monofin =/= swimming aid

[Mermaid Livou]

Hey guys, I just want to stress it even more, coz I see many times written in discussions this way: 'yeah u can swim here and there if ur monofin is strong enough' things like this, and there are lots of new people getting into mermaiding, jumping directly into deep water ( literally and/or theoretically ) and I just want to say:

MONOFINS ARE NOT SWIMMING AIDS.

One need no(t just) strong monofin in a wild open water (or anywhere), but a STORNG SWIMMING SKILL first (and a buddy of course). Monofin's original purpose is to make skilled swimmers even faster, it just 'happens' that the movement required and the look it has is desired for mermaiding.

So please please: first be a confident swimmer THEN practice with monofin (after get ur dream tail :p)

( ps: I know it was already topic many times, but I see lots of concerning comments recently, just wanted to underline it <3 *plunges back into silence*)

[Glinda Rose]

Thank you for this, I once got really annoyed when a lifeguard likened a monofin to one of those float board things, generalising it as a 'swimming aid.' Nope. Floats assist beginner swimmers by helping them stay above the water. Monofins are for confident swimmers, and there are risks with using them.

[AniaR]

I think the problem comes from them being marketed as such. They aren't as bad as they were before, since there's been so much controversy. I will say though some people like me are terrible swimmers without fins. If I had to pass a swim test to use a monofin, I'd fail. I can doggy paddle, and not go very far, and I am so floaty that dolphin kick is pointless. But for me using a fin totally changed the dynamic of how my body moves, and in my case... makes me a million times better hahaha.

[Slim]

I am exactly the same way except for the floaty. With me being all bones; I have no buoyancy so I'll sink. Oddly enough the floaty feel of the fin fun monofin really balance me out in that regards underwater.


I think the problem comes from them being marketed as such. They aren't as bad as they were before, since there's been so much controversy. I will say though some people like me are terrible swimmers without fins. If I had to pass a swim test to use a monofin, I'd fail. I can doggy paddle, and not go very far, and I am so floaty that dolphin kick is pointless. But for me using a fin totally changed the dynamic of how my body moves, and in my case... makes me a million times better hahaha.

[Mermaid Wesley]

Important! If you're not comfortable in the water, sticking your feet together isn't going to help


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[LouLouBelle]

I think the problem comes from them being marketed as such. They aren't as bad as they were before, since there's been so much controversy. I will say though some people like me are terrible swimmers without fins. If I had to pass a swim test to use a monofin, I'd fail. I can doggy paddle, and not go very far, and I am so floaty that dolphin kick is pointless. But for me using a fin totally changed the dynamic of how my body moves, and in my case... makes me a million times better hahaha.

I'm so glad I'm not alone there! [emoji23]
I can't do much more than breaststroke without fins on.

For anyone just starting out, I would recommend getting used to dolphin kick with a set of the little training fins (bi fins) It's surprising just how much propulsion they can give you and you can still separate your feet if you need to.


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[Mermaid Livou]

Hehe, Raina, Slim and LouLouBelle, you might not have excellent technik then, but atleast are CONFIDENT in the water. I just got anxious myself when I read advice for someone just starting to swim, like ' just get the stronger monofin and u will be fine ', even pro freediving monofins stiffness is calculated to the swimmer weight/height/strenght, not for how easily they want to swim with

yep, bifins are useful :) when I've been finswimmer (sounds cool now but actually was very bad at competing XDD ) my coach didn't gave me a monofin (even to try) for 2 years. Of course there is difference when the goal is to achieve perfect technik in favor of speed nah but you guys got what I meant by starting this thread :)

About kids monofins, I recently found a hungarian (or at least was automaic translation I dont remember) selling them and was nicely, lenghtly explained how is not an aid

,\n/ <3

[MermaidAiera]

I think a good way to find out if you're ready for a monofin is to be able to perform the way you'd like to underwater without ANY fins. The ability to maneuver and swim freely without any assistance is the first step towards your goal. Swim fins are training devices--they are used not to make a swimmer move faster, but to make their legs work harder by pushing more water. In the same way one can wear stockings in the water or wear a parachute to increase drag and make a swimmer work harder, fins are designed to STRENGTHEN swimming--not to instantly make a poor swimmer suddenly an adept mermaid swimmer. Mermaids should aim to use training swim fins first and become confident, THEN move on to monofins. LAST comes adding the tail. Training with stockings and a monofin is a good trial before adding a full tail skin.

