confusion

[waterman407]

I'm a beginning free diver and I've read about the different fin types, but what would be a good beginner set of fins? I've been using my scuba fins. What are the differences and how do you size a foot pocket? I will have to order them on line because none of the dive shops around here carry free diving fins.

[bgill]

I am a size 9 mens. I ordered size 8-9 Cressi Sub Gara 2000 HFs. They fit perfectly WITHOUT A SOCK.

For alot of people they would be considererd a very stiff fin. I actually prefer the stiff fins over floppy fins - More power transfer for propulsion. With my weight belt on the Gara HF's let me give a few stiff kicks & I glide gently to the bottom with maybe a few "baby kicks" for control or steering.

The stiffness of the HF's will tire your legs out quicker than a soft pair of fins on the surface swim though. I generally take my time on the surface anyways...I'm a polespearer, breathing up & looking for fish. I use a polespear exclusively. I like the challenge of getting close to the prey.

Although the Depth bug has recently bit me and I have been pushing to go deeper. Now if I could just kick this cold I'd be good to go!

I looked at alot of fins on-line and queried many people on DeeperBlue before I made my decision. I'm happy with my HF's for now - Good fin - Good price....$95.00 delivered from LeisurePro.com

I too used some snorkeling fins for a few years - They worked...As the picture or my "icon" attests!

[Whopperhead]

Waterman - what size shoe do you wear? Liesurepro.com is a great source for equipment and is usually the lowest price. you can click on "fins" and then on "freediving" and that will narrow your selection. The Cressi's are good along with omer - stay away from "split fins" or if you have time on your hands go diving with others and try theirs out before you dive. Lake Wazee is probably an hour from you? I bet a couple of us would meet there for Freediving/Spearfishing.

-------Scott

[sanso]

There's also the fin sizing thread that might help You choose.
Personally, I like hard fins as well, but that's a matter of taste and training. Being a cyclist, my legs are in an ok state anyway.
Try on as many as You can before You buy and choose those that You feel comfortable with. Also remember that Your legs will adapt to the new fins - so what seems a bit stiff now might feel nice'n'squishee in a month or so..

[waterman407]

Thank you all for your info much appreciated. I did find the fin sizing thread, thanks!