new, more flexible rubber compound is a major improvement in comfort and power. I was impressed with how quickly I was able to power through the shorebreak to the outside. Although they are still a burly fin, my feet and legs are adapting quickly and I anticipate being able to use them without cutting them down and customizing them. The only thing I had to do was add a strap pad to take up the slack without using booties. (March 2, 2014)


Additional comments and discussion at the Aquatic Apes group page in Facebook.com, (March 2, 2014)

Post script: Those fins are toast, errr, modded. Learn more plus lessons learned from John's March 4, 2014, posting to Aquatic Apes.

Modified UDT/DaFin Comparison Test: Surprising Results
Review by John Hughes (March 20, 2014 @ Aquatic Apes on Facebook.com)

As promised I did some performance tests on my newly modified UDT’s. For comparison I switched between the UDT’s and DaFin’s, which I currently use. My first session was on my 4GF Omni surfmat In 2-4 ft semi-clean beachbreak surf. This was initially the only session I intended to do but the results were so surprising, I felt I needed to do another test.

To change the variables my next session was on an HPD paipo that I had borrowed from a friend, in 3-4 NE swell with some groundswell energy. In each case, I caught several waves on on the UDT’s and DaFin’s, paying close attention to 1) how quickly and easily I could make my way to the outside 2) how the fins compared when getting into waves and 3) comfort.
My conclusion in a nutshell: DaFin’s are a superior fin in every measure.
  • The the amount of time it took to get outside to the waves was about the same with either fin.
  • I actually had a harder time getting ino waves using the UDT’s. The lag time it took to power up the UDT’s caused me to miss waves I would have easily caught with DaFin’s. The quick response and higher kick rate of DaFin’s allowed me to maneuver into position and kick into the drop more efficiently.
  • Comparing comfort it is a no-brainer. DaFin’s are so light and comfortable that you forget they are on your feet. The UDT’s however, always made you aware that you had a heavy and cumbersome device attached to your feet. The strain on my feet and knees was constant, and noticeable even after the session was over.


DaFins & Modified UDTs laying on an HPD. Photo by John Hughes.
My conclusion is that DaFin’s are a superior fin because they are FAR MORE EFFICIENT than the UDT’s. They provide the same or better performance with considerably less energy expenditure. There are, of course, many fans of the UDT’s and for them it is the best fin. These results are just my opinion based on my experience.

John Hughes on Facebook.com at the Aquatic Apes group page (March 20, 2014)
Additional comments and discussion @ Facebook.com.


Other users' random comments on fins:
  • "A friend has been using Duckfeet for a long time partly because likes the stiffness of the foot area and the flex of the fin area. Seems the new fins have a flexible foot area that she finds less effective. Any suggestions or alternatives?"
  • "I use XL Redleys. Stiff enough, with a bottom flow through hole that keeps the sand out. Looking for XXLs for the winter to put over 2 or 3mm socks."
  • "There are some very interesting new fins being made with the UDT Duck Feet mold - check on those, as they are being made with some varying rubber. Also, try several pairs of the Voit original Duck Feet - they vary as to stiffness. I find the orange/blue work well for me.
    Stiffness in fin blades is, to me, kinda overrated. As I have several sets of fins handy , I may have to repeat Terry Hendricks'  fin test with both
    stiff and less stiff UDTs to see what the real thrust difference is. I'd suspect very little and the comfort of a less stiff large blade fin ( as
    opposed to a small blade fin like a Churchill or Viper) sure is worth 10% thrust...if in fact there is that much difference."
  • "When I had back problems (and fins really exacerbate them) I was bodysurfing with very wide river rafting webbed gloves-and no fins. Now
    that I use both, it's all 2 stroke takeoffs, and fin stiffness isn't so important."
  • "Myself, I don't think really stiff fins are a good thing anyhow, providing the fins have enough blade to really accomplish anything. In fact, if one is using sizable fins, reasonably long, then stiffness might be a drawback; analgous to a question on surfboard fins and flexibility, when they bend they direct water in a direction that works better. With short, dinky, wide fins, well, that's another story, but that hasn't seemed to prove most effective. I think of Churchills and all that genre as great fins for people who don't use fins much. When I tried them, I found it was a lot like having no fins at all. But I started out with diver's fins and a paipo way back when and free diving well before that. I was used to large fins with substantial thrust."
  • "I have not used Duck Feet in over 20 yrs, after moving to the old compound Churchills (average foot area but flexi fin area).  The new compound fin are on Churchills is very stiff. I have tried Redleys (both the stiff and the flexible), older design Techs and something else but none were to my liking. There are several types I have not tried -- being in the water using them is different than getting fitted in the store.  Fins are likemany other things in life, people love some types and hate others."
  • In response to the statement, "Stiffness in fin blades is, to me, kinda overrated," a user replies, "Depends. Longbod bodysurfers in thick walls get good speed with fewer, more powerful  kicks. Short guys on thinner waves or in shorewhomp can get by with shorter, more agile fins. Kneelers and spongers can't get the usable power out of a long stiff fin because they're not kickingwith their thighs, so a floppy fin makes more sense for them."
  • What you need for flippers?
The balance you want to look for in flippers (besides comfort of course) is between long distance cruising, i.e. paddling out and cruising the line-up, and acceleration/burst speed for spin and take off etc. Probably most mat surfers are using UDT's from Prof. Greg Deets. (parsimony@ earthlink.net), or Voit at 1-800-925-9283. Most people under 170 pounds or so cut them down following Greenough's modification. First flattening the ribs a bit then taking a little at a time off the length to hit their personal best compromise. You mlso many need to trim the strap a bit as they are very stiff overall and generally not too comfortable for most.