People who have never before worked with basic swim fins or a bare monofin should NOT put on a tail and hop in the water expecting to magically swim well. Swimming takes practice, just as running or doing gymnastics does.

Here is a video of my friend and I swimming without any fins, we've been competitive swimmers for about 12 years when this video was taken:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGxeHEdjiXI

[Echidna]

I think a good way to find out if you're ready for a monofin is to be able to perform the way you'd like to underwater without ANY fins. The ability to maneuver and swim freely without any assistance is the first step towards your goal.

while this is the ideal case, as others have already pointed out, the dolphin kick is HARDER to do without fins than with a monofin, as it takes a lot of strength and special muscles.
A monofin can thus help swimmers new to dolphinstyle* to work up toward being able to do it without any fins.
People who are very buoyant have it extra hard.

I'm quite fast and comfortable dolphinkicking entire laps without any fins now, but when I started out, I couldn't do it without a fin, I'd just float up and move inch-wise, haha.


*obviously you should be at home in the water regardless.

[MermaidAiera]

I guess I was just never in the position to call myself a beginner when it comes to tails :sweat drop: By the time I got into the mermaid scene, I had already been through years of training and was just ready to dive in. You should see some of the old videos I have of me swimming though--I started out like a drowning cat just like most people XD

Either way, everyone is different. Butterfly is the hardest stroke because it does use a lot of muscles and skill to undulate properly, so whatever each person needs to do to uniquely strengthen them is really up to them. I feel like using a kickboard is a great way to try out using monofins; while it isn't a lifesaving device, it can help steady new swimmers while they try out the new motions and work underdeveloped muscles.

[NorthSeaAlaria]

I'm one of those people who CAN swim fairly well in ordinary pools and doesn't really go beyond comfort level (at least for now) but amusingly always goes a bit clumsy when "normal" swimming right after using a fin. I definitely say I swim better in a monofin, but maybe just out of comfort and speed.

Oh fun fact. I love swimming backwards in the monofin on my back so every flipping time I go to do so without one I still automatically do the legs-together movements and then stop like wait what am I doing.

As said in another thread the lifeguards at my pool once almost didn't let me use my fin saying "We allow [my amputee friend] hers because of her disability, but..." and I got annoyed because it's NOT a swimming aid.

[Mermaid_Artemis]

Hey, I'm new Mermaid. I'm a strong swimmer under the water. I was wondering if I should get a monofin to train with or if I should go straight for a cloth tail. Mermaid lessons isn't an option for me so I have to be self-taught on this. So I was just wondering what you suggest? If you do suggest the monofin first, which one would you suggest?

[MermaidAiera]

Hi Mermaid Artemis! Before even getting a monofin, you need to make sure you've had proper experience using swimming equipment in the water. You should be completely comfortable using bi-fins for extended periods of time before even thinking about a monofin.

That said, no matter what level swimmer you are, it's always a good idea to practice with a monofin first before completely bounding your legs in the water. If you know you're dead set on getting a tail, you can always order one from FinFun (or any other fabric tail company) and start by practicing with the monofin that goes in the tail before eventually moving up to swimming full tail once you have more experience. It's typically best to start with beginner monofins (like the plastic ones that come in children's tails) before moving up to training monofins like the Wave or Rapid, even the Mahina. Definitely DON'T get a competitor or other carbon/fiberglass freediving fins intended for professional use.

