Standard Monofin tail vs an extended tail ( H2o & Splash )

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Originally Posted by Mujdak

Thank You for the answer.
Do you know about any creators?

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the only creator I know that does tails like in h20 are the ones that created them for the show in Australia.

Whilst I like and love the idea of an extended tail, I have to say none of the practical examples I've seen have entirely convinced me. The "Hook" ones look nice and organic but the actresses have to struggle like crazy to get any propulsion at all which is not only impractical but also looks positively stressful. The ones from H2O, Fish Tails, and Hannah's Heart's Atlantis are on the other end of the spectrum and look bulky, oversized and the movement is always just that bit clumsy and awkward.

If some clever engineer finds a way to make it work I'm all for it. But personally I've decided not to try my hands on that if not even the pro fx whizzes can make it work. :D

If someone actually does manage it, They'll be up to their ears in tail request. lol

Yep, you are right.... I was just wondering ;)

Pitty,
the're not doing anything for public

I've heard they made several kinds. Do you think this one is made for swimming? And when you look at the picture of H2o presearch, you can see the rod...on the sketch. What are the black things on each side then? Thanks for help. I really think about doing a tail. But I am bit discouraged when I see how many people gave up. And I am also not so .... you know .....skilled

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Originally Posted by Mujdak

I've heard they made several kinds. Do you think this one is made for swimming? And when you look at the picture of H2o presearch, you can see the rod...on the sketch. What are the black things on each side then? Thanks for help. I really think about doing a tail. But I am bit discouraged when I see how many people gave up. And I am also not so .... you know .....skilled

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Hi Mujdak,

I would highly recommend if you've never done any monofin swimming you get one to try it out, and swim without a tail before you pursue a regular or extended tail. The extended tails may have a more "real"/no legs look, but these really are TV props. Not saying that an extended tail couldn't ever be attainable, but for the average swimmer it's just not safe or practical. If you watch the underwater footage of Mako Mermaids/H2O you'll notice there is very little actual swimming going on and all maneuvering has to be done with the arms (paddling with hands or pulling oneself around rocks). In a way I think that's actually much less realistic, having the tail be so lifeless and rigid vs a proper dolphin kick. And that's why I say try a monofin! It's absolutely amazing and will forever change how you feel about swimming, but it has a learning curve when it comes to maneuverability. Personally I'm very happy to be able to bend my knees and ankles while using my fin, and would opt for a "regular" tail so that I can do backflips and such underwater. Not to mention how much harder an extended tail would be to maintain, store, and transport!

Again, I'm not trying to come across as a dream-crusher or something terrible like that. I just think you'd really like to try practicing in a regular monofin, first. Get a feel for it, see how you move and how much smaller swimming pools suddenly become when you're a mermaid, even a short-tailed one. ;)

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Originally Posted by RNHime

Hi Mujdak,

I would highly recommend if you've never done any monofin swimming you get one to try it out, and swim without a tail before you pursue a regular or extended tail. The extended tails may have a more "real"/no legs look, but these really are TV props. Not saying that an extended tail couldn't ever be attainable, but for the average swimmer it's just not safe or practical. If you watch the underwater footage of Mako Mermaids/H2O you'll notice there is very little actual swimming going on and all maneuvering has to be done with the arms (paddling with hands or pulling oneself around rocks). In a way I think that's actually much less realistic, having the tail be so lifeless and rigid vs a proper dolphin kick. And that's why I say try a monofin! It's absolutely amazing and will forever change how you feel about swimming, but it has a learning curve when it comes to maneuverability. Personally I'm very happy to be able to bend my knees and ankles while using my fin, and would opt for a "regular" tail so that I can do backflips and such underwater. Not to mention how much harder an extended tail would be to maintain, store, and transport!

