Swimming in a tail

[uwmerman]

I was just wondering how long it took some of you to learn to swim in a tail? I know for some people it probably came naturally and happened very quickly but there are others I'm sure it took a little bit of practice and getting used to. I have finally found a place to swim at once a week by I still have trouble getting the motion down. I would love to hear some of your comments and recommendations on learning to swim in a tail. Feedback from anyon and every one would be greatly appreciated :) I am determined to be a great swimmer in a tail.

[Mermaid Kane]

I still haven't swam in a tail, but a couple weeks ago I went too a mer meet and tried some monofins. I didn't try to move my legs separately, and I got the hang of the motion pretty quickly, I think.

[TybeeMermaid]

It was pretty easy for me to adapt to swimming in a tail, but then again I had been swimming competitively for 13 years before I got into a tail. :thinks:

My best advice would be to practice swimming without the tail and then add it once you've got your technique down. When I first started swimming, we had to start with the basics before we could build on top of it. This included getting to swim with fins.

A good way to practice your dolphin kick, if you're first starting out, is to kick on your back in a streamline. This forces you to focus on kicking from your abs and not your knees. (plus you get to breathe the entire time!) When I'm coaching, I always make my beginner swimmers kick on their backs when they're first learning how to dolphin kick just because it's so effective!

Your dolphin kick starts from your abs and flows all the way down to your toes. Your abs should be throwing your legs down and your hamstrings should be pulling your legs back up. Lots of people know there's a downward kick but many people forget about the up kick (which hurts my little swimmer soul). Your knees shouldn't really bend. They're supposed to carry the flow to your toes and that's basically it. Your toes should be pointed the entire time. The more you can point your toes, the better.

I see so many mermaids with bad technique (which pains me to watch even more). So much could be fixed if they took some time out of their tail to actually practice their kick! People get so caught up in the magic of the tail and monofin that they think they can practice without it. Always start with the basics before adding anything fancy to your swimming (or in this case kicking). Once you've got your technique down and can consistently dolphin kick at least 250 meters nonstop (on your back or stomach) without feeling super tired, then I'd say you're ready to add your tail and monofin.

I have a couple videos I recorded of me swimming for animation references on my youtube channel. You can check those out if you want a visual of good dolphin kick technique.

Reference 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K1hcdvTLAk&t=89s

Reference 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzfPFAybI4Q

And I also have a video of myself doing tricks in my monofin on my mermaid channel, if you want to see that too.

Monofin Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUN491LcvR0

[Merman Storm]

I was able to swim in a tail immediately. My form was poor, but got better. I learned about the dolphin kick in an odd way. In my teens, the family went on a vacation in Hawaii. We did slot of snorkeling. At one spot, someone swam by doing the dolphin kick while wearing bi-fins. I tried it, just imitating what I saw, and seemed to pick it up right away. I soon went back to normal kicking, as the bobbing that goes with the dolphin kick makes using a snorkel a little difficult.
Now, 40+ years later, that memory is still with me, and made tail swimming easy.
Also, I cannot dolphin kick without a mono fin to save my life! I cannot point my toes very well, so I like angled mono fins, where the blade is lined up with the top of my foot rather than the bottom.

[uwmerman]

I still haven't swam in a tail, but a couple weeks ago I went too a mer meet and tried some monofins. I didn't try to move my legs separately, and I got the hang of the motion pretty quickly, I think. will you get to try with a tail soon? I appreciate your input :)

[uwmerman]

It was pretty easy for me to adapt to swimming in a tail, but then again I had been swimming competitively for 13 years before I got into a tail. :thinks:

My best advice would be to practice swimming without the tail and then add it once you've got your technique down. When I first started swimming, we had to start with the basics before we could build on top of it. This included getting to swim with fins.

A good way to practice your dolphin kick, if you're first starting out, is to kick on your back in a streamline. This forces you to focus on kicking from your abs and not your knees. (plus you get to breathe the entire time!) When I'm coaching, I always make my beginner swimmers kick on their backs when they're first learning how to dolphin kick just because it's so effective!

