Do I need my new Monofin Christmas present?

[Perithead]

Hello everyone, this is my first post on this particular forum.

For Christmas I recieved a Finis Rapid monofin. My mother knew I was into freediving and wanted to get much better at it so she purchased this for me. I really like it at first then I started thinking about it. I will be sprearfishing and practicing underwater photography. When I think of the monofin, I think of the constant motion of the whole body that is needed to propell myself. I am not sure that this is the best thing when trying to takes pictures (and videos) or to spear a big fish.

Since it is cold, I will start training in an indoor pool. Is a monofin what I should be training with if it is not what I will be using when I am actually in the water? I have done some reading and mostly what I understand is that the monofin is mostly used for training purposes or for breaking freediving records(which I will not be doing). I could sell the fin and get a nice set of bi-fins if this is what I really need. Or should I keep the monofin for some reason that I do not know at the time and jsut get a set of bi-fins also?

Thanks for any replys!

[monkeyhatfork]

I train with both, I prefer monofin but you also get a different leg workout with bi-fins. There are people on these threads who spear with mono's I don't spear so I'll leave that to them. Be careful with the mono you have, and don't confuse it with those used by world record holders(don't mean to be a dick or discouraging in anyway) but it is a pool toy version of what most people use(plastic blades prone to breaking,adjustable footpockets not ideal, should be fine for the pool as an introduction to the mono I would encourage you to stick with it, monofins are the most addicting thing ever. ok for still photo, a bit tricky with video, if you end up liking it and want to upgrade finis does make higher end fins-The trainer, would be the next step from yours but with rubber openheal pockets and fiberglass blade(I got one once on ebay for $20, and the finis competitor(waterway blade,finis pockets) otherwise look at the following sites LeaderFins.com specialfins.com Performance Freediving | home | (for waterway fins)good luck and enjoy you christmas present, wish my mom got me a mono for christmas

[Perithead]

Thanks monkey for the reply.

Would it be beneficial for me to train with the mono in the pool even though I will more than likely not be using it in open water? My assumption is that if I would not be using a mono full-time then why should I train with one? Does it do something special that would help me when I use bi-fins?

[JAN 1974]

Perithead,What location of south Alabama are you from?

[Perithead]

Right around Dothan. You?

[JAN 1974]

Gulf Shores. I do some freediving training in local pool.I'v been looking for somebody to train with,since don't know anyone interested in freediving around here,but Dothan is too far from here........

[monkeyhatfork]

different fins creat different workouts I rotate between mono and bi-fins and also short swim training fins as well as no-fins, another added bonus is that mixing things up keeps it from feeling monotonous if your in the pool several days a week. The mono could also possibly allow you to see greater distances which in tern would make said distance seem more comfortable to try out with the bi-fins. Here's the thing, depends a great deal on the gear, a high end bi-fin will outperform a low end mono and vise versa. It's essentailly up to you. If your in this for the long haul I'd take the (different tools for different jobs)approach, eventually most people end up with a closet full of different fins that they pick and choose from to suit the situation. Each has an advantage. I got bi-fins for video, u/w hockey, and certain shore dives, otherwise I use the mono, personally it just seems a more natural,comfortable and efficient movement, but thier are situations when they can be impractical and thats when the bi-fins go on.you don't always need to stay in an arms forward position with mono check out the Herbert Nitsch Cave Diving vid on youtube example of a relaxed looking dive while holding gear