Snorkeling Fins

Getting a foot cramp because your fins are a little too tight can be a very big deal.  Even if you know your shoe size, every manufacturer around the world makes their fins slightly different in design.  Sizes not only vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but even from model to model.  Snorkeling Fins are usually made from durable polymers.  In other words, your fins will be more stiff (than flimsy) and will not have as much play across your lateral arch.  Most important is that you try your fins on before taking them with you for use. 

- Typically, the foot pocket of your fins will feel a little tight when you’re wiggling your foot in.  Once you get your fins on if your feet feel comfortable in the foot pocket, you shouldn't worry too much about the effort that it may have taken you to get them on.  When you’re sitting on the shore or sliding in and out of boat, the sea water will make the foot pocket lubricated and much easier to get into.  With that same line of thinking, you definitely also DO NOT want a snorkel fin that slips on to your foot way too easily either. When you get in the water, your fins will fall off when you start kicking.  

  Snorkel fins are usually offered in two types: heel strap or full foot pocket.  A heel strap fin (as the name implies), simply has a heel strap that holds and secures the snorkel fin to your foot.  A full foot pocket snorkel fin covers the entire heel area of your foot (kind of like a shoe). For the casual snorkeler, it is personal opinion that a full foot pocket is your best choice, as most "heel strapped fins" are designed to be worn with dive booties.  Dive booties are “shoes” that are made to be worn inside your fins.  Full foot pocket fins eliminates the need for you to purchase booties and ultimately makes for less gear. 

When exiting the water, most people wil try to waddle onto shore with their fins still on. Here's how to look like a pro at the beach:  Just before you stroll out onto the shore, stop where the water is calm and waist deep.  Bend your knees and float a little to use the buoyancy of the ocean salt water to take your bodies weight off of your feet.  You will find this an easy way to remove your fins.  Tuck your fins under your arm, and confidently stroll up onto the shore looking like snorkel expert you now are.