Swimming with a monofin - Panic issues?

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Hi, I have a few questions about swimming with a monofin.

I love mermaiding, and tend to swim with my feet together any ways, but I do have a tendency to have slight panic episodes underwater. When I made my tail, I used two regular swim fins. I could still kind of move each foot, not much, but a little.

Do you guys think I may have a problem with a monofin? I've found a cheap monofin (~$45) on amazon.com as a starter... Should I just get it and see how I do before jumping in?

Thanks

Kailani

[Moonflower]

It can be a bit scary at first, so start out in shallow water that you can surface easily in until you get used to it. Remember you still have use of your arms, which can get you to the surface just as easily as kicking your legs can. ^_^

[Aquatarian]

I will admit even though as a child my legs were always glued together in the pool, it is a weird and awkward experience to swim in a monofin for the first time.

I STRONGLY suggest first dipping into the pool in the shallow end. Once you begin to get the feel for the monofin you can ease your way into deeper waters. Just remember to use your resources to your advantage: use your arms, stay close to the edge of the pool in case you need to grab onto the edge, and keep someone you trust close by in the off chance something bad happens.

It is a bit scary at first for anyone but once you get the hang of it, it is tons of fun! :)

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Thanks. I really hope I don't panic! I should be getting my fin in October or November, so I'll try some winter swimming. XP

My arms have never really served me much use, but I'll try. All my strength is in my legs. Hahaha I swim more like a sea lion; legs(tail) propels and arms direct.

I know that I can get really winded with my current tail, but I think that's due to the fact that I have bi-fins in it and I don't get the propulsion that I need.

I'll let you guys know how it goes! Thank you again!

[Winged Mermaid]

I would recommend a noodle or some other flotation device that you can hang onto while swimming, kind of like the kickboards that kids use when they learn to swim (I was GLUED to those things when I was a kid learning!). That way you can kind of get the feel (just remember abs not knees) without having the underwater aspect to add to potential panic.

Good luck!

[Mermaid Saphira]

When I first went swiming with my mono-fin I eased my way from the stairs to the shallow end. I had my dad near by and a noodle. If I felt I couldn't swim I proped my arms onto the noodle and swam while holding on to it. After a while it began to feel natural. Good luck : )

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Having been on the swim team at one point, I'm a pretty strong swimmer. Heck, I'm a natural born fish. Even so, I kept my boyfriend in the pool near me and found a pool that was pretty much all shallow water. He did have to catch me a few times when I got too far from the edge and twisted the monofin wrong. I would strongly suggest having a friend in the pool with you that is strong enough to keep you above water. It's simply a good idea. :3