Liz’s shinfinTM fins give her faster, easier paddling on her bodyboard and extra speed for catching waves. She paddles out lying horizontal on her bodyboard, doing freestyle arms and kicking at the same time. Sharing the power like this, she finds it faster and much less tiring on her arms and legs. The same faster paddling and wave catching benefits also apply to kneeboarding and surfing.
Liz’s review from Guernsey, Channel Islands
“I first want to say how great they are. I have been using them bodyboarding and they are a fantastic step forward from old style fins. They seem to really add extra speed to bodyboarding. They’re especially great for getting some extra momentum going on waves that have almost been missed. Also make paddling out much easier which helps to catch those big waves. I have been paddling out lying horizontal on the board and the fins really add some power. So it’s much less tiring on the legs and arms. Thanks for a great product 🙂.”
Liz’s review: Bodyboarding fins for faster paddling & wave catching
“I was given a pair of your shinfinTM fins for Christmas and I first want to say how great they are. I have been using them bodyboarding and they are a fantastic step forward from old style fins.”
“The only downside I found was that they make wading out into the sea very difficult as you have to fight against the tide. Is this right or have I been wearing them wrong? Is there any way of combating this by positioning them slightly differently? Would appreciate any help you can give me.”
“Thanks for a great product 🙂.”
Reply
Many thanks for your kind email Liz. I’m glad you find them great for bodyboarding. Where do you bodyboard? What kind of waves do you go out in? Are you into the big stuff?
When walking in shallow water, try lifting your knees higher than normal, so the fins slide upwards and forwards through the water. Then place your foot down quickly on the bottom for the next step. This reduces the water drag on the fins, especially if there is a current. It gets easier once you are thigh deep because the water supports you better.
Yes, they work well on a board if you do a streamlined kick. So you have probably found this already. The best way to get the correct streamlined kick is to practice swimming freestyle with the fins in a pool. Then transfer the same streamlined kick to your board. Keep your legs horizontal without bending your knees too much. You will probably move your body forward to a new balance position on your board.
Lie horizontal on your board, and kick and hand paddle at the same time. Just like swimming freestyle but lying on your board. Then you can go faster to catch the waves. Have you found this?
If you are too far back on your board, the board buoyancy lifts the top half of your body and slopes your legs down in the water. Then your knees bend too much, like a foot flipper kick, and the fins lose power and feel too floppy.
Liz
“Cheers Marc, I really appreciate all the tips on using the shinfinTM fins. I’ve been using them at a place called Vazon Bay in Guernsey (one of the Channel Islands just off the coast of France). I have had some funny looks from other beach users and don’t think anyone had ever seen anything quite like them. Am trying to start a new trend with them.”
“They seem to really add extra speed to bodyboarding. They’re especially great for getting some extra momentum going on waves that have almost been missed. Also make paddling out much easier which helps to catch those big waves 🙂.”
“They definitely take some getting used to when wading. I will try lifting my knees higher in the water to ease the drag in shallow water, as wading out was the only time when they seemed to have a downside. Still much better than traditional ones though!”
“Thanks again for all your help. Here’s hoping that they get better and better. Thanks, Liz.”
Reply
You’re very welcome Liz. I’ve never been to the Guernsey but I know about it as I am from the UK. What are the waves like there? Are they big? Are you paddling out lying horizontal on your board, and using your arms and legs together?
Liz
“The surf over here is great. I’m used to surfing off the coast of Devon and generally it’s much bigger and more even here. Although I haven’t been here that long, so I’m probably not the best judge. I have been paddling out lying horizontal on the board and the fins really add some power. So it’s much less tiring on the legs and arms 🙂.”
Reply
Thank you for your kind permission Liz. All the best. Happy bodyboarding!
Conclusion
shinfinTM fins give you easier, faster paddling on your bodyboard (or kneeboard or surfboard), as well as extra speed for catching waves. You paddle out lying horizontal on your bodyboard, doing freestyle arms and kicking at the same time. Sharing the power like this, you will find it faster and much less tiring on your arms and legs.
Using shinfinTM fins for kneeboarding and surfing gives you similar benefits for easier, faster paddling and catching waves. You can also use them for body surfing without a board.