Again, I'm not trying to come across as a dream-crusher or something terrible like that. I just think you'd really like to try practicing in a regular monofin, first. Get a feel for it, see how you move and how much smaller swimming pools suddenly become when you're a mermaid, even a short-tailed one. ;)

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Hi,
Thank you very much for the post. It is very nice of you and I appreciate it. I have to try monofin ;) You are right. I was trying to swim like a mermaid but my legs were always separated. I love sea and underwater swimming and diving. You are surely right. With monofin you can have a different point of view.
I just wanted to feel like a part of it :D To have this incredible tail. But it is probbably not so easy right? Thank you for the ''hint''
Have a nice day ;)

I think I really like the video that shows the version of tail where the monofin becomes side fins with a tail trailing behind. What I don't understand in that video, is it seems obvious that they have no support structure or filling in the extension, nor stiffness in the false fluke. I don't understand why, as this seems to me that it only looked good spread out and unbent. Seems like it wouldn't be difficult to remedy.

and Again, as mermaids who want the extended tail look, why are people pushing so hard for it to have great propulsion? It would be better to have one that is graceful and swimmable, but not likely to win you any races, yeah? It's for the LOOk and FEEL of the thing.

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Originally Posted by darksiren

I think I really like the video that shows the version of tail where the monofin becomes side fins with a tail trailing behind. What I don't understand in that video, is it seems obvious that they have no support structure or filling in the extension, nor stiffness in the false fluke. I don't understand why, as this seems to me that it only looked good spread out and unbent. Seems like it wouldn't be difficult to remedy.

and Again, as mermaids who want the extended tail look, why are people pushing so hard for it to have great propulsion? It would be better to have one that is graceful and swimmable, but not likely to win you any races, yeah? It's for the LOOk and FEEL of the thing.

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You want to be able to swim. The more tail, the more drag. I would hate to be in a tail and not be able to go anywhere while in the water. To me that would bring on panic.

^ A tail is a huge advantage for many people in terms of swimming ability. I can't swim very well without a tail. I agree, tails are about the look and the feel, but for me the feel needs to include some amount of speed.

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Originally Posted by darksiren

and Again, as mermaids who want the extended tail look, why are people pushing so hard for it to have great propulsion? It would be better to have one that is graceful and swimmable, but not likely to win you any races, yeah? It's for the LOOk and FEEL of the thing.

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For most people that enjoy tail or monofin swimming it's about the effortless speed and ease of use. Extended tails are generally the opposite of that. It's definitely a matter of preference, perhaps someone really only wants to gently paddle around or lounge for amazing photos. If so, that's cool! But it can be hard to remember for the rest of us who want/need to have a practical, speedy tail. Also, a lot of the people who are interested in an extended tail are going by what is portrayed in the media. It's kind of a knee-jerk reaction to immediately point out how difficult (and way more expensive!) an extended tail is to make and use. And generally once people see that obstacle they opt for a "short" tail or regular monofin. It's definitely best to practice in a standard fin before going for extended, anyway.

I think the fact that no one has a swimmable extended tail for personal use speaks volumes. (If someone did make one, please correct me & share it!)

Just my personal observation. I definitely fall into the maneuverability-and-speed before all else camp. I'm not saying that the form-before-function camp is wrong, just that it's hard to wrap my brain around why someone wouldn't want to be the more fast & graceful fish in the pond. ;) (Purely my opinion but I think standard length is way more graceful - I've never seen anyone in an extended tail do a backflip, for example. Biggest "trick" I can remember on H2O was a corkscrew move... I think extended tails are very clunky in reality. It would be amazing to see a truly functional one, though!!)

I'd be more interested in learning how to recreate mermaid Linden's extended tail. Hers is very fast, hides the heels for a realistic look, and allows her to turn with grace as well. Hers seems like the ultimate tail (If I was making my own version of hers though I'd go for smaller scales and a more elaborate paint-job)

Mermaid lindens tail i do not believe it's extended just very well made in regards to covering the ankles.
http://static.wixstatic.com/media/52...2741a55.wix_mp

all i know is that her tail was actually sculpted on a man equine of her legs in clay or Plasticine so it was 360. the scales were all sculpted into the master. then they created a 2 part mold. the hardest thing would be to create the molds. IMO.

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Originally Posted by RNHime

For most people that enjoy tail or monofin swimming it's about the effortless speed and ease of use. Extended tails are generally the opposite of that. It's definitely a matter of preference, perhaps someone really only wants to gently paddle around or lounge for amazing photos. If so, that's cool! But it can be hard to remember for the rest of us who want/need to have a practical, speedy tail. Also, a lot of the people who are interested in an extended tail are going by what is portrayed in the media. It's kind of a knee-jerk reaction to immediately point out how difficult (and way more expensive!) an extended tail is to make and use. And generally once people see that obstacle they opt for a "short" tail or regular monofin. It's definitely best to practice in a standard fin before going for extended, anyway.