Starting small is great, because if you swim in a monofin and decide it's not really for you, you didn't waste too much money on a tail. And if you get a fabric tail/basic beginner monofin to start and don't really like it, you haven't invested in expensive equipment intended for training/professional purposes.

Best of luck!

[Mermaid Kane]

Hi Mermaid Artemis! Before even getting a monofin, you need to make sure you've had proper experience using swimming equipment in the water. You should be completely comfortable using bi-fins for extended periods of time before even thinking about a monofin.

That said, no matter what level swimmer you are, it's always a good idea to practice with a monofin first before completely bounding your legs in the water. If you know you're dead set on getting a tail, you can always order one from FinFun (or any other fabric tail company) and start by practicing with the monofin that goes in the tail before eventually moving up to swimming full tail once you have more experience. It's typically best to start with beginner monofins (like the plastic ones that come in children's tails) before moving up to training monofins like the Wave or Rapid, even the Mahina. Definitely DON'T get a competitor or other carbon/fiberglass freediving fins intended for professional use.

Starting small is great, because if you swim in a monofin and decide it's not really for you, you didn't waste too much money on a tail. And if you get a fabric tail/basic beginner monofin to start and don't really like it, you haven't invested in expensive equipment intended for training/professional purposes.

Best of luck!

Second this! :3

[Mermaid_Artemis]

Thank you so much, Mermaid Aiera! So if I understood you right, I should try to find the cheapest monofin and practice with that? Then once I get comfortable and find I like it move up to a better tail and mono fin? I'm interested in doing this. It's so unique and I've wanted to be a mermaid since forever (Then again who doesnt xD) and want to make sure I start the right way and etc :)

[The Water Phoenix]

Thank you so much, Mermaid Aiera! So if I understood you right, I should try to find the cheapest monofin and practice with that? Then once I get comfortable and find I like it move up to a better tail and mono fin? I'm interested in doing this. It's so unique and I've wanted to be a mermaid since forever (Then again who doesnt xD) and want to make sure I start the right way and etc :) If I were you, I'd get the foil monofin :) It's small affordable, made of rubber and has decent propulsion. The Finis Wave/Rapid is also a great starter (you get whichever depending on your foot size) my first proper monofin was the Wave which really helped with my dolphin kick, despite being a swimmer since forever XD.

[Mermaid_Artemis]

Thank you so much! I can't wait to get them and get started :) I've tried to self teach myself the dolphine kick (But since I ddin't have fins and was a using a diving ring to keep my feet toghter, it didn't work to well xD) I can't wait to try it the right way! :) By the way you said, "Depending on foot size," is that like my shoe size or how do I detemine if its the right size?

[The Water Phoenix]

Thank you so much! I can't wait to get them and get started :) I've tried to self teach myself the dolphine kick (But since I ddin't have fins and was a using a diving ring to keep my feet toghter, it didn't work to well xD) I can't wait to try it the right way! :) By the way you said, "Depending on foot size," is that like my shoe size or how do I detemine if its the right size? It's your shoe size :) The Wave is for mers who have fairly small feet and the Rapid is for those with larger feet. The blade is also larger than the Wave :) The straps on both the Wave and Rapid are adjustable but they are fixed on the Foil :)

[Mermaid_Artemis]

So out of those 3 I should get the foil as my first? My feet are kind of meduim xD

[The Water Phoenix]

Get whatever feels right for you :)



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[Mermaid_Artemis]

Thank you so much! You've been a great help. :)

[The Water Phoenix]

I'm always happy to help :)


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[mollythemermaid]

Second this! :3

I 3rd this. Make sure you are comfortable in the water and using normal fins before moving forward with the monofin. It also might be a good idea to have someone with you for the first couple times just incase.

Safetly first!

Swim like a mermaid for beginners (http://www.everythingmermaid.com/swim-like-a-mermaid/) has step by step instructions and suggestions on monofin if you don't already have one! Good luck!