Your dolphin kick starts from your abs and flows all the way down to your toes. Your abs should be throwing your legs down and your hamstrings should be pulling your legs back up. Lots of people know there's a downward kick but many people forget about the up kick (which hurts my little swimmer soul). Your knees shouldn't really bend. They're supposed to carry the flow to your toes and that's basically it. Your toes should be pointed the entire time. The more you can point your toes, the better.

I see so many mermaids with bad technique (which pains me to watch even more). So much could be fixed if they took some time out of their tail to actually practice their kick! People get so caught up in the magic of the tail and monofin that they think they can practice without it. Always start with the basics before adding anything fancy to your swimming (or in this case kicking). Once you've got your technique down and can consistently dolphin kick at least 250 meters nonstop (on your back or stomach) without feeling super tired, then I'd say you're ready to add your tail and monofin.

I have a couple videos I recorded of me swimming for animation references on my youtube channel. You can check those out if you want a visual of good dolphin kick technique.

Reference 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K1hcdvTLAk&t=89s

Reference 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzfPFAybI4Q

And I also have a video of myself doing tricks in my monofin on my mermaid channel, if you want to see that too.

Monofin Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUN491LcvR0

wow ow your form looks incredible!!! I would love to be able to swim like that. I'll bet swimming for 13 years competitively certainly helped out. Thank you for the video visuals they will certainly be helpful and thank you for all of your tips. I only wish I had someone to teach me to swim. I have the breast stroke done pretty good, I just picked that up myself but you just glide underwater. I certainly do not move that gracefully lol. How many tails do you have? I only have two fabric tails and until I get comfortable in them I do not want to move to a heavier tail.

[uwmerman]

I was able to swim in a tail immediately. My form was poor, but got better. I learned about the dolphin kick in an odd way. In my teens, the family went on a vacation in Hawaii. We did slot of snorkeling. At one spot, someone swam by doing the dolphin kick while wearing bi-fins. I tried it, just imitating what I saw, and seemed to pick it up right away. I soon went back to normal kicking, as the bobbing that goes with the dolphin kick makes using a snorkel a little difficult.
Now, 40+ years later, that memory is still with me, and made tail swimming easy.
Also, I cannot dolphin kick without a mono fin to save my life! I cannot point my toes very well, so I like angled mono fins, where the blade is lined up with the top of my foot rather than the bottom. I can only really move in a tail by using my arms. I sort bounced around but I used my head and shoulders too much. That's awesome you have been swimming for so long. I certainly hope to stick at it long term. And as long as you keep at it every once in a while that body generally does not lose that muscle memory. What was the first tail you tried?

[Merman Storm]

My first tail was the one in my picture. Its from The Two Tails. It has worn out and been discarded.
<-----
Currently I have one form FinFun, a custom made tail that looks like the tail of Toothless the dragon, and a self-made tail for my Lunocet monofin.
Although Ive been swimming for a long time, I have never done it much in any given year, and I'm not very good. Being a good swimmer is not needed to enjoy tail swimming, you just need to be competent, to be safe. For example, you should be able to tread water with just your arms, and swim to the side with just your arms.

When I swim underwater, I find the dolphin stroke motion works best if it starts at my head. I can usually get the stroke to sort of "lock in", and it seems to become almost effortless. When that happens, I can do 25 yards in one breath.

[TybeeMermaid]

wow ow your form looks incredible!!! I would love to be able to swim like that. I'll bet swimming for 13 years competitively certainly helped out. Thank you for the video visuals they will certainly be helpful and thank you for all of your tips. I only wish I had someone to teach me to swim. I have the breast stroke done pretty good, I just picked that up myself but you just glide underwater. I certainly do not move that gracefully lol. How many tails do you have? I only have two fabric tails and until I get comfortable in them I do not want to move to a heavier tail.

You're welcome! I currently have 2 tails and I made both of them. One of them is a sequin tail that I use for events, parties, and photo shoots. The other is a fabric tail that I use for leisure swimming and personal mermaid training.