I think the fact that no one has a swimmable extended tail for personal use speaks volumes. (If someone did make one, please correct me & share it!)

Just my personal observation. I definitely fall into the maneuverability-and-speed before all else camp. I'm not saying that the form-before-function camp is wrong, just that it's hard to wrap my brain around why someone wouldn't want to be the more fast & graceful fish in the pond. ;) (Purely my opinion but I think standard length is way more graceful - I've never seen anyone in an extended tail do a backflip, for example. Biggest "trick" I can remember on H2O was a corkscrew move... I think extended tails are very clunky in reality. It would be amazing to see a truly functional one, though!!)

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This one is quite fast, and I can do backflips. Inside the skin is a Lunocet.
Attachment 36150

How do you find the foot placement for lunocet vs standard monofins foot pocket placement?

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The Lunocet puts your feet side by side with very little space between them, including at the heels. I find the placement fine and comfortable. Its about the same as the only other monofins Ive used (the ones built into The Two Tails tail, and the Fun Fun tail).
In terms of comfort, they are quite good as your feet are in actual shoes, with a fabric liner. Your feet are not being constantly squeezed, like with a rubber foot pocket. Fit is not an issue, as you can go to a sporting goods store, put on whatever socks you want to use, and try on cycling shoes until you get a fit you like.

Ive been wondering more and more about the entire idea of using shoes as the "foot pocket" for any and all monofins, or even bi-fins. If not cycling shoes, maybe hiking sandals. For a DIY monofin, glue hiking sandals onto the sheet of plastic. They are light, strong, comfortable, hold your feet well, and waterproof.

Now, the downside is the toes of the shoes are turned up, putting a bump in the tail skin. In the picture above, you can see that bump mid-way between my heels and the fin.

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Originally Posted by Merman Storm

The Lunocet puts your feet side by side with very little space between them, including at the heels. I find the placement fine and comfortable. Its about the same as the only other monofins Ive used (the ones built into The Two Tails tail, and the Fun Fun tail).
In terms of comfort, they are quite good as your feet are in actual shoes, with a fabric liner. Your feet are not being constantly squeezed, like with a rubber foot pocket. Fit is not an issue, as you can go to a sporting goods store, put on whatever socks you want to use, and try on cycling shoes until you get a fit you like.

Ive been wondering more and more about the entire idea of using shoes as the "foot pocket" for any and all monofins, or even bi-fins. If not cycling shoes, maybe hiking sandals. For a DIY monofin, glue hiking sandals onto the sheet of plastic. They are light, strong, comfortable, hold your feet well, and waterproof.

Now, the downside is the toes of the shoes are turned up, putting a bump in the tail skin. In the picture above, you can see that bump mid-way between my heels and the fin.

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I think some well-placed ankle and heel fins could help hide those issues. :D

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Originally Posted by PearlieMae

I think some well-placed ankle and heel fins could help hide those issues. :D

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I agree!
Once I get my ideas solidified, and better understand this monofin, I want to get a high quality tail skin for it.

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Originally Posted by Merman Storm

The Lunocet puts your feet side by side with very little space between them, including at the heels. I find the placement fine and comfortable. Its about the same as the only other monofins Ive used (the ones built into The Two Tails tail, and the Fun Fun tail).
In terms of comfort, they are quite good as your feet are in actual shoes, with a fabric liner. Your feet are not being constantly squeezed, like with a rubber foot pocket. Fit is not an issue, as you can go to a sporting goods store, put on whatever socks you want to use, and try on cycling shoes until you get a fit you like.

Ive been wondering more and more about the entire idea of using shoes as the "foot pocket" for any and all monofins, or even bi-fins. If not cycling shoes, maybe hiking sandals. For a DIY monofin, glue hiking sandals onto the sheet of plastic. They are light, strong, comfortable, hold your feet well, and waterproof.

Now, the downside is the toes of the shoes are turned up, putting a bump in the tail skin. In the picture above, you can see that bump mid-way between my heels and the fin.

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Yeah it's something we have looked into too. Great for fabric tails, but tricky for silicone! Thanks for sharing

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