42547

[Mermaid_Artemis]

Thank you so much for the article! :) See the thing is I love the water and swimming in it like a mermaid is a dream come true, (I'm sure you hear that from 99% of the Mercommunity so here's one more.) I was looking at Monfins and the one that was suggested to me (the foil from finfun -Might have switched that-) looks like it's good for beginners. I'm a strong swimmer I'm even under the water more often then I am above xD. Anyways, I was wondering if there were any monofins you would suggest for a beginner.

[mollythemermaid]

Thank you so much for the article! :) See the thing is I love the water and swimming in it like a mermaid is a dream come true, (I'm sure you hear that from 99% of the Mercommunity so here's one more.) I was looking at Monfins and the one that was suggested to me (the foil from finfun -Might have switched that-) looks like it's good for beginners. I'm a strong swimmer I'm even under the water more often then I am above xD. Anyways, I was wondering if there were any monofins you would suggest for a beginner.

Hi Mermaid Artemis!
Nice to meet you :)

I actually really like Suntails for a beginner monofin. It has more of a aqua sock than straps which are more comfortable on the feet. The fabric on the tail is thick and pretty easy to put on. The monofin is medium size which I like because it gets you through the water quick. If you are a strong swimmer and would stay a medium fin would be fine. If you want to read more on Suntails check out my review! PLUS it has a 10% discount code to help on the price.

Suntails Mermaid Tail Review (http://www.everythingmermaid.com/suntails-mermaid-tail-review/)

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[Mermaid_Artemis]

That sounds awesome! Thank you. The tail is very pretty :). One last question if you don't mind. How do you determine what size Monfin you need? I know this one is sock-like so it's easy to take on and off and last for years. But for future reference how do you pick the size for one?

[Thalassa]

Okay, guys. I just have to jump in here.

Before I started mermaiding, I loved baths and wading, but I’d never really learned to swim. I never learned because I refused to put my head under the water when my mom had me take swim lessons.

I started with a monofin. I was aware that the motion required for a monofin was very different than bi-fins, and had no interest in learning the other way. I had a spotter, got myself a Foil, and for the first time felt like I could swim and be comfortable in the water. For me, it is most DEFINITELY a swim aid. I can’t swim without it. Couldn’t swim on top of the water, couldn’t propel myself enough to get under the water.

Do I recommend people have no swimming experience before strapping on a tail? No. I was floaty and hyper-aware of what I was doing. But saying you absolutely shouldn’t start training with a monofin...if that were the case, I wouldn’t have started mermaiding those 5 years ago.

[Mermaid Whisper]

That sounds awesome! Thank you. The tail is very pretty :). One last question if you don't mind. How do you determine what size Monfin you need? I know this one is sock-like so it's easy to take on and off and last for years. But for future reference how do you pick the size for one?

This might be long-winded; it’s 4am, forgive me.

I always use men’s shoe sizes for my monofin size. Typically, women’s shoe sizes are 2 up from men’s, number-wise. I wear an 11/12 in women’s, I’ve worn a 9-10 1/2 in men’s. So if a monofin says it’s good for 8-10 women’s sizes but 7-10 in men’s, I know it will still fit.

I would definitely recommend checking reviews and seeing if it “runs large/small” or is true to size, that will really help.

I wear a medium in my finis foil and my competitor.


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[mollythemermaid]

Hi Mermaid Artemis!

I second Mermaid Whisper below.

For Suntails they only really have two sizes. A child and Adult. For the future, monfins usually come in sizes that cover 3 foot sizes. Because they usually come in Mens sizes you should go smaller. For Example 5-7, 8-10, 11-13. I am a 7.5 so I go with the fins that range from 5-7.

I hope that helps!

[suzanne86]

I agree with Mermaid Whisper, above. My foot size is 10½ women's ( = 8½ men's), and the medium Finis Foil fits just fine. To prevent chafing, I wear a pair of
low-cut white cotton athletic socks to prevent chafing.