The key to good body movement underwater is to constantly be aware of how your body position is affecting your momentum. (I've reached the point where I can dive and glide across a 25-meter pool without using a single kick! :D)

Good form starts with a good stretching routine. Since you can't be at the pool every day, make sure you stretch and keep your body flexible. We stretch every morning for 15 minutes before we dive in to swim. (Try to set goals for your flexibility like touching your toes or being able to point your toes all the way.) After that, do a short ab work out session. It doesn't have to be long, but try to work out for at least 10 minutes. Having a strong core is crucial for a good dolphin kick. Every little bit helps and ab workouts definitely pay off to make you a better dolphin kicker.

Like I mentioned before, I highly recommend you learn to kick without the monofin first. I've seen too many people come to the pool with fins and not know how to use them. They only end up slowing themselves down since they're kicking with improper technique. Kick without the monofin and really pay attention to how you're moving through the water. Try tweaking certain movements and positions until you finally get an efficient kick. Again, the best way to find that kick isn't actually underwater, but on your back above the water in a streamline.

[Mermaid Kane]

will you get to try with a tail soon? I appreciate your input :)
For sure! I just need to pick the right monofin. xD

[MermaidLiara]

I got it down immediately due to the following advice: the movement (of the dolphin kick) starts at your core, NOT at your knees.

After a long session of tailswimming, your core should ache (well, in the beginning at least :D)

[uwmerman]

My first tail was the one in my picture. Its from The Two Tails. It has worn out and been discarded.
<-----
Currently I have one form FinFun, a custom made tail that looks like the tail of Toothless the dragon, and a self-made tail for my Lunocet monofin.
Although Ive been swimming for a long time, I have never done it much in any given year, and I'm not very good. Being a good swimmer is not needed to enjoy tail swimming, you just need to be competent, to be safe. For example, you should be able to tread water with just your arms, and swim to the side with just your arms.

When I swim underwater, I find the dolphin stroke motion works best if it starts at my head. I can usually get the stroke to sort of "lock in", and it seems to become almost effortless. When that happens, I can do 25 yards in one breath. now that sounds like a pretty cool design. What is the material made from that Finfun tail? Yeah I'm not very good but at the same time I agree as you as one is safe and comfortable it is very enjoyable. I have not yet attempted to go in the deep end of water nor will I until I get the hang of the motions without the tail first. I appreciate your insight.

[uwmerman]

You're welcome! I currently have 2 tails and I made both of them. One of them is a sequin tail that I use for events, parties, and photo shoots. The other is a fabric tail that I use for leisure swimming and personal mermaid training.

The key to good body movement underwater is to constantly be aware of how your body position is affecting your momentum. (I've reached the point where I can dive and glide across a 25-meter pool without using a single kick! :D)

Good form starts with a good stretching routine. Since you can't be at the pool every day, make sure you stretch and keep your body flexible. We stretch every morning for 15 minutes before we dive in to swim. (Try to set goals for your flexibility like touching your toes or being able to point your toes all the way.) After that, do a short ab work out session. It doesn't have to be long, but try to work out for at least 10 minutes. Having a strong core is crucial for a good dolphin kick. Every little bit helps and ab workouts definitely pay off to make you a better dolphin kicker.

Like I mentioned before, I highly recommend you learn to kick without the monofin first. I've seen too many people come to the pool with fins and not know how to use them. They only end up slowing themselves down since they're kicking with improper technique. Kick without the monofin and really pay attention to how you're moving through the water. Try tweaking certain movements and positions until you finally get an efficient kick. Again, the best way to find that kick isn't actually underwater, but on your back above the water in a streamline. that is amazing, how long did it take you to make your sequin tail? I would love to do a photo shoot in a tail someday :) how many have you done? and that sounds like great advice, I'm a personal trainer on the side and I couldn't agree more that stretching and maintaining flexibility is a must. I docile myself underwater when I try to learn. It that is a good point to try on my back getting the kick down. I appreciate the tip :) I've been trying to practice once a week with out a monofin.

[uwmerman]

For sure! I just need to pick the right monofin. xD Sounds exciting :) what kind of tail will you swim in?

[uwmerman]

I got it down immediately due to the following advice: the movement (of the dolphin kick) starts at your core, NOT at your knees.

After a long session of tailswimming, your core should ache (well, in the beginning at least :D) sounds like the core should be very sore lol. Btw I love the color or your tail in your picture. It's one of my favorite colors.

