Amanda has a mobility disability and, as her arms can also be quite weak, she fits her shinfinTM fins using the alternative strapping for weaker fingers. They adjust to fit her larger legs and allow her to share her fins. By encouraging kicking from the hips, they have greatly improved her kick and swimming comfort. Furthermore, her brother could feel them improving his swim style after only one use.
Amanda’s review from Canberra, Australia
“I have noticed a great improvement in my kick and have really enjoyed the way they work the legs and buttocks. I have a mobility disability and find that the fins make my swim a lot more comfortable. One great thing is being able to share them – much easier than with conventional flippers! But, I am a bit reluctant ’cause I love them so much.”
Amanda’s review: Fitting fins with weak arms for mobility disability exercise
“I got a pair of your fins for Christmas and love them. However it is still very difficult for me to buckle and unbuckle them. I have a disability that means my arms can be quite weak. I am wondering if you have any hints or suggestions about how to make putting fins on and taking them off easier. At the moment I need a helper or I end up with very sore tired arms.”
“When they are on I have noticed a great improvement in my kick and have really enjoyed the way they work the legs and buttocks. I have a mobility disability and find that the fins make my swim a lot more comfortable.”
“I hope you can suggest something for the buckling.”
Reply
I’m glad that you love the fins and I think I can help you with the buckling. First of all, can you please check through the fitting tips and let me know if you are following them OK.
Then, please let me know a little bit more about your disability and which bit of the buckling/unbuckling you are finding difficulty with, so I can offer some more specific advice on fin use and buckling.
Amanda
“I have a copy of the tips and have read and re-read and understand how to use them.”
“Setting up the fins (outside strap) was fine. I have overuse injury in my arms and an elbow injury and some weakness due to spinal problems. The most difficult part for me is tightening the inside strap and then threading to underside. I find it hard to push the release and pull the strap at the same time. Even pulling the strap is difficult. It is also then difficult to undo the straps.”
“As I have a large leg, I am wondering if were the straps longer would it be easier? Currently there is only a shortish piece of strap (approx 6cm) to work with. Hope you have some ideas. I was thinking about a pulling aid (like a grip on a stick) if I can’t think of anything else.”
Reply
First of all, slide the strap through the ankle slots, so you have the minimum length of strap you need for the outside buckle. This will give you more strap for the inside buckle.
Here is another strap method for fitting fins with weak fingers that may help you.
Amanda
“I wanted to let you know that it works much better if I use this alternative. Not nearly so difficult and I am getting quite quick at it now!”
“I have really enjoyed the fins this season and am a bit embarrassed by the attention they attract at the pool! My brother and my 11 year old nephew have both tried them and whilst the boy is not convinced, the adult thought they were great and could feel them improving his style after one use!”
“One great thing is being able to share them – much easier than with conventional flippers! But, I am a bit reluctant ’cause I love them so much. Maybe more of the family will convert as time goes on.”
“Once again, thank you so much for your help and advice.”
Reply
Many thanks for your kind reply Amanda. That’s great that you like them so much. We get a lot of feedback like this, including quick style improvement like your brother felt (which translates well to no-fins swimming as you probably feel too).
I’ve had a few people prefer this strapping method for weaker fingers too. So I think I will make it more widely known (hopefully I won’t confuse people by offering another strapping option).
Amanda
“This strapping method seems to be more ‘natural’ or instinctive (after watching both brother and nephew trying to work out the best way to put them on).”
“Would be happy for you to use extracts.”
Reply
Thank you for your kind permission Amanda. Personal recommendation is very important to get a new product like this going. So I really appreciate it and the shinfinTM word is spreading well. All the best.
Conclusion
If you have a disability, perhaps less mobility or weaker arms, then shinfinTM fins can help you swim more comfortably. They also improve and strengthen a weaker kick. They are highly adjustable to fit small legs and large legs. So you can share your fins too. There is also alternative strapping for weaker fingers.