Regular DuckFeet and Vipers work ok. I have used them. But my favorites are Flips at www.flipsswimfins.com They are hand made by the man who designed them (John Piatt). Come in 3 models, the Original being the biggest and what I have. Much more thrust than DuckFeet, less than full sized UDT's. Super comfort and one size will fit everyone, barefoot, 7mil hardsole booties, and you tiny girl friend. They attach with an elegant strap and buckle set up that take a bit of getting used to but works well. They are super light and pack flat for travel; the strap set-up means no foot pocket. Downside is they take a bit of playing with to put on and take off so not so easy in pounding shorebreak over jagged lava/granite reef.

You do need lots of power as the earlier you can get planning and up and riding on a mat the better. You can do late take offs but they aren't ideal and if you miss can be disasterous for your mat. Bodyboard fins like Churchhills just do not provide enough power. Last week I watched someone in Santa Cruz repeatedly get in so late he just went down with the lip...left behind. And he is in pretty good waterman shape. You can catch waves but you will get lots more and have much more fun with biggah flippah.

Enough ramble. The surmatz forums are hereby baptized! Wink
Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 by DrStrange
http://surfmatz.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4
  • Got a pair of Viper V-7's. Pool tested vs Original DuckFeet vs Flips Original (biggest ones)

    Comfort: No contest. Flips beats everything except my wife's fleece bedroom slippers! Both the Ducks and the Vipers gnarl on the old toe knuckles; a pain I'd forgotten about using Flips lo these many many months. This was with 3 mil fin socks.

    Convenience: Switching back and forth highlighted the hassel of Flips buckle set up, esp w/ foggy goggles on making harder to see. Also, that sort of squishy feel when kicking was noticably mildy annoying when comparing

    Sprint/Acceleration: Shoot the moon from the bottom of the poot w/ dolphin power kicks: not much difference really. Maybe Vipers by an inch or two vert surface clearance.

    Cruising speed (timed): Big, slow scissor kicks for distance. Actually pretty close timing laps in 25 meter pool. Ducks the slowest a little, Vipers and Flips near tied for 1st maybe edge to Vipers by a couple secs per 50 meters.

    Alternate cruise method (number of kicks per 25 meters): (Each foot counts one kick) DuckFeet=46 Flips=40 Vipers=36 Several trials and almost identical results each time.

    Conclusions: Vipers V-7's win by a bit if you discount pain. Also, maybe because of heavier weight or the big strakes to guide water but the Vipers felt most controlled and easy to change direction. Also, noticably less tendency to surface splash; none w/ the Vipers, some w/ the DuckFeet, quite a bit w/ Flips. Also, w/ Flips I have much more tendency to bend knees more (bicycle style) and loose power. Just have to toughen those toe-knucks.
Posted: Oct 14, 2007 by DrStrange
http://surfmatz.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=80
  • Just got flips swim fins last night and tried them out today. One very cool feature is one size fits all so arctic to tropics, you are good to go. Got the Originals (biggest) instead of the ProSurf model. Original’s blade about as long as Duck Feet to toes but the working part extends back under your foot so it is really longer. It also varies from 2-3 inches wider. Took them out in the surf and first thing I noticed was it is definitely burlier than the Ducks. I need to get stronger to fully utilize it; that’s what I was after in a new fin. Definitely easy on the feet but since it’s a bigger/stronger fin, moving more water, it is harder on psoas and quads. Takes more umph to get them moving and keep them moving. Caught a couple waves I might not have w/the DuckFeet and really noticed the lightness of the flippers for lifting them out of the water once up and running. Seemed easier to initiate dolphin kick with the Flips. Since I try not to use my feet to steer I didn’t notice if they were much different there.