[MermaidLiara]

sounds like the core should be very sore lol. Btw I love the color or your tail in your picture. It's one of my favorite colors.Aw thanks! :D I'm a red mermaid at heart. By the way, what kind of monofin do you use? Because I also have trouble with the dolphin kick if the monofin is very weak (such as a finfun monofin).

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[uwmerman]

Aw thanks! :D I'm a red mermaid at heart. By the way, what kind of monofin do you use? Because I also have trouble with the dolphin kick if the monofin is very weak (such as a finfun monofin).

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-N910F met Tapatalk red is a beautiful color and you look amazing in red :) I actually have a monofin from magictail which I got from Germany and I have a monofin from suntail that I got from the United States. The magictail seems like a harder surface and the suntail is more harder plastic if that at all makes sense? I'm wanting to get a ruby color tail which I think is a beautiful color. Which kind of monofin do you use? That's something for me to think about if I have a weak or worn monofin.

[Ransom]

Here's an article that'll help you get the movement down - https://www.deeperblue.com/monofin-freediving-101. It's mer-related so I hope you like it :)

Unfortunately I can't speak from experience, I wasn't able to build up my technique to the point I'd be comfortable giving my own advice.

[MermaidLiara]

red is a beautiful color and you look amazing in red :) I actually have a monofin from magictail which I got from Germany and I have a monofin from suntail that I got from the United States. The magictail seems like a harder surface and the suntail is more harder plastic if that at all makes sense? I'm wanting to get a ruby color tail which I think is a beautiful color. Which kind of monofin do you use? That's something for me to think about if I have a weak or worn monofin.I have a hydra and a competitor monofin. I love both, especially my competitor and it's easy to do a dolphin kick in either.

One of the monofins magictail uses is very very weak, like the finfun. Which magictail monofin do you have?

A monofin with better propulsion is MUCH more fun to swim with :). Certainly worth the investment imo :)

I would like to see your future ruby red tail! :) for some reason, I do not see a lot of red merfolk.

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[Merman Storm]

now that sounds like a pretty cool design. What is the material made from that Finfun tail? Yeah I'm not very good but at the same time I agree as you as one is safe and comfortable it is very enjoyable. I have not yet attempted to go in the deep end of water nor will I until I get the hang of the motions without the tail first. I appreciate your insight.

The Finfun tail is a fabric. Its monofin is made from some sort of recycled polypropylene type plastic. Its covered with a Neoprene cover. In that cover are two holes into which you insert your feet. The stretchness of the neoprene holds your feet to the monofin.

I found the monofin to be a little soft for my taste. I stiffened it by adding a polycabonate doubler for where my feet are. Then I found the neoprene cover would not hold my feet to the fin, given the stiffer fin allowed for a stronger stroke. I added a second neoprene strap that goes over my feet. Also, as I cannot point my toes very well, I heated and bent the monofin 30 degrees, with the bend line just beyond my toes.

[TybeeMermaid]

that is amazing, how long did it take you to make your sequin tail? I would love to do a photo shoot in a tail someday :) how many have you done? and that sounds like great advice, I'm a personal trainer on the side and I couldn't agree more that stretching and maintaining flexibility is a must. I docile myself underwater when I try to learn. It that is a good point to try on my back getting the kick down. I appreciate the tip :) I've been trying to practice once a week with out a monofin.

It took me a while to accumulate all my supplies but once I had everything, it took me about 3 months to put it all together. It's really high matience! I'm always reattaching sequins after swims which is why I made a leisure tail for regular swims. I've done a few photoshoots but my favorite one was when I drove down to Ginnie Springs, FL for a day with other mermaids!

42487

42488

[uwmerman]

Here's an article that'll help you get the movement down - https://www.deeperblue.com/monofin-freediving-101. It's mer-related so I hope you like it :)

Unfortunately I can't speak from experience, I wasn't able to build up my technique to the point I'd be comfortable giving my own advice. it is certainly a great read, thank you for sharing :) how long have you been swimming?

[uwmerman]

I have a hydra and a competitor monofin. I love both, especially my competitor and it's easy to do a dolphin kick in either.

