Need new fins...any suggestions

[Huntington State]

After 30 years my old churchills strap gave out last weekend...so I need to get some new fins.... whats the latest in swimfins....also I don't know if its age...or these old school fins are harder on my lower calf muscles but my sessions only last about 2 hours max before the cramps kick in...tried the no caffeine...banana...gatorade...lots of water...lots of streching...still get them....I'm thinkin its the old churchills...I want to be able to buy some fins locally since I need them a asap...somewhere In San Diego ....

[KenM]

I'd suggest just getting another pair of Churchills. Most other fins on the market will tend toward exacerbating your calf cramping problems.

[Huntington State]

ok....I noticed some guys cut the tips off...not exactly sure where on the fins but there must be a reason?

[KenM]

Some guys trim the tips so they don't hang off the rails, particularly on rounded pintail boards.

[kneelingBROTHA]

I haven't used them kneeboarding yet--only bodyboarding and bodysurfing--but DA FIN is a great fin. It's almost as powerful as Tech fins, which were my favorite, but Da Fins are more comfortable due to a soft foot pocket. I'm 245lbs., so when I say a fin is pretty powerful, I mean it! I would try those out. They are "new school" fins in my opinion--lightweight, comfortable, but still powerful. Duckfeet are great for bodysurfing and shooting photos out in the water and swimming with a housing. Uncut duckfeet have always been too long for kneeboarding effectively (for my style of kicking). UDT Duckfeet are great bodysurfing fins too. But Da Fins are great general purpose flippers, and hands down my favorite right now.

[austo]

Does any one have an input on the best fins to walk reefs on without lookin to much like a kook I am a churchills man but keen to try something different. I'm not fussed on the power side of things as I only use them when paddling for a wave otherwise I paddle the board the same you would a footboard. I know, I should ditch the fins altogether you might say but I love the 4x4 option when paddling hard for a wave and well I just feel naked without them.
The DA Kicks look like they might be the goods any one tried them?

[MJ]

Hot Buttered Octoblades are a good option.
www.hotbuttered.com.au/_mgxroot/page_10935.html

[skansand]

My Da fins died prematurely , blade tore, probably from sharp reef......

Does anyone have the largest size Octoblade or the New Prodject HB fins? ... Wonder what size they run?

[JohnS]

I used to have two pairs of the HB Octoblades in their largest size (XL). They were on the small side and I ended up selling one of the pairs to K-Man and giving the other pair to Barry. I don't think they would work for you Ska, they were smaller than XL Churchills (which is what I like best (Size 13 foot)).

[skansand]

good to know, thanks dude..

making these soft orange Techs work but eventually my brother will want them back

I love how those Da fins felt....Very comfortable, good thrust ..VERY Lite!

for near the same price im contemplating getting the largest size Mike Stewart Vipers.....they are HEavy but Gotta be more durable then the Da-fins... Probably more powerful too, And they are designed for walking on sharp/slippery reef....

anyone have experience with the largest size? the foot pocket looks wider and and the size chart says 13" plus..

[Irish]

I have an answer to your problem, give up using flippers.

[JACKSON]

i wear a large in chuchill . the da fin site says they run a little small .anybody have any suggestions on size

[JohnS]

I have an answer to your problem, give up using flippers.

I figure if Dave Parkes can wear em, so can I

[skansand]

I wear size 15 shoes....probably cuz i havnt found a 14 1/2" .......the largest Da fins are still roomy with 3 mil fin socks...

[C.P.Odom]

Matt;
15ʻs?? Why bother with fins?