Removing the bracing from monofins.

[Firemaid]

Has anyone done this?
I tried digging through old threads, but I couldn't find anything.

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I'm talking about the black part. :)

[Ilyena]

There was a thread with it a while back, and someone tested (I cannot remember who I'm sorry) a couple of different monofins some with the braces removed and commented on how they weren't as fluid through the water as the braces help cut and stabilize. Also were faster with the braces on. I'm not sure to how that would effect swimming with it in a tail as the silicone pretty much deprives the braces of their full use, but it may help keep the monofin together for the one pictured.

I've filed down mine on my wave and I've noticed no difference, but that may be from it was not the whole thing.

Don't take my word for it, I'm just trying to remember what was said and it may be wrong >_<.

[Anahita]

I know that there was some talk about doing it on the Waves/Rapids and the Foils. It was pretty much deemed a bad idea because it runs the risk of weakening the fin. I imagine shaving a little bit off the top of it might be ok, but to completely remove it might make it flimsier.

I think the reason no one has tried it on the Competitor is because it's a $300 monofin - which means if it ruins it, that's a big loss (as opposed to only a $60 loss on some of the other fins)

[Firemaid]

It's not a question of if I am going to remove them. I am. I'm just looking for tips on how?!?!?

[Ilyena]

Oh sorry, a grinder, files, any means of cutting really, just make sure to make it smooth later on.

[Firemaid]

I tried using my dremel. I made a huge stinky rubber mess, but didn't get them off :/

[Ilyena]

So if they're rubber/plastic (no idea the material they are) i just used a pair of sharp scissors to trim the ridges of mine, and neatened it with a stanley knife to get it flat. The heat from the dremel is what makes it hard to work with, other than just using a something that cuts by hand to minimise heat, wire cutters maybe?

[Azurin Luna]

I had a pair of rubber fins once, my father had to change the shape of the foot pocket a litte and he did that with a sharp knife and dishsoap to be able to cut it nicely. Just don't try to cut of whole chunks at a time, but more like peeling potatoes.

But aren't you worried that the fin will lose it strenght? I heard that someone who removed the ridges of their fin made the fin to floppy to swim with.

[Mermaid Kassandra]

If you want I can suggest a way to hide them instead of cutting them because if you remove them you may have probles with the monofin but this is up to you it's just a suggestion of previous experiences
Let e know :)

[Firemaid]

If you want I can suggest a way to hide them instead of cutting them because if you remove them you may have probles with the monofin but this is up to you it's just a suggestion of previous experiences
Let e know :)

I really can't find a way to hide them.
Eric and raven are removing them and noone seems to complain about that. Or am I wrong?

[MerEmma]

I don't think Raven is removing the bracing--I think she just covers it up with more silicone/makes the flukes thicker/sculpts them around a monofin.

Eric's monofins he makes himself so I don't think his have the bracing.

[Firemaid]

I don't think Raven is removing the bracing--I think she just covers it up with more silicone/makes the flukes thicker/sculpts them around a monofin.

Eric's monofins he makes himself so I don't think his have the bracing.

Eric makes all his own monofins!?!?!
I did not know that!

I don't think there are bracers on this, where could they be hidden?:
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[MerEmma]

Lotsa silicone. I think she just builds around them.

[Mermaid Oshun]

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Look closely. The bracers are there. The black mottled color may make them less visible. Also, hint 2: Remember Iona's answer to you about the GE product/filler to seal your fluke faces together with a rolling pin? Remember to put your drain holes back after smoothing and filling all that area in.