One the monofins magictail uses is very very weak, like the finfun. Which magictail monofin do you have?

A monofin with better propulsion is MUCH more fun to swim with :). Certainly worth the investment imo :)

I would like to see your future ruby red tail! :) for some reason, I do not see a lot of red merfolk.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-N910F met Tapatalk honestly I am not sure what type of monofin I have but it does not look like it bends much. It's like a piece of plastic that is almost straight at the end and it is transparent like you can see through it like glass. It's definitely not a pro lol but I do not think it is a super either. I am not familiar with types of monotone. And yeah that sounds like ore experience might be helpful with better propulsion. Awe well I will certainly show you my ruby red tail when I get it :) I plan on getting it early next year. I have a dragon color tail like in my profile picture and a blue tail. What is the benefit of having a competitor monofin versus a hydra? This is new to me lol and kinda cool to learn.

[uwmerman]

The Finfun tail is a fabric. Its monofin is made from some sort of recycled polypropylene type plastic. Its covered with a Neoprene cover. In that cover are two holes into which you insert your feet. The stretchness of the neoprene holds your feet to the monofin.

I found the monofin to be a little soft for my taste. I stiffened it by adding a polycabonate doubler for where my feet are. Then I found the neoprene cover would not hold my feet to the fin, given the stiffer fin allowed for a stronger stroke. I added a second neoprene strap that goes over my feet. Also, as I cannot point my toes very well, I heated and bent the monofin 30 degrees, with the bend line just beyond my toes. oh wow sounds like you have done a few enhancements to your monofin to fit you, that is pretty cool. I never really thought of the types of monofins. I am familiar with certain types of tails and material. How long did it take you to modify your monofin to fit your needs?

[uwmerman]

It took me a while to accumulate all my supplies but once I had everything, it took me about 3 months to put it all together. It's really high matience! I'm always reattaching sequins after swims which is why I made a leisure tail for regular swims. I've done a few photoshoots but my favorite one was when I drove down to Ginnie Springs, FL for a day with other mermaids!

42487

42488now that would be super fun, to do a photo shoot with other mers. Are these photos from that shoot? You look amazing!!! :) I hope my photos turn out ok when I have a shoot someday. Do you get to meet up with other mers a lot or no?

[Ransom]

it is certainly a great read, thank you for sharing :) how long have you been swimming?
Can't swim any longer, a loved one fell critically ill and I had to become a caregiver. Gave up my freediving hobby too, so I haven't put on a fin in 3 years.

[MermaidLiara]

honestly I am not sure what type of monofin I have but it does not look like it bends much. It's like a piece of plastic that is almost straight at the end and it is transparent like you can see through it like glass. It's definitely not a pro lol but I do not think it is a super either. I am not familiar with types of monotone. And yeah that sounds like ore experience might be helpful with better propulsion. Awe well I will certainly show you my ruby red tail when I get it :) I plan on getting it early next year. I have a dragon color tail like in my profile picture and a blue tail. What is the benefit of having a competitor monofin versus a hydra? This is new to me lol and kinda cool to learn.

I would recommend to start with something like the Hydra or Mahina monofin to get the movement down. The mer community is quite divided on competitor monofins. I personally LOVE them. Competitors are very stiff but provide great propulsion. They do not fit in any standard luggage, which may make them unpractical (they will easily fit in the back of your car though, and you can buy protective cases/bags for it). Some people can't do tricks in a competitor. I can easily do tricks with my competitor, though. I do flips and turns etc with my competitor and I just love the propulsion it gives me.

Lately I've been suspecting that the taller you are, the more suitable a competitor becomes for you. I am 5'9. Would love to hear other people's views on this.

If you want a competitor, I recommend either the Subgear Trygons competitor or the Scubapro carbon competitor. These have super comfortable footpockets, much more comfortable than for example Finis! I have a Subgear Trygons and I can swim around in it for HOURS without any pain! I have never even had a blister yet! If I am ever gonna order a custom silicone tail, I will ship a Subgear Trygons competitor to the tailmaker, because I do not want any other monofin than that one lol.