    Only negative was that the straps kept loosening and I had to reach down every once in awhile and pull them tight. Easy to do though and that may stop happening once the strap material is broken in a bit. Oh, one other negative on the flips was that they are so light that I had trouble doing the small amplitude rapid flutter kick; couldn’t keep them submerged. The Ducks stay in the water easier. Likely for this reason, the Duck Feet beat the Flips by little in the rapid small flutter kick.
Follow-Up on Loose Straps: Talked to John Piatt last night (Flips maker). He said to prevent this from happening adjust front strap and slide foot out. Fold extra length of strap toward toes and then back UNDER the strap and insert foot. Tighten upper strap to where you want it, unbuckle it and do the same with the extra length--fold it toward toes and then back under the strap and snap the buckle. This way, foot pressure on the loose end locks it in place.
  • Well I jumped right in after seeing only a few posts about these and my flips fins Originals arrived yesterday. Tonight I put them on and went out in 2 foot waves and was pretty impressed. They're reasonably comfortable and pushed me through the water really well after about ten minutes of use. I too had to keep tightening the straps. The front toe strap is a little loose and seems to be at it's tightening limit. Some attention will have to be paid to those things. I really like how light they are. Sand and gravel flushes right out. I like them.
  • It's the UDT's that some consider "blanks" and if you handle a pair you will immediately see why. They are huge and heavy and stiff. IF you are a big, hunky hunka manhood you could likely use them as is but otherwise, a little mod will make them work better. When you're are using fins for surfing where you need long cruising ease and short burst power from same fins they are best tuned for your body size/leg length and muscle power. Duck Feet are shorter and softer. I like them a lot. Also I like Flips.  The the Original model is somewhere between Duck Feet and UDT's in power and though they take a bit of finicky finiking to put on and take off, they are very comfortable and one size will fit you barefoot or in 7 ml hardsole dive boots and also fit your 5' 100 pound girlfriend who wears a size 3 shoe. Plus they pack flat so travel well with a deflated mat in your suitcase or knap sack.
  • For cold water surf with fin socks and large feet (13 EEEEE) the only flippers that fit are the Churchill XXLs which I think say size 15-16 on the box.

  • I won two pairs a pair of Rip Force and Force Fin Pro. I love both of them as they have completely eliminated foot craps for me. The Force Fin Pro are stiffer but produce speed to burn. I am a bike track sprinter and have legs to propel the bike around the track, so the Force Fin Pro suits me to kick long and deep (really good for spoons!). The Rip Force are better for those, like me, who also suffer knee problems. After a little fiddling I got the Rip Force set up for the way I use them and find them also good and less stressful on my knees. I have been using the Rip Force with my mats. cheers & beers Damien.
  • Currently own black modded UDTs and DaFins. I had Flips and the V-7s. If the V-7s fit me right I'd prefer them over the others. I'm in NJ and always ride beachbreaks though with very short to short paddleouts. I didn't give the Flips that much of a chance because I didn't like the strap hassles and they loosened up very easily. I felt like I was loosing energy on every kick. The UDTs are rather new and fit best with a 3mm bootie but it's still warm here. I've used them a couple times with fin socks and I can see why they are great for points and long paddleouts. They feel a little like overkill for my beachies and my legs aren't strong enough to get the best out of them yet. The DaFins ride short but work good for me, easy to get moving. I tend to take off later than with any of the other fins. Most comfortable but I did need a fin sock because of blisters on the side of my ankle. The V-7 was kind of between the UDT and DaFin. Could do the long stroke but still easy enough to bring em up to speed sort of like the DaFin. Hope that helps. jd.
  • I got the Rip Force Fins for winter in New York for ease of use with all my booties 3, 5 and 7mm. I think it was kind of worth the price. I couldn't justify spending on those speed bump things though, so i just use them as is. They are very comfortable and they give me good propulsion too, not like my ScubaPro Jetfins but my jetfins don't fit over 7mm booties. If you are in a cold place i think they help make life just a little bit easier. factorypond Wed Nov 19, 2008 on http://surfmatz.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=195
  • I bodysurf all the local reefbreaks and points around where I live, mainly because we have no good beachbreaks. I have been going hard recently in some great waves, mainly around the 3 - 5ft range but I am really interested in finding out more about swim-fins specifically for bodysurfing. I am currently using Vipers but finding the large size for winter (for finsocks) not quite comfortable enough. I would really appreciate some informed comment about fins for bodysurfers as opposed to bodyboarders - the reefs I surf have a lot of water moving around and they tend to be further out from shore so I am looking for a little length without going into diving fins - some power without discomfort. -- Milo260
  • Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa. I also tried the vipers and they made my feet cramp. I also didnt feel like I was getting much speed. I am currently using Cressi Free-frogs (closed heel) and they are amazing. I also have apair of Mare Avante- very comfortable. Some people think these fins are too big but I am 6ft4 and they really work for me.Regards Clinton

Fins for the Styling Ladies?

High-healed designer flippers. Are gold fin tethers, matching nylon fin socks and mini-skirt wetsuits included?

Feel free to send me your own flippers/swim fin solutions and why they work for you.








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