Fin care

[nick310]

Hey guys, I was just wondering how I should take care of my freediving fins. How should they be stored, transported ect? What could damage them in and out of the water. In short, how do I take care of them. Thanks.

Nick

[salibandy]

Well, freediving fins (the plastic ones, which I'm sure is the one you have) are not like scuba fins, not soft and the likes. I believe they are more brittle, so don't just throw them on the deck when you're done.

Keep them away from human traffic; I have Ice fins and they get stepped on often enough if I leave them lying on the deck. When storing, I'd rather not store something else on top of them. I'd leave them out of the sun, that goes for my mask(s) and suit as well.

For transportation, I just hand carry them. I don't have a bag specially to carry my fins yet. When I get a mono, I'll make sure that bag is big enough to carry both fins. If I'm flying, I chuck them into my friend's mono bag and wrap them up in bubble wrap and cardboard and some inflated plastic bags.

I hope that helps a bit.

[deep thinker]

Hi Nick, heres answers according to what I do and experience with mine as well as what I have seen from other divers I dive with.
How I should take care of my freediving fins- Just like the rest of your gear, a good rinse and clean after every dive and store out of direct sun in a cool dry place. Check also for rubber fatigue and stress marks every now and then to ensure best service. If theyre carbon blades check for small cracks, these I think can be drilled out at the end of the crack and superglued as a temporary solution but Id replace the blade asap.
How should they be stored, transported ect- Store them flat in the bottom of a cupboard or on a shelf or Ive also seen guys drill a small hole in the front of the blade and hang it off a cup hook. For transportation I put mine in the top of my diving bag, just make sure theres no heavy objects (weightbelts) or sharps (knives and speartips) that can damage them.
What could damage them in and out of the water- In the water if you over power them they can get stress marks, in plastic fins white marks looking as if the plastic is stretched and it mite also make a permanent bend there, cracks in carbon fins. Scratches and bends or once again cracks in carbons when banged on rocks in surf or while hole and reef hunting, scratches is gonna happen though so I wouldnt stress too much about that. Out of the water basically the same, dont throw them around and dont put or throw heavy objects onto them.

Sensible care when working and looking after any of your gear will ensure longer use and possibly better performace.

[alejo326]

Try not to keep anythig in or on the footpocket that will stretch it out.

[Erik]

1. Remove from feet.
2. Place in plastic bin with all the other gear.

Other than not leaving them in the sun, I'd say that's worked for me for years. Carbon, plastic fiber etc.