[uwmerman]

Can't swim any longer, a loved one fell critically ill and I had to become a caregiver. Gave up my freediving hobby too, so I haven't put on a fin in 3 years. I hope that loved one is doing well and wish them well. You are kind for stepping in like that to support the ones you care about.

[uwmerman]

I would recommend to start with something like the Hydra or Mahina monofin to get the movement down. The mer community is quite divided on competitor monofins. I personally LOVE them. Competitors are very stiff but provide great propulsion. They do not fit in any standard luggage, which may make them unpractical (they will easily fit in the back of your car though, and you can buy protective cases/bags for it). Some people can't do tricks in a competitor. I can easily do tricks with my competitor, though. I do flips and turns etc with my competitor and I just love the propulsion it gives me.

Lately I've been suspecting that the taller you are, the more suitable a competitor becomes for you. I am 5'9. Would love to hear other people's views on this.

If you want a competitor, I recommend either the Subgear Trygons competitor or the Scubapro carbon competitor. These have super comfortable footpockets, much more comfortable than for example Finis! I have a Subgear Trygons and I can swim around in it for HOURS without any pain! I have never even had a blister yet! If I am ever gonna order a custom silicone tail, I will ship a Subgear Trygons competitor to the tailmaker, because I do not want any other monofin than that one lol. What types of brand tails sell hydra or mahina monofin? When I ordered tails in the past I guess I never even thought about types of monofin a that come with it. Are competitor monofin bigger? I certainly can't speak from experience but if they are bigger I could see why being taller would be more advantageous. For example for exercise if someone were to use a Swiss ball the taller they are the bigger diameter ball they would need. I do peeps all training on the side so I know a thing or two in that category. But like I said if the competitor monofin is bigger I would believe that it would have an advantage if one is taller but I certainly like I said can't speak from experience. And what do you refer to when you say tricks? Like tricks underwater?

[AniaR]

Tybee mermaid, those are awesome!

I am a work in progress. Due to health issues, I didn't learn to swim until I was 17, and even then it was only bad doggy paddle. I wanted to be a mer so bad I really worked on it, but my first tail had a competitor fin. That fin did ALL the work for me and while it made it easy, it wasn't the best to learn on because I built a lot of bad habits. I also have a lot of float issues.

I recently took a freediving course and they really helped micromanage some of my movements and it made a world of difference, so 9 years on I am still learning!

Contrast that with my little sister who the first time in a tail was better than anyone I've ever seen... LOL

[MermaidLiara]

What types of brand tails sell hydra or mahina monofin? When I ordered tails in the past I guess I never even thought about types of monofin a that come with it. Are competitor monofin bigger? I certainly can't speak from experience but if they are bigger I could see why being taller would be more advantageous. For example for exercise if someone were to use a Swiss ball the taller they are the bigger diameter ball they would need. I do peeps all training on the side so I know a thing or two in that category. But like I said if the competitor monofin is bigger I would believe that it would have an advantage if one is taller but I certainly like I said can't speak from experience. And what do you refer to when you say tricks? Like tricks underwater?

Mermaid kat shop sells great tails with the Hydra monofin :D I have their red tail (the one in my profile pic :D) and I love it!!

There is no company that sells tails specifically for the mahina as far as I know (although the mahina will probably fit in a finfolk fabric tail). You could make your own tail!

Yup, a competitor is much bigger and stiffer than a regular one!

Yes, I mean underwater tricks, like flips and turns :D

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[uwmerman]

Mermaid kat shop sells great tails with the Hydra monofin :D I have their red tail (the one in my profile pic :D) and I love it!!

There is no company that sells tails specifically for the mahina as far as I know (although the mahina will probably fit in a finfolk fabric tail). You could make your own tail!

Yup, a competitor is much bigger and stiffer than a regular one!

Yes, I mean underwater tricks, like flips and turns :D

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-N910F met Tapatalk I am a long way away from doing any kind of flip or turn lol. So what got you into mermaiding?

[TybeeMermaid]

Tybee mermaid, those are awesome!

I am a work in progress. Due to health issues, I didn't learn to swim until I was 17, and even then it was only bad doggy paddle. I wanted to be a mer so bad I really worked on it, but my first tail had a competitor fin. That fin did ALL the work for me and while it made it easy, it wasn't the best to learn on because I built a lot of bad habits. I also have a lot of float issues.

