08-06-2004, 05:22 PM
[url "javascript: addTag('cool')"][cool][/url][#0000ff]There are several considerations in buying fins. First, you don't have to buy the most expensive to get good tubing fins. But, you should buy as good as you can afford.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Most serious tubers prefer the heel strap kind of fins, with big soft foot pockets for comfort. I use the Mares Plana skin diving fins, but there are many that will work fine.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You should never buy fins according to your shoe size. When you float tube, you are wearing extra socks and waders, so the fins will need to be larger to accomodate the extra layers without constricting your feet. Constriction shuts off blood flow and that leads to discomfort and your feet getting cold faster.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I usually advise that you take your waders and booties (if applicable) and try on the fins to be sure they will be loose enough, without being too loose. You should be able to snug them up with easily adjustable straps.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There is a lot of difference of opinion as to how large your fin "blades" should be, and how flexible. Consider that propulsion is a direct result of the amount of force you can apply against the water. The larger the blade and the stiffer the blade the more directly your kicks are translated into propulsion.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]That doesn't mean that you need to look for a five foot fin with no flex in the blade. If the blades are too big and too firm they will beat you to death. There has to be a balance so that you can get good movement but so that you do not have to work too hard either.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]To make the right decision, you need to evaluate your size and current level of physical conditioning. If you are large and strong, then go for the gusto. If you are smaller and/or if you have not been doing much exercise to strengthen your kicking muscles, you should start with smaller and more flexible blades and upgrade when you are in better shape.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]It is not bad to have a couple of sets of fins. You can lose one on a trip, or just plain want a different "ride" under certain conditions.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Most serious tubers prefer the heel strap kind of fins, with big soft foot pockets for comfort. I use the Mares Plana skin diving fins, but there are many that will work fine.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]You should never buy fins according to your shoe size. When you float tube, you are wearing extra socks and waders, so the fins will need to be larger to accomodate the extra layers without constricting your feet. Constriction shuts off blood flow and that leads to discomfort and your feet getting cold faster.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I usually advise that you take your waders and booties (if applicable) and try on the fins to be sure they will be loose enough, without being too loose. You should be able to snug them up with easily adjustable straps.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]There is a lot of difference of opinion as to how large your fin "blades" should be, and how flexible. Consider that propulsion is a direct result of the amount of force you can apply against the water. The larger the blade and the stiffer the blade the more directly your kicks are translated into propulsion.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]That doesn't mean that you need to look for a five foot fin with no flex in the blade. If the blades are too big and too firm they will beat you to death. There has to be a balance so that you can get good movement but so that you do not have to work too hard either.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]To make the right decision, you need to evaluate your size and current level of physical conditioning. If you are large and strong, then go for the gusto. If you are smaller and/or if you have not been doing much exercise to strengthen your kicking muscles, you should start with smaller and more flexible blades and upgrade when you are in better shape.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]It is not bad to have a couple of sets of fins. You can lose one on a trip, or just plain want a different "ride" under certain conditions.[/#0000ff]
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