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Fin walking tips

Please learn how to walk with your fins to get the best from them. Happy finning!

Walk with fins: land & water

Walking on land. Walking in the water. Lift your knees a bit higher when walking in shallow water.

shinfinTM leg fins lie on top of your foot and flex when your ankle bends. So your feet are free to walk naturally. Easier walking makes them safer to walk in than foot flippers. There is less chance of accidentally falling over. But of course, still take care when walking in your shinfinTM leg fins.

How to walk with fins on land

They let you walk into and out of the water in most situations. Walking on beaches is fine. With care, they even let you walk across rocky shorelines.

How to walk with fins in shallow water

In shallow water (up to about knee-depth), walk lifting your knees a bit higher than normal. This allows the fins to slide upwards and forwards through the water. Then place your foot down quickly on the bottom for the next step. The straps should be secure enough so that the fins do not slip around your leg. If there is a small current, don’t worry about the fins flexing in the current direction. They are designed to flex like that to reduce the water drag on the fins. Walking gets easier once you are thigh deep because the water supports your weight better.

How to walk with fins in strong currents, waves & surf

If there is a strong current, try not to worry about the fins flexing downstream in the current direction. They are designed to flex like that to reduce the water drag on the fins. If there is a strong sideways current, then I suggest the following. Without adjusting the straps, slide the fins around your legs so the fins point downstream whilst you walk. Then slide them back to the normal position once you start swimming. If you are walking out through strong waves, then you might try the following. Again without adjusting the straps, slide the fins around to the backs of your legs whilst you walk. Then slide them back to the normal position once the water is about thigh deep and you start swimming out.

Climbing steps and ladders

You can climb up and down steps and ladders whilst wearing your fins. So you can climb into and out of pools. You can climb on and off boats.

Diving in

You can dive in normally and safely whilst wearing your fins. You can curl your toes around the pool edge. Your feet are free to grip the ground.