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bgreen · Joined: 20 Feb 2004 Posts: Location: Qld. Oz

I was hoping for some advice.

I get this chafing below my left ankle from the swim fin strap. Even after the skin grows back it doesn't take much to rub the skin off and it opens up the flesh. I have twtied the synthetic socks which help a bit, but would be interested in any tips on this? Perahps spending less time in the water would help - but it is not the prefrred solution.

Any advice is appreciated,

Bob

Nels · Posted: Sat May 27, 2006 9:29 pm Post subject:

Bob,

You mentioned trying on "synthetic socks" - do you mean wetsuit socks/booties? That is one typical way to protect feet. Another is to glue neoprene wetsuit material around the heel straps. Yet another way is to "modify" your fins, which basically has you grinding off material to make certain problems areas less tortured. There are some threads over at Swaylocks.com about "modifying UDT fins" which get into that a bit.

PaipoJim · Posted: Sat May 27, 2006 11:50 pm Post subject:

I've worn holes on my feet right down to the bone from all day sessions wearing swim fins without protection. If you are just using nylon rash guard type socks it is definitely not enough.

If you're going barefoot in warm water Vipers are the best vis-s-vis padding.

There are neoprene boogieboard fin socks that cover the front of the foot and wrap around the back but they often slip away from the fin in actual use. I think the best bet is full booties.

I currently utilize H2O neoprene booties in both 3mm and 5mm thickness:

http://www.3rdavesurf.com/acatalog/H20_7mm_Round_Toe_Boot.html

H2O's have an integral fin tether although I wouldn't rely on it alone when the waves start approaching double-O.

An added benefit to having booties of varying thicknesses is that it helps even out the differences of the actual foot pocket sizes among the various manufacturers of swim fins.
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kage · Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 12:51 am Post subject:

Seems like a popular topic lately. I always wear fin socks, never had a problem, I am in the water with fins almost every day. Inevitably my socks wear out first at hell and toe. When it gets really bad I cu them of clean with scissors - instant summer fin socks. I also only put them on right at the edge of the water, walking on 'me definitely wears them out quicker.

bgreen · Joined: 20 Feb 2004 Posts: Location: Qld. Oz

Thanks all,

I have been using nylon fin socks rather than the neoprene type. I may have some old booties under the house or some other neoprene I can experiment with.

If I wanted to try adding some padding to the fin strap is there any glues that are recommended for gluing neoprene to a swim fin?

Bob

bgreen · Joined: 20 Feb 2004 Posts: Location: Qld. Oz

I resent my message because I received an error saying the post wasn't sent due to debugging.

Guess it got through (all 3 of them).

Bob

Nels · Posted: Mon May 29, 2006 10:03 am Post subject:

bgreen · Joined: 20 Feb 2004 Posts: Location: Qld. Oz

Nels,

Thanks for the additional info.

Bob

rodndtube · Posted: Tue May 30, 2006 9:39 am Post subject:

Check my little write-up on the paipo site:
http://www.rodndtube.com/paipo/flippers/flippers_and_fins.shtml

The NRS is a good source of full size fin socks in the 1mm and 2mm range. 1mm isn't so thick as to make your feet sweat badly in warmer waters but provide the needed protection. NRS also stocks fin sock/booties with a course but flexible foot pad that is great for walking down rocky shorelines and those infamous Pacific Northwest trails. The pads provide traction and extra durability but are sufficient flexibility to fit into flippers.

Also, remember that moving up to 3mm to 7mm requires increasing the size of your flippers.
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rodNDtube
"Prone to ride"
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Nels · Posted: Tue May 30, 2006 1:55 pm Post subject:

May I also offer the observation, which I haven't personally tested, that having some hard sole on booties might offer some protection should the need arise to put on or remove the fins in the water for rocky/reefy entrance/exits. I'm sure most of the people around here can fill in the blanks with some, er, interesting stories...

bgreen · Joined: 20 Feb 2004 Posts: Location: Qld. Oz

Rod,

I checked out your site. I bought a pair of medium yellow-dot vipers via the net as they weren't available locally. I have 3 other types of fins- all medium size which fit me, but the viper's do cramp my feet too much. I reckon they are too narrow or else I went without shoes for too long.

thanks again

Bob

gcs · Matt Master Joined: 12 Jan 2004 Posts: 25

My wife and I have used the Neofins II for a couple of years - very light and comfortable and adjustable. They also pack flat for travelling. In more serious condiitons I wear trusted tech II's with fin socks. Had good experiences with H20 socks. I have a pair of 15 year old manta fins that need no fins socks and they will eventuaally die - if you find the perfect fin for you, buy two pairs!!
(ebodyboarding.com has a bunch of accessories for fin comfort)
_________________
gcs

Nels · Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 11:15 am Post subject:

I was just poking around the website for Alternative Surf, a couple of bodyboard shops in southern California, and found they have a page of "fin pads" which appear to be commercial products that wrap around the fin straps. They also sell self-adhesive pads to put inside the foot pockets. I don't recall seeing them at ebodyboarding.com before...but I haven't checked back in there to see if they've added them.