advice required on which fins to use

[Kizzie]

First time snorkeling in Egypt! My husband has bought me some Mares Plana Avanti Fins (open heel). Should I have full foot fins or are the open heel fins OK? I would rather know before i get out there. Any advise appreciated.

[Sean]

Originally Posted by Kizzie

First time snorkeling in Egypt! My husband has bought me some Mares Plana Avanti Fins (open heel). Should I have full foot fins or are the open heel fins OK? I would rather know before i get out there. Any advise appreciated.

They will be fine just get some wet suit boots

[Woz]

You'll appreciate the wetsuit boots when walking over rocks to get to the water's edge. Else you'l be going "ow ow ow ow ow" as you walk.

[tom]

Welcome to YD.

Open heel fins are fine, but you'll need to get a pair of neoprene boots to wear with them. Something like this: http://www.simplyscuba.com/ProductDe...?StockID=75491 . There are lots of brands, just pop into your local dive shop and see what they have - expect to pay about £20.

You'll love snorkellying in Egypt - have fun!

[Kizzie]

Thank you both for the quick response. My next question is , I only have small feet and after a quick look at the site above they don't go down to a size 4. Do you think I will have a problem getting some that size?
I already have some aqua/surf shoes, do you think that they will suffice. Or is it specifically the boot that I need.

[Reikimaster]

Originally Posted by Kizzie

I already have some aqua/surf shoes, do you think that they will suffice. Or is it specifically the boot that I need.

simple answer is to try them, boots tend to get used to prevent the top of the foot pocket rubbing/digging in to the front of the foot, and the strap from rubbing the achilies tendon. You may find that the surf shoes are high enough to do this.

As for sizes if you have a local dive shop they tend to do Beaver Products http://beaversports.co.uk/ http://beaversports.co.uk/catalogue/...oots/boots.htm which would seem to have a good range of sizes

RM

[Kizzie]

Thanks for your replies. Its great to be able to ask without felling too stupid. No doubt I will have a few more questions to come. :-)

[John N]

Originally Posted by Kizzie

First time snorkeling in Egypt! My husband has bought me some Mares Plana Avanti Fins (open heel). Should I have full foot fins or are the open heel fins OK? I would rather know before i get out there. Any advise appreciated.

Full Foot:

Better for snorkelling - easier to keep fins in water than with buoyant boots on.
Cheaper - £15 to £30
Less choice - manufacturers have different width/length foot pockets so harder to get a good fit
Not very good for diving
Lighter

Open Heel

Good for rocky entries with boots/shoes
Easier fit - each size fits a range of feet so can choose from many brands
Better for diving - foot insulation from boots and more power
Heavier
More expensive £30 - £90 +. Also need shoes/boots £15 - £30

It depends where you are diving - Sharm has entries over sand or from boats which is OK for full foot. Dahab has some very pebbly/rock shore entries where you really need to wear shoes/boots.

Personally I use open heel Mares Avanti Quattros but they are very expensive.

If you are going to stick to snorkelling and depending on what the entries are like I would say full foot are better for you. Just make sure you get a good fit.

Also, if you don't have a mask, one that fits well is worth it's weight in gold. £30 - £50 for a decent one.

Don't expect to buy dive gear cheap out there though - the prices are comparable to the UK.

[Helen F H]

Try looking for kids wetsuit boots rather than adults ones (Size 4-5 feet here)

Like these ones (which go down to a 4)

Or these ones

[Kizzie]

Thank you all for your help. It's really appreciated. Looks like I have got lots to learn yet. I had been forwarned about getting our equipment in the UK. Maybe I ought to have had the full foot fins first ! The mask is a fitted one thanks (John N). Oh well the hubby meant well with the fins. There's one thing he wont lose me in them (BRIGHT GREEN). LOL ;-)