weighty fins

[John Gulliver]

Just out of interest, I just weighed my only remaining Cressi Frog (lost one during the autumn) and one of my new Mares Plana AvantiX-3s.
Result:
Cressi Frog 1200 grammes
Plana AvantiX-3 950 grammes
I can't say I've noticed any difference since changing.
Also, I tried my new drysuit (Aquion Pro Titanium), a bargain bought at LIDS, in the sea last evening. It was made to measure for someone else and is medium/large with XXL boots. My shoe size is 8 or 8 1/2. I wore one pair of ordinary socks and two pairs of thick socks on top of them. I like having room for extra socks. In fact it's necessary here in Sweden in the winter and certainly doesn't hurt in the summer. With the socks mentioned above, the boots fit perfectly as far as the width is concerned but I still have an air pocket in the toes. For safety's sake, I therefore wore my ankle weights last evening. I found I had no tendency to floaty feet at all and I'm pretty sure I can do without ankle weights next time I dive. I certainly won't rush to change the boots. At least here in Sweden, you're talking about somewhere between 80 and 100 pounds to have new boots fitted and personally I'd rather use ankle weights than have that expense. I don't think it will be necessary, though.
Anyway, Getting the boots changed will be a last resort as far as I'm concerned.

[Carol]

Hi again Dominic

I've tried using 20lb, and I just cannot descend, even if I enure that both dry suit and bcd have no air at all, and exhale.

I end up pulling myself down the descent line.  Then, about 1/2 way down, I'm suddenly plunging downwards!!

Have made enquiries re new boots, but cost between £50 and £65.  As they are standard sizes, I don't think that will work (mine are a size 5, but I think a 4 will be too small).  Still, might be worthwhile popping in for a fitting.

Staff suggested heavier fins.  Others have suggested not wearing the thinsulate boots, but thick socks (ie hiking) instead.