by Roy on October 13, 2011
The snorkeling fins that have a split design was first introduced by a company called Nature’s Wing. It was designed along the same lines of a whale tail. While this doesn’t make very much sense, I can honestly say that the split and the design on the snorkeling fins do requires a lot less energy to use. You almost feel as if you are not wearing snorkeling fins at all. The fins are almost collective as a compensate for variance in a person kick. When you talk to people who have used the split fin design, you will find that they did like them or they didnt. I have noticed that people who have been snorkeling for years tend to be ones who don’t like the snorkeling split fins. I think the main reason for that is that they are so used to the resistance that the traditional fins give them. When the user split the snorkeling fins, much of that resistance is gone which subconsciously makes them think they are not working. But go ahead and try a pair, if you dont like them, return them and if you do like them, tell your friends.
SnorkelingOnline.com offers 3 styles of Snorkeling Split Fins, U.S. Divers Blast II Fins, Deep See Aqua Glide Snorkeling Fins and the Oceanic V6 Fins.
by Cathy on October 2, 2009
We consistently talk to snorkelers who have wide feet, men specifically. I feel bad because there is not one snorkeling manufacturer who makes a snorkeling fin pocket that is generous in the width of the pocket.
What are their options? Purchase scuba fins and yes, they can be used for snorkeling also. Scuba fins can run up to $189.95 and as low as $59.95. The Oceanic strap fins, Viper, are a great fin whether you choose to use them for scuba or snorkeling and priced at only $79.95. Some features are that Oceanic does have a generous foot pocket in the width and is true to size. The Viper is ideal for all levels of snorkeling and scuba and can fit wide feet over the size of 12+. Boots are required.
The full foot fins, Oceanic V-6 Fins are a great buy at only $59.95 and have a generous foot pocket. The features and benefits with the Oceanic V-6 fins is that you do not have to purchase a boot, they are light-weight fins and they have the dynamics of the split fins. The split fins provides more speed and power than larger open heel (strap) fins with less effort.
With wide feet, you probably have problems finding neoprene boots. The Deep See Aqua Purge is also generous in width but we recommend that you purchase 1 size larger than you need. You ask, why do you need boots? Anytime you are involved in water sports it is wise to always carry neoprene boots, they are great to wear on a snorkeling boot, walk on the beach, climb over rocks on the beach, take them to the pool and even wash your car.
Wide feet are caused by numerous reasons but because I am not a doctor, I will not get into this. How do you know if you have wide feet… well that is easy, you dont fit in normal shoes. Ok, let me be more specific. When you purchase shoes, they are normally a D width. If you have narrow feet, you would purchase a C width. And for those that have wide feet, you would wear an E and it goes up to a EE and then a EEE. Now womens shoes dont go by letter sizing, they are just actually Narrow, Average, Wide & X-Wide.