I recently took a freediving course and they really helped micromanage some of my movements and it made a world of difference, so 9 years on I am still learning!

Contrast that with my little sister who the first time in a tail was better than anyone I've ever seen... LOL

Thank you, Raina! That means a lot coming from you! :D I've been swimming forever but I really wanna get my freediving certification. Unfortunately, none of the dive shops near me offer freediving courses. Right now, all I can rely on is my swimming knowledge. It's transitioned really well when it comes to good technique and holding my breath for a long distance (60 meters!), but I really want to learn how to control my breath with water pressure thrown into the mix. We rarely dive deep enough into the pool to practice that and if we do, it's because we messed up our dive. I'm hoping that when summer nears, one of the nearby shops will host a freediving class.

[Ransom]

Go for it, Tybee and uwmerman! My recommendation is to go with an agency like AIDA, Apnea Academy, Pure Apnea, etc. Hopefully a dive shop near you offers a class soon.

They'll start you in a pool, then go to open water once you're ready. Nothing beats immediate feedback on your monofin technique from an instructor.

And as always, don't freedive alone; get someone trained in rescues to keep an eye on you.

[Merman Storm]

oh wow sounds like you have done a few enhancements to your monofin to fit you, that is pretty cool. I never really thought of the types of monofins. I am familiar with certain types of tails and material. How long did it take you to modify your monofin to fit your needs?

Its about an hour or so, assuming I have the parts.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I swam with my Wave monofin for roughly a year in waist deep water, before I donned a tail. After I moved house, I continued in the shallow end for another few months because it was a new swimming place and I was scoping out which lifeguards paid attention! Some of the young boys look like they're gonna fall asleep on the job, but that's another story.

When I started swimming in the deep end (2 metre depth), I stayed in the lane closest to where the lifeguard stands on duty. I figured if anything happens they don't have to go far to rescue me.

Nowadays, I have the run of the pools as it were! I can swim wherever I want and not get in trouble!

[uwmerman]

I swam with my Wave monofin for roughly a year in waist deep water, before I donned a tail. After I moved house, I continued in the shallow end for another few months because it was a new swimming place and I was scoping out which lifeguards paid attention! Some of the young boys look like they're gonna fall asleep on the job, but that's another story.

When I started swimming in the deep end (2 metre depth), I stayed in the lane closest to where the lifeguard stands on duty. I figured if anything happens they don't have to go far to rescue me.

Nowadays, I have the run of the pools as it were! I can swim wherever I want and not get in trouble! that's interesting, how come you were scoping out which lifeguards paid attention? Is it because you wanted to be close to the ones who were watching in case something happened? I haven't yet tried a monofin in the deep end. I only just regularly swim to get more comfortable in the deep end. Working on my underwater breath hold too. How long can you hold your breath?

[MermaidAuquita1998]

I got the Finis Foil Mono Fin and I got the Neoprene booties and it was very hard for me to adapt to it.... I thought it would be easier but it does take practice I couldn’t find my other neoprene bootie so I had to go without it https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180324/3b8cb964eb6433ff047e186f3eae78c2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180324/e1b591685801616e0c12967e01a7dc82.jpg


~~~Mermaid Auquita~~~

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[Mermaid Jaffa]

I got the Finis Foil Mono Fin and I got the Neoprene booties and it was very hard for me to adapt to it.... I thought it would be easier but it does take practice I couldn’t find my other neoprene bootie so I had to go without it https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180324/3b8cb964eb6433ff047e186f3eae78c2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180324/e1b591685801616e0c12967e01a7dc82.jpg


~~~Mermaid Auquita~~~

Sent from my Shell Phone

I love my Foil! Its the bestest one for me and easily fits into a bagpack.

[seaside_holly]

I swam for 3-4 years before I got my tail and that helped a lot. All of a sudden dolphin kick became the most important thing in my life, and it was easy for me to get down. Practice practice practice that's all I can tell you!!! You will get it eventually, and watching YouTube videos helps. Good luck and happy swimming

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